Before the Dawn

This will be very tough subject matter for those coming to it with preconceived opinions and overly judgmental attitudes. But let's be honest, these things do happen, and probably more often than we'd care to admit. Forbidden love, student-teacher relationships are doomed from the outset, and this film makes that clear in the very beginning. Performances from the two leads are sensitive and realistic, and deserving of the many awards. Give this good indie drama a good look and don't be surprised to see these actors a lot more in the future.

I really find nothing more descipable than student teacher relationships and I think an unstable woman like the lead character Lila should clearly not be teaching at all. However young Jared Scott does a stellar job as Jason and despite my strong views on this subject I could not help wondering by the end if Jason might be better off heading for the hills with Lila - he is in a serious pickle that will be hard to escape......

I didn't expect much from this movie but it is actually a hidden gem. It is an intriguing film all the way by a great cast of somewhat unknown actors. It feels real not like a normal potboiler. The dialogue is believable and I Found myself anxious waiting for what happen next. It was really exciting and not a dull moment. And I found myself feeling compassionate towards the two leads as they seemed to have a genuine connection of love.

An illicit affair, done with "class." OK, given it's an affair between a teacher and a student, that was kind of pun. But it's true! Given the premise, I kind of expected something like late-night Cinemax fare. But this film gave me way more than that. The affair in the story plays out in a very real, un-soapy kind of way. I believed in the reality of the characters and I felt for them. That's not to say the film isn't sexy... it is. But it's done with more sophistication and aplomb than one might expect. Well shot and especially well acted, by two very beautiful young actors. (The student kind of reminded me of a young Johnny Depp.) A very enthusiastic recommend for this movie!

On the surface it's kinda a lifetime movie. Teacher has an affair with her troubled student. But this is handled with a lot of care and features a really strong lead performance by the teacher and even a bit of suspense. Extra points for the score.