The Youth in Us

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 absolutely loved this film... So much emotion in such a small amount of time. I loved the beginning and how it completely throws you off guard. I love the story and the deer being brought in. i know that when i think of deer i think of innocence, and prosperity. Also, in Psalm 42:2 in the Bible it says, "As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God". Which could even connect the last moment when the woman says it will be okay. As if she knows she's going with God. Perhaps I am thinking way to much into it. But sometimes it is interesting to see what goes on through peoples' minds. Thank you for sharing this masterpiece with viewers everywhere. I live in Texas and I had it playing on cable... I immediately got onto the computer to find out more about this film and this amazing director! I really liked the music that was used in the background. Music can sometimes make or break a film. It definitely set the mood perfectly. Very nice choice!

Thanks again.

Laetitia

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.

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!

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