I'm Still Here

I'm Still Here by Kris Smith is a must see!!! Bittersweet, it takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. It is hard hitting from the start. There's no time to catch a breath, you simply trust, go with it and allow it to take you on an exquisite journey cinematically. The powerhouse of talent from Dan Burman and Lucy Russell will blow you away. Their chemistry is electrifying. These artists know how to deliver and make it look effortless. I savoured their scenes together. Dan Burman gives a sensitive, subtle, engaging performance that holds your breath from start to finish. You are on his side routing for him, willing a happy ending. Lucy Russell reminds me of a younger Dame Maggie Smith, both physically and performance. Incredible nuance and highly skilled artistry. Awe-inspiring. My thanks to Smith and his crew for making this inspirational, thought provoking film. Brilliant job.

I'm Still Here is an interesting, thought-provoking film. It contains great acting from the main characters especially. I'm Still Here has an original story-line and it is very moving. I would recommend this film to anyone! I like how down-to-Earth and realistic the characters and the plot are and I like the way it has been filmed. I also liked how the subject matter challenges its viewers. You get very emotionally involved in the story and captured by the suffering of the characters. I'm Still Here has important themes that capture the audience. If you're looking for an interesting movie, go and watch this film!!

Excellent film from the get go! Filled with interesting characters and meaning behind it. Dan Burman is flawless as the loner Matt. I can't recommend this feature film enough! Loads of great cast members involved and packed with drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat! Soundtrack was moving (by the talented Asche & Spencer) and the cinematography was great to follow. Nothing jarring about it! Quite a long film though. Heard there was meant to be a 3 hour director's cut 😳 so I'm glad it's this version! Great work from the TV Bandits crew for pulling off such a great film. Well done to everybody!

I'm Still Here, the feature film debut from director Kris Smith that draws on his experiences with terminal illness, is as poignant and punchy as they come. Matthew (portrayed by Dan Burman), a young man with his whole life ahead of him suddenly discovers that he has terminal cancer - thus begins a roller-coaster ride of pain and heartache, from reconciling with family to falling in love at the wrong time.

Burman's sterling no holds barred performance married with Smith's raw, almost documentary- like filmmaking (thanks also to the excellent cinematography by DOP Joshua Carver) give I'm Still Here its emotional core – since the film seems so natural it makes it all the more relatable, and that it makes the drama all the more heartbreaking (oh yes, you certainly will need tissues). In all the right places, Burman channels melancholy, wit and pure agony on his journey through all the stages of grief portrayed in the film that will certainly pull at your heartstrings.

His co-stars are equally as empathic, particularly Lucy Russell as Rebecca and Chris Szuca as Ben who deliver fresh, engaging performances. Whilst the focus of Matthew's attention is on his love interest Olivia (Rebecca Bailey), the more meaningful relationships are the ones he forms in his community; particularly in the case of fellow cancer sufferer Rebecca and the estranged married couple Ben and Sophie. Matthew's realization of his larger role in the world around him will certainly have audiences feeling warm, even if his kindness is shrouded in tragedy.

The film's somber score by Asche & Spencer, whose credits include Machine Gun Preacher and Monster's Ball, reinforces the moody tone well as Matthew struggles with day-to-day life, knowing his time is growing shorter by the minute.

I'm Still Here is a dose of fresh, no-holds-barred filmmaking that will break your heart in two with its powerful drama. Smith has made his cinematic mark, as his beautiful debut shows strong signs of great promise in his future – he's most certainly a director to watch.

The quality of the film is way beyond its budget with good acting and beautifully filmed across historic landmarks in England. The storyline keeps your attention and the music provides the right atmosphere throughout the film. The film starts off as a suspense thriller and turns into a romance so it should appeal to a large cross section of people. Due to the nature of the film with its strong storyline and the way it was shot, it will look good both on the big screen and on DVD.