The Youth in Us

I stumbled across this film while channel surfing, and was blown away. It was being broadcast on a lesser known short films program here in Australia.

It has been a long time since I have been so impressed by a film, especially one so short.

The power of the story, the quality of the acting and the stunning cinematography... wow. If it were available, it would make a very worthy addition to my DVD collection.

I am undoubtedly impressed, and I will look forward to Joshua Leonards' next film.

An exceptional experience 10/10

Youth in Us, The (2005)

**** (out of 4)

Extremely well made and well acted short about a couple (Lukas Haas, Kelli Garner) who must look at the boy's past in order to do something in the future. I won't spoil it for anyone by saying what happens in the past or the future but when it does happen it's quite an emotional experience. This is an incredibly beautiful and touching film from director Joshua Leonard that manages to look better and seem more realistic than anything Hollywood could turn out. Haas and Garner are terrific in their roles and the film has a very touching quality running throughout.

Though I do like the direction, scenery, and look of this film, I can't praise the screenplay. The dialogs and interaction between the two characters was way too forced. It doesn't fit the characters properly.

"The deer on the ground seemed unable to move as it had been paralyzed."

Responses to each other's comments were way too quick. Lot's of mumbling.

It's tough to comment on the acting of the two kids. There was no dialogs between them.

What I really did like was the scene in the forest. Very surreal.

I do look forward to another Joshua Leonard film. Just as long as he gets a different writer for it.

Overall, I would have preferred a more natural feel to this movie.

I watched this short moments ago on the Sundance Film Festival website, and I must say it is absolutely astounding. I expected it to be entertaining - like all of the Sundance shorts - but I wasn't prepared for such deep sadness and yet also a sense of passion and beauty.

If you haven't yet seen any of this years entries to the festival, I suggest you go onto the site and watch these mini-masterpieces - I have seen them all, and can honestly say 'The Youth In Us' is the one that has touched my heart the most. I'm not the weakest audience member when it comes to romance in films, but my eyes flooded up so much I'm surprised I could still see the screen.

I agree with 'addicted2you', it truly is a masterful piece of directorial work, and the cinematography will just take your breath away.

I can't think of a better way to spend a spare 12 minutes.

I was fortunate to see a screening of this remarkable short film by Joshua Leonard before its premiere at the 2005 Sundance Festival. In twelve brief but exquisite minutes, Leonard takes us on a life-changing journey as he probes one of the most controversial contemporary social and ethical issues facing our society. The film embodies elegant direction, moving performances and a heart- rending story. Kelli Garner and Lucas Haas radiate as the two lovers. And, in his first venture into dramatic narrative, Leonard proves to be a director with a propitious future. I feel this short should be expanded into a feature film. It's difficult to describe talent, but as this debut film demonstrates, you know it when you see it!