What I'm Watching #212

"Eternal Summer" is absolutely one of the most beautiful films I've seen in a long time. Shot entirely in the Republic of China, it's the story of 3 friends during their senior year at high school and freshmen year of college. The boys, Jonathan and Shane, have been friends since fate brought them together in elementary school, the girl, Carrie, is a bit of a misfit who enters their world as the story begins. She is first drawn toward the shy and sensitive, Jonathan, and later becomes the girlfriend of the moodier, athletic Shane. Her presence acts as both a catalyst and a balm in the friendship between Shane and Jonathan. Along the way there is angst and compassion, disappointment and forgiveness. Secrets are revealed, truths told, and what life and their own fears threaten to destroy, chance and the mysterious bond that undergirds their friendship redeems.

From the first moments, you are aware that this is an exceptional movie: the acting is honest and open; the score and cinematography lyrical and intimate. And the writing deserves perhaps the greatest kudus of all. Dean Wang and Cheng-Ping Hsu know just what to give the audience and just when to give it, right down to the final stark and amazing second. In my heart, I suddenly knew that the film was over, but the instant the screen when to black for the credits, I gasped inside--wanting desperately to know where the story would go next.

Run, don't walk to get this film. You'll be grateful that you did.