The Last Passport

I really didn't know what to expect out of this little film, but I had heard good things about it. It started off a little slow for my taste, until it took some surprising turns that me aware that I was watching a very deep film. It reminded me a little of The Twilight Zone shows, but it was much more complex in the characters. I kept thinking I was watching my grandfather and what it would be like for him to sit in a passport office.

The ending was something that made we want to watch the film again, since there were so many little details that got through the cracks on the first time. We need more of these types of films. Yes, its no Hollywood type film, so if your looking for that then I would not go see it. If your looking for rich in story, then this little flick has plenty of that.

This would make an excellent stage play. It's so eloquently written with its wonderful take on life's foibles and insecurities. The lead is what makes this film with his scholarly take on life. And yet the film doesn't take itself 100% seriously. After all, life often makes us shake our head in comedic disbelief. The ending is truly worth waiting for and exhibits a real crispness and surreal clarity. There is enough in this film to lead to different interpretations; and that is exactly what makes The Last Passport such an enjoyable viewing. It does have a David Mamet kind of feel to it. While most of the acting is quirky, some is truly heartfelt!

How many of us take responsibility for our actions 100% of the time? My guess is less than 1%, and I am certainly not in that one per cent. This play (though presented as a movie, it is much more of a play set in one room) shows us an example of a man who takes responsibility for his actions 100% of the time. And yet, this same individual does not seem to follow his own advice when it comes to his own personal life. The ending of the film will convince you of that. He is very good at offering really good advice to strangers, but does he avail himself of the social services he needs to live a more comfortable life? I found that part of the excellent script to be lacking a bit. The acting is obviously from the B class (with a few exceptions), but we forgive the amateur hour actors because the dialogue is strictly in the A category. This movie is reminiscent of films like My Dinner with Andre and Swimming to Cambodia; other movies that are presented in one or two sets. It was the dialogue that made those films superior; just as the dialogue makes this film superior. Issues include family relations, dealing with the death of a loved one, dealing with the alienation of an offspring (something I am familiar with), facing the truth about one's circumstances and taking action to make positive changes about one's circumstances (the most important element of the film), the numbing experiences of dealing with bureaucracies, breaking down stereotypes, and other profound issues. It was a wonderful surprise to see this film to reinforce a few of my beliefs. Highly recommended.

This movie just gets better and better as it goes on. The main character of George is like the Dalai Lama who dispenses wisdom and piety with every character he encounters. This is a film about the human condition in all its complexities and full of surprises. At the final scene all I could say was, "Oh my god, oh my god", it is that moving. The fact that it was written and produced in 30 days on a shoestring budget that probably only covered the cost of the film is quite remarkable. It is a movie that will make you pause and think about your own life and what you are doing with it. Or, not doing with it. George is the man you will want to talk to. And of course, George has a story of his own, and what a story it is!

This movie is so inspirational in so many ways. Yes, created between some incredibly talented people in 30 days for only $5,000. And the story, is not a story its everyday life. The talent this movie holds came together and built this film. It shows they exercised the very same morales we teach our children everyday. Be kind, be respectful, be patient.. You can literally see in this film that behind the cameras a set that took place was looked upon as a chapter in their lives- past, present, future. Heart and Soul was poured and a delightfully heart shaped filmed was produced. Its a great reminder and eye opener to the fact that we each have the ability to look around us and see everyone as an equal, as a human being. This story line is passionate, heartfelt and a good morale booster to encourage change. Change for the good.