The Last Resort

Before there were the "in-crowds" and Art Deco hotels of today on Miami Beach there was a thriving social community of predominately Jewish seniors living there, dating back to post WW2 and stretching through the decades till 1980. This compelling documentary, directed by Dennis Scholl and Kareem Tabsch, focuses on 2 photographers of that period, Andy Sweet and Gary Monroe, whose photos and film clips vividly brought to life that era.

Although times were idyllic then for the MIami Beach residents, unfortunately things would deteriorate with the Mariel boatlift of 1980, the cocaine wars, the McDuffie riots, and soaring rents, leaving the elderly residents terribly isolated, lonely, and fearful. Also tragedy would strike one of the photographers as well.

This film brought back loads of memories to me as I lived in the South Beach area right towards the tail end of the senior community's heyday. All in all, I found this documentary to be exceptional and was extremely well presented.

This film chronicles the work of Andy Sweet and Gary Monroe who photographed, or rather, preserved a remarkable moment in the history of Miami Beach. From the colorful Jewish aging population of the early years through the turbulent 80s to what we have today.

But, it's so much more than the coolest photos of a society enjoying life in the early 1970s and late '60s. It's a study of community, history and the beauty of life itself as Miami Beach/South Beach went through a rapid cultural shift. Thankfully, it's caught on film in the most beautiful way.

Andy probably was the more forward thinking of the two but that takes nothing away from Gary who was gifted with the most moving and gentle heart necessary for balance and I am thrilled that his (their) work has been rediscovered for all of us to enjoy and respect.

This is more than a documentary. It's a vivid reminder of how precious life and what the human condition is all about.

Don't miss this one.

I was born and raised on Miami Beach and lived and experienced everything shown in this film. Not really sure if the content would appeal to everyone, but definetly it would be of keen interest to people born or lived on Miami Beach from the 1950s to the 1980s. Andy Sweet's photo memories are priceless. His brutal death was senseless. However, his legacy is intact.

I know I'm in the minority, but I wish there had been a lot more history about Miami Beach -- what was there was thoroughly compelling -- and less about the sad life of its photographer and his circle. I realize the movie was likely only made because of the efforts of his family and associates. But it would have been wonderful if the entire movie had been dedicated to this fascinating place.

This movie is a loving tribute to the area of Miami Beach south of Lincoln Road before it was the now famous South Beach and Ocean Drive. It will be of special interest to those who remember that era and the very special people who lived there. It is lovingly captured through the camera lense of the 'home-boys' Andy Sweet and Gary Munroe and the family and friends of Andy. Although it will be most appreciated by those who remember those years, it should be interesting as a history lesson to those who visit Miami Beach now.