Liquid Bridge (2003) User Reviews

boring

[David-Kappel · 4/10 · 2 October 2006]

Well I have to rate this movie with at least 4 stars as I would get mad due to the money spent on it if I had to admit that it only deserves 2 (which it does!).

I didn't expect anything spectacular. I thought it might be a meaningless but entertaining flick with some good surfing in it. Unfortunately it wasn't! I bought a German version of it. I don't know why but it's called "Gefährliche Brandung 2: Liquid Bridge" over here which makes you believe it has at least anything to do with the first one (Gefährliche Brandung: point break). Well it hasn't. Unluckily it hasn't anything in common with it either.

The movie itself is pretty boring. There is not much happening and unlike others I couldn't find any touching moments. I didn't care about the bloke and his dad. Neither did I care about the french chick (though I gotta admit she was cute) who left her boyfriend (for whom I actually felt more sympathy than for the main character).

The scene in which a girl gets hit by a lightning and glows blue afterward has already caught enough attention in here but it really is ridiculous indeed.

The worst thing though was, that the surf scenes seemed just to be taken off some other surf movies and had nothing to do with the actual movie. There were far to less surf scenes in it anyway.

After watching the movie in German I wanted to give it another try and watch it in English especially as I like the Australian accents but I had to discover that the German subtitles cannot be turned off. That made me mad and so I didn't watch it again.

All in all the movie is okay when you are bored and haven't got to do anything anyway but don't expect it to change your state of mind.

This movie is bad

[MrStabby · 2/10 · 3 September 2005]

I didn't even make it to the end of Liquid Bridge, I just gave up about 2/3 thru. It's very clichéd. The acting is bad, Some actors like Simone Kessel I've seen in other films and they're very good so I wondered if it was the directing or the lack of budget which meant they had to rush some scenes.

The woman hanging out the washing and getting struck by lightning was gut bustingly funny, I fell off the couch and spilt my beer.

I am incredibly perplexed by the positive reviews this films getting. I was just expecting some great surf scenes really and it didn't deliver in my opinion.

Great escape, for those that can only dream of riding a wave

[mike-1509 · 10 July 2003]

Loved the whole experience, some outstanding acting based on a solid story line. But the real action is in the water. Just thinking about riding a big wave is out of the question for a land lover such as me but riding the biggest waves ever filmed that was awesome to watch. The soundtrack is a killer. All in all a fab escape for us mere mortals forever stuck on dry land.

A rites of passage story about a young man who conquers his fear of big waves and finds love and his father in the process.

[p_hendrix · 8/10 · 11 July 2003]

Liquid Bridge has everything - Big Waves, steamy love scenes, a gripping story and wonderful visuals. Supported by great acting and a rockin' sound track, LB delivers like a perfect wave peeling at Pipeline! At last, a film about surfing that actually works!!

Riding the waves, a joyful escape of the drudgery of life

[els-8 · 7/10 · 3 March 2005]

I've never surfed in my life but after watching Liquid Bridge at the Sanctuary Cove Film Festival in Australia, I felt like riding these waves instantly. The visuals are of such intensity that it's not Nick (the main character) riding them, but you. You can feel your legs working. Some stunning photography and powerful visuals like the massive rolling waves, some of the jail scenes, the shower scene and exotic late afternoons. Also some well directed, touching scenes between Nick and his jail mentor and (especially later in the film) Nick and his girlfriend. Nick performed well and so did his mother. A topper.A joyful escape from the drudgery of life.

Independent

[shirley-26 · 3 March 2005]

The newly inaugurated Gold Coast Independent Film Festival is screening a cross section of Australian films this week. One of them was "Liquid Bridge" written and produced by Phil Avalon. It was an example of what producers can put on the screen when working on an "Independent's" budget. Some strong performances and jaw-dropping footage of surfers riding mountain sized waves are audience pleasers. Eye candy for both sexes is plentiful but the film has a real heart beating underneath. There's more than enough sex, drugs and surfing to go around but the basic story of a young man stepping outside of his father's shadow is touching and in good hands in this film.

Great surf story

[Scollop · 10/10 · 9 October 2006]

It's not often we see a good surf culture film. When surf videos became the rage, I bought every single one. In amongst them were some real doozies. Like 'Beach Cool' and 'Seven Waves'. There were others that engaged like 'Five Summer Stories' a well produced documentary and the classic 'Big Wednesday'. Liquid Bridge covers the generation gap. The story of a young man trying to overcome his fear of big waves and compete on the world circuit against the wishes of a wheel chair bound father who is trying to stop him competing. The performances are first rate. Ryan Kwanten is indeed a star in the making, he is supported by a stella cast including Tony Bonner, Jeremy Simms and Carmen Duncan.....but the best part of the film is where Ryan Kwanten finds himself in prison. The direction and photography are in a class of their own.

