Reviews for CONDEMNED

“A tour de force on every level . . . Shai has the talent to follow Tarantino into the rarified company of young directors with an eye for detail and a love of film history which, in Shai’s case, shines like a new penny in the sunlight.”
David Del Valle, Films in Review

Condemned gives you emotional authenticity and vigor.”
Daniel Walber, Spout (IndieWire)

“A fun, haunting 14-minute flick.”
Whitney Matheson, Pop Candy (USA Today)

“I look forward to seeing what this talented filmmaker has in store for us next.”
Alison Nastasi, AOL Moviefone

“Beautiful, thoughtful and hopefully a first look at what’s yet to come.”
Tara Judah, Liminal Vision

Condemned is a lovely illustration of the possibilities inherent in investigating genre forms when the director has something other than shock effects on his mind.”
Dennis Cozzalio, Sergio Leone and the Infield Fly Rule

“This dazzling 14 minute film is a beautifully shot, and wonderfully realized, genre-bending tribute to Women in Prison films, Noir, Italian Westerns and Fifties Melodrama.”
Jeremy Richey, Moon in the Gutter

“Impeccably shot, with a gripping performance by Florence.”
Steven Puchalski, Shock Cinema Magazine #38

“A wonderful film of the moment made by a rare stylish talent that has the depth and real cinema knowledge to back up the technique.”
By Kubrick’s Beard

“Shai’s film . . . has a deep sensuality of color and shadow, and a deliberate pacing that’s all about building an atmosphere and a tone.”
Devin Faraci, Badass Digest

“Sweaty, claustrophobic . . . an all too short, paranoia filled meditation on the inevitability of death that is very much worth 14 minutes of your time.”
Giuseppe Rijitano, DVD Trash

“As a short form tale, it’s yet another achievement for Shai.”
Felix Vasquez Jr., Cinema-Crazed

Condemned is Neo-Noir at its best.”
KatieOsnap, Where the Girls Go

“Not everyone can pull off something that manages to simultaneously evoke Jack Hill, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, and Jess Franco, but somehow it all works.”
Mondo Digital

“The viewer is treated to a quiet film rife with good performances, atmosphere, and striking cinematography.”
Dylan Santurri, Paracinema

“A sultry, sexy feel to the film . . . simmering, sweaty tension . . . oozes in every shot.”
Mike Everleth, Bad Lit

“Shai is able to get the best out of all three leads in performances that are rare for an independent short.”
Greg Roberts, KillerReviews.com

“Oren Shai has a strong eye for detail and a crisp sense of direction.”
Adam Poynter, It’s Just Movies

“The atmosphere the film builds is superb. Writer/director Oren Shai has a very strong visual sense which he puts to striking use.”
Paul Pritchard, Pulpmovies.com

Condemned keeps it simple and trusts heavily in the dialogue, minimal but thoughtful sets, great soundtrack . . . stylish use of light and shadows and three great actresses.”
Esa Linna, EMVG

“Oren Shai has once again presented us with a beautifully produced film and shown us how visuals should be done.”
Duane L. Martin, Rogue Cinema

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