Islander

Despite some major shortcomings, I still enjoyed Islander. The pacing seemed a bit uneven, the interaction between characters somewhat forced at times, and the script a bit rough. However, I thought the casting was superb, as were the acting, the music, and the photography. Probably with a larger budget this movie could have been superb. As it was it was still quite good. The theme of redemption is a common one, but always provides a solid foundation for a good story. I've never been a lobster fisherman, nor have I lived along the Maine coast. But, I've spent time in the area, and I felt the overall atmosphere was authentic. If you are drawn to the stark landscape and individualistic characters of the Northeast, you'll enjoy this film. It's flawed, but eminently watchable.

I was fortunate to see this film at a private screening in Los Angeles and liked it so much that I rushed to a repeat showing at the LA Film Festival. How a work of art of this caliber, evoking a corner of our country heretofore neglected by filmmakers, could have passed so far under the public and critical and distribution radar is a vexing mystery. "Islander" was, quite simply, one of the finest films I saw in 2006, a year that included "Pan's Labyrinth", "The Queen", and "Children of Men." I will even go so far as to assert that, to my personal taste, "Islander" is superior to that year's Oscar winner, the overrated "The Departed"! This is not because I prefer smaller, independent films to larger, slicker, more mainstream products: I don't, at least not habitually. It's just that "Islander" is so much more substantial emotionally, its characters more accessible and real, its concerns more familiar to most of us. Small in scope, yes. Lacking in box-office "name" clout, yes. A simple, intimate tale about ordinary people, yes. Nonetheless, this tale of transgression and redemption moved me deeply, convinced me, compelled me, impressed me. From every point of view -- story structure, acting, score, direction, you name it -- this film is well worth your time.

I'm lucky enough to live in a coastal New Hampshire town with a fabulous film program which was lucky enough to score a one-night screening of The Islander. What a film. I knew going in that many of the cast were non-professionals, but I was darned if I could tell which were which. The storytelling was spare, honest and compelling, and everything about the production, right down to the spectacular cinematography of coastal Maine, was there to simply serve the story. The acting was minimalistic and restrained -- and moved me to tears more than once. I also had the luxury of listening to a Q&A with lead actor-writer-producer Tom Hildreth afterward -- what an inspiration he is. Serious, articulate, proud and humble, with wonderful stories about filming on Vinylhaven. This is indie film-making at its very best, and deserves to be seen by the widest audience possible. I know I'll be out there spreading the word...

I am not from Maine but have visited Maine several times and have been to Vinalhaven as have been members of my family. The movie depicts life as the way it should be on the island. I first saw the movie in Rangeley Maine at a little theater where the producer had been there only a few days prior to me. I purchased the film for me and for family who are lobster fisherman up in Maine. They said it was true to life. I watch the movie over and over again since it depicts life as it is in Maine and also has many story lines as well. It is an excellent film and is too bad it was not shared with the rest of America on the big screen.

The acting is decent, the story is believable, the characters are convincing, the script is mediocre, but the photography and visuals are stunning. The story is as much about life on the island as it is about the main character(s), and the plot synopsis says it all. There's nothing to "spoil". I've never lived on an island off the Maine coast or fished for lobster, or built a boat, but after watching this film I can appreciate all those things more, even if there are some inaccuracies. If you like "atmosphere" in a film, this has it. By the second hour, you can smell the lobster pots and diesel fumes. My only reason for giving it a 7 instead of 9 or 10 is the clunky script.