2.5 out 5 stars
Short Take: A film industry term that means something that only takes a short time.
A short review of a film with potential discussion points
Summary: As a semi-biographical experience of writer/director Matthew J. Saville, this New Zealand-based project combines coming of age and confronting old age in one storyline. Audiences are introduced to the troubled and self-destructive Sam (George Ferrier), who returns from boarding school and discovers his estranged grandmother has moved into the family home. Ruth (Charlotte Rampling) has moved from England because she cannot care for herself since she hurt her leg. When Sam is left to be the carer for his grandmother, they must work to introduce themselves to one another. As they do their best to reject one another, the pair’s similarities begin to show. This allows the grandson and his grandmother to let down their guard long enough to see how they can help one another through the seasons of life they are travelling.
Review: Despite the disheartening tone of the film, the central performances from Ferrier and Rampling are compelling. They develop chemistry that overcomes the confronting aspects of both of their characters' lives. This is critical for the film as the screenplay addresses the subjects of alcoholism, grief, ageing, and suicide. Even though this depressing tale is set against the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand, very little can lift this film out of the doldrums that it keeps returning. There is a bittersweet reality that can be seen in Matthew Saville’s script, except there is more bitter than sweet to celebrate. Just as juniper is what season’s gin to make the alcohol more appealing, the filmmaker could have added more hope to this movie to make it go down smoother.
Reel Dialogue: Not wanting to diminish Matthew J. Saville’s coming-of-age experiences as a teen, the film's real heart comes down to the overall morality of suicide.
Is this act morally right or wrong?
To answer this question, it must come from a source beyond mere personal conjecture and one that exists outside of the human heart. If you wear the label of Christian, one element that weaves throughout the Bible is the sanctity of life. Also, how these inspired words provide resolve to the answer found in God’s wisdom and manage to diffuse this topic's emotional aspects. God reminds mankind that He will never waste the pain we struggle through in this life. He will somehow turn it around for good and use it to strengthen us and help others. There is always another option, and suicide is not something anyone needs to choose as the answer to life.
My friends, the subject matter of this film is not easy to answer when confronted with the harsh realities of life. Solomon's opening words seemed to be ripped from the screenplay of Blackbird, but thankfully his writings did not stop there. This wise man’s words merely show the realities of this world, but later he shows that we can have hope, joy and gladness despite what comes into our lives. Not as an outpouring of our own decisions or labours. No, it is due to God's loving hand who loves all of his created beings and values each life. Your life is valuable and not ours to take, but this needs to be worked out between you and God. Which can be done at any time through prayer and by opening his book.
Later in Ecclesiastes…
‘Anyone who is among the living has hope —even a live dog is better off than a dead lion! For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten. Their love, their hate and their jealousy have long since vanished; never again will they have a part in anything that happens under the sun. Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.’ -Solomon
Suppose you want to begin to explore this profoundly existential aspect of life. Within the words of Ecclesiastes, Solomon gives us the answer to where that journey starts. It all begins and ends with the fear of God and doing what he tells you.
And that’s it. Eventually, God will bring everything we do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether good or evil. - Solomon
This might be more than you expected from a film review, but this story needs a bit more attention than a mere star rating. Begin with some time in Ecclesiastes and then follow that up with one of the biographies of Jesus.
Where can you can find help if you are having suicidal thoughts?
In Australia: Call Lifeline at 13 11 14 or go to the website: lifeline.org.au
If you want to know more about the message of Jesus: Contact the team at City Bible Forum through office@citybibleforum.org or citybibleforum.org/sydney
