The Youth in Us

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!

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.

This short has all the elements of a great movie. Every time I show it to friends (on DVR) they love it too. The dialog is so, 'real'. The acting is superb. While the effects/props weren't as convincing by themselves, taken with everything else in the shot, they are expertly placed/used. The music is so haunting, perfect for this kind of 'moment' film. People who hold dear their beliefs and thoughts are shaken to their core about what they see in this movie. Most go 'that's it?', but in the end they blossom with new understanding, and leave the movie with one word to describe it:

'Beautiful'. The beauty of the film is also skin deep. I love the fact that there aren't any conflicting views, no other voices, and the voices that you do hear, are agreeing with each other. no conflict, but at the same time there is one. And the ending made me love it more! Harsh reality sometimes IS more film worthy than any plot device, or twist.

(wasn't Joshua Leonard the guy in Blair Witch Project?) :) Movie by a fictitious dead guy..great!

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.

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