Most

By my unofficial tally, speaking in a theater lobby with many attendees, at The Heartland Film Festival (October, 2003) this short, MOST (The Bridge), was the favorite, and most discussed, among all of its various films. The plot may become familiar as you watch the piece. It's from a story that was once passed along at summer camps, and now circulates the internet. No matter - it has been transformed into both an instantly captivating work of its own, and the best possible presentation of this tale. Intense care was taken in the film's details, from story to cinematography to sound. The latter was clearly edited on the emotion, which plays amazingly. As such, MOST lends itself to scrutiny, if you want to do that. Deeper meanings are there to be plumbed, but, like the best of all such cinema, it also works intuitively. Effort isn't necessary - you can just let it wash over you. In that way it approaches, if not meets, the singular style and quality of WINGS OF DESIRE.

I've allowed a few months pass, just to let it settle with me, and I'm now reasonably sure that MOST can be called a masterpiece. Really - it's that good.

I just returned from an "Entertainment and Media Summit" in Nashville and it was there that I first learned of this film. Two people in the entertainment business whose opinions I respect had nothing but praise for "Most," a movie which came up in our conversation because Bill Zabka, one of the writers, was scheduled to be at the summit. (Unfortunately, he had to cancel at the last minute.) But I did discover an opportunity there to purchase a DVD from one of the other attendees, a young man whose own life was so changed by this movie that he buys multiple copies directly from the publisher and sells them at his cost wherever he goes "just so more lives can be touched." That was an even better recommendation than that of my friends and I quickly handed over the money.

Having now watched the movie I am tempted to join that young man in carrying copies with me. I have given away many books but have never (other than as a present for some occasion) given away a movie. This is one I will. The acting is outstanding, especially by the lead but also by the young man who plays the role of the son of the lead character. The production values are extraordinarily high for an independent film (for any film, actually), the music is simple but not simplistic, and that the film is in Czech makes it even better.

But of course the best thing is the story telling. The story is, I think, always the the thing, and while this story is not new it is told so powerfully, so beautifully, so movingly, that you become part of it.

Most is Czech for bridge, but after watching this movie both words mean so much more. This is an incredible movie which is entertaining and rewarding. See it if you can.

Saw this film at Sundance 2003. I felt as though I were watching a feature length film...has all the qualities. From the opening scene you are drawn into a beautiful but edgy, visually captivating story that touches your heart. It was filmed in Prague with incredible Czech actors (English Subtitles) and the production value is first class. Not to be missed if you have a chance to see it.

If you have an opportunity to see this film take it. If you have an opportunity to listen to the filmmakers talk about this film drop everything to be there. The source material for this story has touched me for years. (Supposedly based on a true story that has now taken on the status of a spiritual legend.) This film takes this material and moves it beyond moral anecdote to an experience that is unprecedented in cinema. The cinematography is great, acting is great, music fits. Although the emotional impact is beyond intense, you are never forced into the emotion. You are presented with times of joy, humor, anguish, and hope in a way that your heart chooses to experience. You must watch it multiple times to catch all the imagery and savor the experience. This is the only film that I have a waiting list of friends wanting to borrow it after I showed it to them.

I want to address anyone who may be reluctant to watch this if they heard that it is a "Christian" film. Over the years that adjective in the arts has sadly (but in most cases justifiably) become synonymous with "of poor production quality" or "preachy". Neither of these descriptions apply to this film. 'Most' is a spiritual experience that does parallel themes in Chritianity but can be appreciated by anyone, no matter their spiritual journey. I have shown this film to people who follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and people who do not. Every person I have shown it to have had only good things to say about it. It is what the genre should be producing. Companies wanting to make religious films should take their cue from this one.

Most (aka The Bridge) is a short film that runs for only 29 minutes, but will rank among the most powerful and moving films you'll ever watch. Set in Czech Republic, it concerns a single father working at a railroad bridge, and his eight-year-old son whom he dearly loves. It's hard to talk about the plot without giving away anything, but let's just say a tragedy occurs. Through the highly emotional and heartbreaking performances, you are invited to dwell deeply on the issue of ethical dilemmas and ultimately, the goodness of mankind. Obvious Christian references are made, and causes you to once again deeply meditate on God's love. Is there hope left in our bleak world? After watching this, I would say yes, there is.