This engaging dramedy puts a new spin on the term “differently abled” with a sensitive tale of two 20-somethings from a Budapest rehab center who become involved with a wheelchair-bound hit man. Although the English-language title is technically accurate, it doesn’t suggest the picture’s depth and nuance or the fact that it is really a coming-of-age story. Zoli relies on a wheelchair because of spinal problems while Barba has a mild case of cerebral palsy. When they work together on a high concept graphic novel about a paraplegic former fireman, life and art start to blur in intriguing ways as they interact with their protagonist.
Throughout the film, director-writer Till cleverly plays with the fact that people frequently underestimate those they perceive as handicapped. The film benefits from the casting of non-professional performers with actual physical disabilities. Hungary’s official submission to the 89th Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Director’s Biography
Attila Till: A respected Hungarian TV personality, Attila Till (b. 1971, Budapest) graduated from the Intermedia Department of the Hungarian University of Fine Arts. His directing work includes the feature Panic ('08) and the Cannes Directors Fortnight-premiered short Beast ('11). Kills on Wheels is inspired by his volunteer work with disabled people.
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