Fallen Stars

Away from the humdrum and fan fare of big budget cinema lie these Fallen Stars. There is something very authentic about this movie, despite a familiar story-line.

I on my part love movies that deal with real issues concerning ordinary individuals. The director does extremely well in doing so here.

There are no twists and turns. No unwanted cameos of melodrama. The actors play to the script , which is well written.

The movie also bears witness to the adage that a little awareness can transform very basic acting performances into effective ones.

The movie moves at a leisurely pace, in line with the general theme of the plot . The characterisation is good and the setting soothingly plain.

If you watch it without any expectations ( which is the way life too should be lived) you will stumble upon a fine movie .

In a perfectly portrayed "living in LA" haze of aimless existence and blasé encounters with our fellow meandering humans, occurs an underwhelming, intricate and uncharacteristic connection that almost seems like it would be impossible in the internet age.

Yet here we are and what unfolds is a character study that plays everything so close to the vest that you are lured in despite a completely fumbling glacial pace. It harkens back to almost a black and white era independent film or something that the South Koreans have mastered in recent years.

Whatever the concoction skilled director Brian Jett has crafted it is so enjoyable to behold and with such powerful yet subdued acting brought by both leads it has us root for these waylaid individuals who are at best a complete mismatch for one another yet is drawn together like we are drawn fully participating in their small adventure in mundane life living.

This movie has such an impact with me not only did I want to review it ... but I will always be eager to watch it again and be reminded of the small life stories that can save us though we know it not.

Let me get this straight! This movie is AWESOME!

"Find a meaning for your life They are like most of us.

I didn't expect to see this little gem with almost two characters who weaved just two single threads into a very colorful tapestry. Two opposite souls entrapped in their own suffocating world. One, a graduate from Yale, already a somewhat known literary figure, but mysteriously suffered unknown depression and a bit anti-social; the other one, a failed guy not even finished the college without a diploma, stayed on a deadbeat going nowhere bar tendering job over 10 years without even counting; an aimless, mindless and numb good guy, also suffered depression subconsciously like a walking stiff not even realized it. These two lonely characters facing their own lives day in and day out until they met in the bar where the deadbeat bar tender working at night.

A very subtle screenplay expertly portrayed the lives of the young generation who lost by their own choices as adults, a hollow, uninspired, boring formula to go on with their lives, trapped inside yet never thought trying a bit harder to get out of it.

Great casting jobs for both of the leading roles, nice and simple dialog that so smoothly attached with and to the characters. A very one-directional scenario and evenly developed storyline but never became boring at all, with the help of great cinematography, subtle soundtrack, unpretentious trendy young generation dialog. A great treat to your own loneliness you are facing daily.

Highly recommended.

I look for new movies to watch with the help keywords searches - the keyword that lead me to this excellent film was "ivy league". Even though that is not the main plot and this is not a college themed movie, it is a great find nonetheless.

The two leads are from different social classes, and under normal circumstances they would have never met. After frequent run-ins at the bar they become friends. Meeting new friends is not easy when you are an adult and you constantly re-assess whether you can trust someone new.

"Fallen Stars" is a title describing people who had a fall from grace. They either peaked or failed in life, and now have no idea what to do next. While the movie focuses on building this new, fragile friendship between the leads, the romantic chemistry is very visible. They communicate without speaking much - just like a real couple would be able to.

The anxiety, melancholy, loneliness and boredom are hallmarks of our times and can be felt throughout the movie.