Niagara, Niagara

Perhaps it is the fact that I have seen too many "commercial" movies released in conjunction with a line of action figures, fast food merchandise, and pop music laden soundtracks that I was so drawn into Niagra Niagra. Furthermore, it could be the aforementioned that leaves me wishing that I could see Niagra Niagra again. While other films leave you in awe of Dolby/THX theatrical sound, or CGI special effects, Niagra Niagra leaves you with something the commercial releases have lacked for years...a thought. How rare is it that we can see a well acted, directed, and written film that leaves us asking questions about ourselves and not heading out to a fast food chain for the toys of the week?

Niagra Niagra follows two castaways from society that take to the road together in hopes of finding their way to Niagra Falls, Ontario. Along the way we are treated to snippets, excerpts as it were of our own behaviour, or rather lack thereof. As a young woman tormented by Tourettes syndrome finds no sympathy save that of her fellow castaway. Together they find more than a road to take them to Canada, and find a way to tell us how understanding and empathy appear to be on the endangered species list. Winding along ribbons of asphalt together, we find a lot of ourselves and others in these castaways and ultimately a great reflection of that endangerment of human understanding driven home through a pair of incredible performances that are not to be missed.

Niagra Niagra is an incredible film which is a MUST see, and don't worry about being "sold" the latest line of merchandise. All you need to do is enjoy the film as it is, the enjoyment and message will come naturally.

Back in 97, this played at a little theater at St Anthony Main in Mpls. I saw it with a girl I was very much into, but can't remember what I thought of the film. I just remember the girl, who was very sweet with one of the prettiest faces I've ever seen. Modest Mouse was the soundtrack of our Spring that year, which kinda fits the mood of this story.

Upon rewatching, it was hard to not think of this as a more realistic version of Mad Love. That being said, this one is a sad, raw and beautiful movie. Sometimes funny, sometimes frustrating, somewhat dreary (or at least moody) and definitely touching.

Overall, it's a well done indie film with excellent performances that I'm glad I revisited.

Not only is this a very interesting exploration of Tourette's and how we react to people in our lives, it has some of the most well-filmed views of a bleak northern winter landscape. There's nothing pretty about this film, but it stays with the viewer.

There are many things to admire about this film, but the thing that got me above all others was the part of an eccentric recluse, the sort of role that Hollywood loves & romanticizes but which here is absolutely convincing & unlike any character I've encounterd in film or in life. Also a very convincing & disturbing depiction of Tourete's syndrome

The film explores a couple of rejects, one rich with psychological problems, and the other poor with a messed up home, who go on a quest. Kind of the antithesis of 'It Happened One Night', the characters (main and supporting) are all tortured in their unique ways.