Smooth and well made

[info-4083 · 7/10 · 17 February 2005]

Ryan Kwanten gives a the sort of performance which clearly helped secure his spot in the TV series Summerland...and the brunette is hot! A good, by the books, thriller, but set around the world of surfing, which gives it the point of difference. Strong artwork and perfect fodder for the late teens/early twenties film goer. People might remember Skippy's Tony Bonner as the wheelchair bound ex surfer...and father to Ryan. Always a strong character actor, Bonner lends a level of maturity to the otherwise youngish cast. Wave action varies a little from slightly grainy to top quality but overall takes the viewer on a nice, warm ride. Watch for some cameo roles from former Aussie surfing heroes.

Great story, good surfing action and fantastic music. I loved the movie.

[Scollop · 10/10 · 8 July 2003]

The lead actor Ryan Kwanten eats up the screen. I also loved the performance by his French lover (Simone Kessel). The story really moved me, a young man with issues with his dad wants to conquer the waves...it was directed with flair and the movie is great entertainment . 5 stars.

Visual magic, excellent soundtrack

[wtalent · 7/10 · 6 March 2005]

Liquid Bridge is the cinematography hero! Mesmerising visuals...relaxing, exciting, inspiring and evocative. The ocean scenes are majestic and incredibly beautiful, not to mention the quality surfing footage. The visual quality of this film is outstanding. Particularly enjoyed solid performances by Lani Tupu and Nathaniel lees. Both actors have that magic,impressionable film presence and their scenes linger on long after viewing the film. I enjoyed the in depth range of emotions covered in this film. The characters have a real and evolving presence which is believable and engages you on their emotional journeys.

Liquid Bridge - A delight

[leanne-17 · 10/10 · 28 February 2005]

Absolutely shocked to read the review by one commenter, whose 'extra-ordinary' vocabulary seems limited to the word "Bad". Obviously, by his comments, he has some vendetta against the makers of this exceptional Australian film - which only makes one wonder, why? Reading the other comments far outweigh this obnoxious report. I challenge all readers who have not seen the film to do so, and then comment. The story in Liquid Bridge is truly inspirational, the beautifully depicted scenes capture the essence of surfing, wonderful on the big and small screen. Some outstanding directorial moments shine throughout and the characterization (and acting) is moving and very sympathetic. In fact it is one of the few Australian films to succeed on these levels, whilst executing a universal story. And what extra-ordinary ocean footage! This film is fast becoming a house-hold name amongst surfers and others, because the characters portrayed appeal to a wide audience. Everyone I know who has seen it, loved it! As for the comments on the Director, do a little research, this man deserves acclaim and respect. Not only did he put the likes of Mel Gibson and Julian McMahon in their first roles that ultimately led to their stardom, follow Simone Kessell (now in LA) and Ryan Kwanten - both from Liquid Bridge. Ryan is now a huge success via "Summerland" - their quality performances in Liquid Bridge led to these successes. Director/writer/Producer Phil Avalon has a knack for recognizing star talent, particularly 'up and coming' - and provides vehicles for careers to be launched. I would like to hear from anyone not moved by Liquid Bridge, it's almost 'tribal' resonance in parts has stayed with me since my first viewing. A great film on the big screen, and a perfectly fulfilling DVD! Thanks

A movie that will inspire you to surf into the high waves of life.

[calperin · 9/10 · 14 March 2005]

As a distributor I believe that this is a good feel movie that will attract teenagers and young people. The film is very entertaining, the story well told, the lead characters looked good and their motivations well defined. There are some very touching moments where the characters are moved by emotions without having to say word by word what they feel. A rarity in today's movies... The love scenes are directed with sensitivity. The music is hip, typical of young audiences and work quite well. The photography of the waves and the coast of Eastern Australia is at times very aesthetic and exciting. The direction overall is very good with nice touches of both, tenderness and excitement. This is a movie that will inspire you to surf into the high waves of life. Don't miss it.

Sigh

[Arithon · 10/10 · 4 June 2003]

Unfortunately, this movie will probably never be shown in Canada. I'll have to wait for it to come out on DVD/VHS. From what my e-pals tell me it is a great film. As well, the trailer looks great! I am perplexed as why M. Lani john Tupu is not given credit :((((