This film started out soooo well. I was totally engrossed. The characters and acting were superb. The storyline, dialog, editing and pace was smooth. Then comes the revenge quest and the scene at the construction site and it just goes downhill for me. It wasn't the tragedy that ruined it for me, it was how they got there and insufficient build up. I wasn't expecting, nor did I desire, a stereotypical conclusion. And I did not see either character as stereotypes. But the story falls apart, jumps over the edge and dangles from a branch until the end when it manages to get it's footing again. I know what they were after, I got the connection at the end when Fitzgerald is standing in the crossroads like Hornsby was. When I saw that coming I said to myself "okok, I get it. don't overdo it." ... and they didn't. Excellent innuendo and metaphor. But they could have got there without making Hornsby's character go on a completely irrational and suicidal revenge quest. Or at least they could have built up to it with something more than a quivering lip. Not to mention Hornsby's disappearing accomplice. That really hurts the story. For dialog, performances, and concept, this film deserves a 8... maybe a 9. But imo, the storyline collapses at the kidnapping and never quite gets going again. I wish they would have handled Hornsby's tragic revenge quest in some other way.
6 Reviews
Spare yourself!
missinema21 May 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Awful movie. I was also present for the first 5 minutes of the Q & A after the BAM screening where the director/actor was trying to be funny answering the questions. When asked why did he choose to kill the child , he giggled that was what the pencil wrote on the paper... When asked why did he cast himself, he answered (giggling again..) that he was being cheap.
The second half of the movie is a total disaster. The acting of the couple Miles after the loss of the child is so bad that it's just laughable . The director decide to use some ellipses (very much in the same way than the end of "Paradise Now") . But in this case there isn't to much logic to it . He "cut" the scene of the kidnapping and killing , yet decide to show a very graphic, unnecessary long scene of torture .
It is really hard to imagine that such a bad movie will ever find a distributor.
The second half of the movie is a total disaster. The acting of the couple Miles after the loss of the child is so bad that it's just laughable . The director decide to use some ellipses (very much in the same way than the end of "Paradise Now") . But in this case there isn't to much logic to it . He "cut" the scene of the kidnapping and killing , yet decide to show a very graphic, unnecessary long scene of torture .
It is really hard to imagine that such a bad movie will ever find a distributor.
An outstanding thought provoking film everyone MUST SEE!!!
jasonmckensey5 November 2006
Thank God for Paul Fitzgerald. I saw this film for the second time at AFI film Festival after seeing it at Sundance earlier this year. The reaction to the film has been quite controversial in itself, but I have nothing but praise for the filmmaker in choosing a subject matter that does not take sides yet presents the hypocrisy of society so real it seems to be upsetting many here. the performances were flawless and the story was so riveting I could hardly swallow my saliva. It is a very intense movie and not easy to watch the injustice that is happening here. Even worse, the film doesn't supply the viewer with an easy answer hence why this picture is a must see. The filmmaker/star is to be commended for he handle the subject matter, storytelling, starring role and everything else he did in between with lost of dedication to the craft giving us a final product he should be proud of. I hope this film does find a distributor. I do warn this is one of those film that MUST BE handled with care. It needs to be available to as many people as possible. This story is so universal and so present in what's going on everywhere that is it disturbing to see such a film that is so truthful and right on in its message. To the writer,director, filmmaker, actor, I will be looking out for you and anything else you make because you are an accident waiting to happen and you have the looks and charisma of a star. Thank you for offering this work to the world. I hope it is well received and will I personally will be telling everyone about it and rooting and supporting it when it does get released.
Too controversial to succeed, but very much worth watching
drumz29 January 2006
Most films about capital punishment and the American justice system, these days, choose sides. "Forgiven" refuses to do so, and therein lies the rub: this plot should appeal to liberals and conservatives alike, yet also potentially offend them both beyond repair by the end of the fifth act.
I'm not at all surprised that its average rating is this low. There is no "target audience" for this film. Something absolutely terrible happens, and a few members of the Sundance audience with which I watched it could not deal with it, and I can't say I blame them. It's a very hard film to watch, but I think it's important and thought-provoking no matter where one stands politically.
I'm not at all surprised that its average rating is this low. There is no "target audience" for this film. Something absolutely terrible happens, and a few members of the Sundance audience with which I watched it could not deal with it, and I can't say I blame them. It's a very hard film to watch, but I think it's important and thought-provoking no matter where one stands politically.
An excellent movie with good acting and an interesting plot line
barbwehrle13 October 2006
This movie was viewed at the BendFilm Festival in Bend, OR. It is a passionate movie about race, politics and relationships. It has a powerful cast of very moving characters who are trying to determine how to live their lives.
Religion is brought into it but it is minimal which is should be, especially since one of the main characters doesn't really live by the religious teachings he says he follows.
There is tragedy and sadness that is very realistic given the circumstances of this small town in the South, but one would hope that this would not happen in the 21st century.
I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who likes movies that make them think and have strong characters and a strong message.
Religion is brought into it but it is minimal which is should be, especially since one of the main characters doesn't really live by the religious teachings he says he follows.
There is tragedy and sadness that is very realistic given the circumstances of this small town in the South, but one would hope that this would not happen in the 21st century.
I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who likes movies that make them think and have strong characters and a strong message.
phenomenal film
katewinkowski31 October 2006
This is one of those unsung films that did not get enough screen time. It is compelling and rich in subtext. I think it was nominated for the Sundance Film Festival as well. "Forgiven" makes you question your value system and entertains while doing so. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! The cast was remarkably talented and portrayed their roles beautifully while not being too maudlin. The facts are these...too often these days, the films that are reaping great box office rewards are those that are relying on special effects or unrealistic story lines that lead the audience down a path of misconception or super-realism. This story is compelling because of the story itself- think "The Green Mile" or any other film that compels one to think outside themselves, and you will get a feeling for "Forgiven".
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