Capsule reviews for Nov. 20

Altered Minds

An intriguing concept isn’t explored to its full potential in this low-key psychological thriller about a famed psychiatrist (Judd Hirsch) in his final days whose family reunites at their home to say their goodbyes. But what might have been a bittersweet reminiscence of the man turns ugly when one of his three adopted children (Ryan O’Nan) accuses the doctor of conducting secret mind-control experiments on the family decades earlier. The resulting mystery unfolds with limited tension, including significantly more talk than action. Yet Hirsch turns in a solid portrayal of a man who might be taking secrets to the grave. It might work better on stage. (Not rated, 106 minutes).

Censored Voices

There’s a hidden price during even the most heroic of wars, as this documentary shows with regard to Jewish soldiers who fought for Israel’s freedom during the Six-Day War in 1967. The film goes behind the celebrated victory by uncovering recorded audio of the kibbutznik fighters behind the scenes, which hint at resentment and betrayal and the emotional toll of battle. Perhaps that’s nothing new, but director Mor Loushy provides perspective and fresh interviews. The film tends to become repetitive and struggles to make its subject matter visually cinematic, yet it rewards patience and resonates in the context of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. (Not rated, 84 minutes).

Criminal Activities

Some stylish touches and committed performances enliven this otherwise generic crime thriller, which marks the directorial debut of actor Jackie Earle Haley (Little Children). It also allows John Travolta to return to his early-1990s heyday, complete with wig, as a mobster who forces the kidnapping of a rival’s nephew (Edi Gathegi) by four friends who owe him money after their insider-trading scheme goes bad. Not everything goes as planned, of course. It’s gritty and suspenseful in spurts, yet a couple of clever twists can’t rescue this transparent Tarantino ripoff that indulges in too many genre cliches. The cast includes Dan Stevens, Michael Pitt and Rob Brown. (Not rated, 94 minutes).

Kingdom of Shadows

With many recent big-screen portraits both fictional and otherwise about Mexican drug cartels and border security, it’s difficult to find a new angle. Still, there are some powerful segments within this documentary from director Bernardo Ruiz (Reportero) that shifts between the stories of three people affected in different ways – a nun who helps grieving families in Monterrey, a Texas rancher who has smuggled drugs across the border for years, and an unlikely Homeland Security agent in El Paso. The candid interviews put a human face on the conflict and convey a harrowing sense of hopelessness about the rampant violence and corruption, though it lacks cohesion. (Rated PG-13, 73 minutes).

Mustang

Both a playful portrait of sisterhood and a powerful examination of burgeoning feminism, this debut coming-of-age drama from director Deniz Gamze Erguven follows five sisters, ranging in age from adolescents to young adults, growing up in a conservative family in a small Turkish village, where they rebel against overbearing treatment by their aunt and grandmother more concerned with perception and tradition than allowing the girls their physical and emotional freedom. Although the acting is uneven by its young cast of newcomers, the film eschews dysfunctional family clichés and gently makes some insightful observations about patriarchal societies, the need for expression, and the lasting bond between siblings. (Not rated, 97 minutes).