One of the most ambitious films to come out of New Zealand this year, this grim but uplifting tale, shot in New Zealand and Europe, gives new meaning to the “me generation”. Matt Whelan’s Michael is often hard to feel for. When he discovers he’s dying, he doesn’t lament the fact he won’t get to scale Everest or help the poor in India but he’s damned if he’ll miss out on partying, drug-taking and sex. His lust for pleasure and disregard for others makes for an intriguing protagonist but wears thin after a while; there’s no character arc to speak of, which ultimately leaves you feeling as empty as he does. More
But it also forces the viewer to question their own approach to life. Terminally ill, Michael refuses to succumb to a victim mentality, unlike the mysteriously self-sabotaging French girl, Sylvie (Roxane Mesquida) he encounters. Their attraction is convincing but Sylvie feels under-developed, to the point where the film’s climax fails to hit the emotional nerve it might have done in the book. Instead you’re left wondering if the film is trying to make a point about the knife-edge we all walk in life, or simply trying to shock.
Still, first-time director and screenwriter Kirstin Marcon, who based the film on Steven Gannaway’s novel, Seraphim Blues, has created something unusual, well-crafted and poignant. Some of the scenes cinematographer Crighton Bone shot in mid-winter Europe are exquisite. And Whelan (Brad from Go Girls) climbs on board and gives a haunting, unbridled performance of a young man fast running out of time. Hide
I am going to watch it because there is a very outside chance that I am still in it, I was an extra in one of the scenes, LOL.
Roxane Mesquida is totally hawt... The book is brilliant, so I can't wait to see the movie.
Awesome, shot in Hamilton! I've got to see
But only skanks and dropkicks come from Hamilton...
adrian lick my sack
Please NZ Film commission stop funding crap scripts!!@!!!
looks cool
oh dear Iris -- been turned down by NZFC lately have we?
It all looks rather angsty to me. But, shop local, save the world . . .
To Shrader, no I haven't been turned down by NZFC. I am a movie goer that is bored with the movies they decide to fund.
Umm you haven't even seen it bellend.
Poor marketing with two other kiwi films opening almost simultaneously
Looks choice!
Very Choice
Seen it, it's brilliant! One of my favourite films I've seen this year.
Iris- how on earth did you find it boring? It was anything but.
Saw a preview. It's a real movie - not a funny little NZ one. Ver strong.
Matt is great! Go see this fab pic!
Saw a preview last week. It was indescribable. Well actually it was awesome! Hop on for the ride...
It looks like a must see movie.
Looks good, pondering to seriously travel fora year now
Disappointing, shallow, a bit dull, will be rapidly forgotten. But beautiful shots of cities, and you'll probably enjoy recognising Hamilton
Film is terrific. Saw a preview screening and thoroughly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Unexpected, stunning, stays with you.
Seen it. It's really different. Hard to explain. Very good though.
Looks GREAT, Support NZ Movies!.....
It's a rare masterpiece of New Zealand film and an outstanding debut from Kirstin Marcon. 5 out of 5.
Was a brilliant and very true story. A different and heart-wrenching tale about love and death and the choices you make.
Brilliant sound track on this one and very pretty pix. Good drama.
Hilarious, poignant, moving and thrilling. Seen it twice already and would happily watch it again.
Worst film I've seen in a while. Bad movie, wouldn't reccomend.
Iris, those eyes and ears of yours are clearly faulty... loved it!
Looks pretty, sounds pretty. Unfortunately- entirely unlikeable characters
Amazing film!! Want to see it again.
it was so average, even less than average. i just wanted it to end
no redeeming features. avoid like the plague
and one that stays with you
stays with you like a bad burp?many hours after the 'meal' it keeps repeating unpleasantly
Really beautiful story, and amazing music too.
Blew me away. Very complex, beautiful. Great scenery. Quire moving. Go see it!!
Really glad I saw it... powerful, thought provoking and thrilling! I've been thinking about it ever since I saw it. DEFINITELY worth seeing!
It was okay - but I fear it will be another commercial bomb like so many kiwi flicks
Loved it!
Looks great!!!!
Beautifully made - but commercially a tough sell, as the director has killed her career her by choosing a such difficult concept.
A beautiful, challenging film. I expect it will get a cult following both in New Zealand and overseas.
A disappointing film in which nothing much happens. Matt Whelan is miscast and on the whole it looks good but fails to deliver.
Matt Whelan was amazing!! WORLD CLASS good! And so right for the part!
cant help but think many of the positive comments come from the film makers' friends and family. it really isn't very good.
Lordy - there're more trolls on this board than in TLOTR!!
Story held together by weak plot. 'Masterpiece'..yeah right.
Another NZ film..woohoo. Can't wait to see it. NZ PROUD!!!
Blah blah blah.NZ Films rock my sweet KIWI ass,and all you haters can kiss it!!
I loved it, Matt Whelan gave an amazingly raw performance, but didnt buy the chemistry between him and Roxane Mesquida. Definitely worth it