Last Summer

Gotta admit that I see the point of reviewers who gave this a 1...and the ones who gave it a 10.

"Glacial" is a generous description for the pace of this movie. Lots of lonnnnng, "artistic" shots of leaves, raindrops, and random body parts. Probably only 10 minutes worth of actual dialogue in total.

So...you might look at this as a tedious, pointless, dragging piece of film in which literally nothing happens. Or you'll look at it as a brilliant, high-concept, beautifully-shot artistic masterpiece.

Either way, at least both of the leads are gorgeous and appear to have good chemistry.

More a moving painting than a film. It's a study in light, texture, colour and mood. I confess I couldn't stop watching because every shot was so...beautiful. A haunting, melancholy film and nearly perfect.

A beautiful, evocative, complex movie. Possibly to have the full emotional impact on the viewer, it must find resonance in the store of memories of the viewer. I cannot say whether someone who grew up in an urban setting or in a different culture would be as affected, but there should be some degree of universality to the experience of bonding to another in childhood and facing the prospect of separation and the imperative to follow separate paths.

The young actors who play Jonah and Luke do a superb job and the few supporting cast are good, but the greatest superlatives go to the director, the writer and especially the cinematographer. The visual presentation with accompanying sounds, is almost overwhelming in quantity and effect. The surrounding woods and greenery, rain falling, polished wood floors and furniture, weathered wood out buildings , church bells, chiming clocks, a passing freight train and the sad sound of its horn, wind chimes, metal surfaces, the boys together, all stir memories either real or imagined. Its nuanced subtlety is far more powerful than would have been achieved through a series of more deliberate actions and excess dialogue. Rob Reiner's "Stand By Me" was a wonderful film that stirred memories of childhood and the coming to terms with inevitable change, but it pales in emotional impact compared to "Last Summer."

Luke carries the label of "slow learner" and is repeating some classes in high school in order to be done with school, but has no idea what he will do next. Outwardly he is at peace with himself, is resigned to Jonah leaving for college, prefers remaining in "the shade of his own backyard," but beneath the surface he is deeply saddened at the prospect of separating from Jonah. At one time he tells Jonah he only wants to be with him and suggests the optimistic possibility that Jonah could return one day. "This place isn't going anywhere. I'm not going anywhere." But inwardly he knows full well that Jonah will meet new people who will love him and will never return. Jonah asks Luke several times to tell him not to go, but Luke refuses. Luke tells a teacher that Jonah is too good for all this … recognizing that "Some people feel so comfortable in one place, and others feel trapped." His love for Jonah and a mature understanding of their different natures and abilities prevents him from asking Jonah not to go. Jonah is equally conflicted by his love for Luke, his sense of happiness (when he learns he was adopted) that he was never meant to be in this place, his fear of change and his need to escape from the small town trap where he feels unrelated to everyone and to everything about him, aside from Luke.

A wonderful film that is sure to stir memories and emotions for many … and I suppose fall flat for those with entirely different experiences or those who disdain sentiment. Certainly anyone who feels a good movie must have car chases, special effects and zombies will be disappointed.

I was going to give it a 9 since a 10 would imply perfection, but even after a second viewing I could think of nothing that would justify the loss of a perfect rating.

I felt like there were two different films going on here; one subplot was the relationship between the two graduating kids, enjoying what may be their last summer together, while mapping out what might also be their futures. Lots of discussion of jonah going off to school, while that may or may not be in the cards for luke. Sweet. Cute. Minimal dialog. You can really feel the love and appreciation they have for each other. One sad moment is when jonah says "i wish you'd ask me to stay"... luke says "no, can't do it." we know why he can't, but it would have been romantic to explain why he couldn't. Or was it too obvious ? Maybe. I do respect when writers and directors give the viewer credit for understanding things. I was surprised luke didn't take that moment to explain himself. Oh, the second subplot? The long, drawn out scenes of nature, background, forests, colors, light shading. That should have been a short film (documentary ?) all by itself. I found myself fast forwarding through the long scenes where not only is there no dialog, but it's a long time before we even see a character in the film again. Written and directed by mark thiedeman. Mixed feelings on this one. I enjoyed watching the scenes with the two guys, but didn't dig the long, drawn out bumpers between the scenes. Or maybe i just have a short attention span.

This is an overly cinematic movie with very little dialogue. I've seen other reviews describe it as a visual poem and they might be right but i guess it just wasn't for me. I can see someone who has gone through the experience of having to let go of a lover because they're going to different places enjoy this or maybe someone who really likes small details and beautiful shots.

What I do wanna highlight is the nature of their relationship. It is very peculiar in that words aren't really needed most of the time. Maybe it is because of all the time they've been together but they seem to understand each other and just enjoy each other's company. There's a lot of intimacy but I wouldn't say it's overly romantic.

Overall if you're looking for a slow artistic movie with a lot of focus on details and nature this one might be for you but if you're looking for a movie with drama and/or a more developed storyline I wouldn't really recommend this one.