and British films, it still comes as something of an aural adjustment to seriously accept the broad Bermudian accents spoken by the two principal characters in Andrew Green's film, White Caps.

The flat tones and laconic delivery of the opening dialogue do little to suggest that the film will be anything but a young man's dream of becoming a film maker gone amateurishly awry.

Surprisingly, however, as the tale of two fishermen friends unreels, the diction takes on less importance than the outcome of the story which is simply but effectively told.

It centres around the young men trying to earn a living from the sea. At the heart of it is the vessel which one sees merely as a vehicle in which to ply their trade, and the other as something very dear and loved.

The practicality of their business partnership when weighed against their financial positions eventually forces them to make different, and difficult, decisions, in one case with a sad ending.

Told without mawkishness, the tale unfolds in a realistic, down-to-earth way, without fanciness or foibles, and after the first few minutes, successfully sustains interest and curiosity in the outcome until the end.

As gorgeous as Bermuda's scenery is, the camera manages to avoid its temptations and remain focussed on the characters, their lives and dilemmas.

A simple tale, simply told, and not a bad way to spend nine minute of one's life.

NANCY ACTON REVIEW REV MOVIES MPC