Last Paradise (2016) User Reviews

Beautifully edited. An inspiring experience.

[helenccasey-169-763396 · 9/10 · 25 November 2014]

If you love what's good in the world you'll love this film.

No wonder it has picked up international editing awards. An intricate plot seamlessly crafted together. Loaded with novelty and intrigue in a smooth-flowing story. The audience was noticeably glued to the screen, The acid test of a good film and pretty rare these days.

Great to discover the world with the well known adventure pioneers. AJ Hackett, George Greenough, Al Byrne. So amazing that this real footage was ever captured of their untold story.

I felt uplifted and full of hope to see how childhood dreams can be manifested and the wilderness can be restored. Left the cinema buzzing.

A visual and intellectual feast that gets better every time.

[katescott2 · 9/10 · 19 September 2014]

Recently in Broome we saw this fabulous movie again on the big screen. Each time I watch it I get more out of it. The first time I was blown away by the story itself, the awesome cinematography and the message that struck me most was about getting our kids out of cotton wool and out there – into the waves, snow, treetops, mud, whatever.

Seeing it again what struck me was what the characters had noticed about the Balinese, Mexican and Spanish people they met during the 70s and the true meaning of wealth they found in a simple life.

There's a huge amount in this move – it's a visual feast, funny, exciting and a fascinating slice of world history: Very thought–provoking and inspiring.

Brilliant,

[pcassienz · 10/10 · 28 October 2010]

Quirky, humorous and very inspirational movie. I am a surfer and I don't usually bother watching surfing movies. Last Paradise is far more than just a surfing moving. Anyone who had an adventurous childhood which continued into their adult life would love this movie! The cinematography is brilliant.The old footage very interesting and the environmental message simple but moving. Last Paradise has already won several awards overseas including the "X Dance"and "California" Film Festivals. Quite an incredible feat for one man on a very limited budget. The best movie I have seen for a long time and I would recommend it anyone with a sense of adventure who cares about the future of our planet.

This film is stunning & inspirational.

[mlgdrumming · 10/10 · 29 October 2010]

A fantastic visual experience and nice mix of extreme sports, this movie flows really well and keeps you thinking about how lucky we are to have such incredible environments to play in and on. Then on the other hand how selfish, thoughtless and destructive developers can be in their quest to so called modernise the world, Clive shows ways for mankind to harmonise and restore the paradise we've been ruining for too long. There is some great surfing but a nice blend of extreme sports so no need to be a surfer, and a great eye opener in many ways for anyone. I love the time span regarding the footage, full of nostalgia and great memories. Very refreshing. Nice work Clive !

An inspiring film!

[aaronjacksonsurfs · 10/10 · 8 November 2010]

Inspirational, beautiful, intriguing, genuine and modest. These are the words that spring to mind when I think of this outstanding documentary.

Clive Neeson's story makes me want to explore more boldly, become more educated and contribute my time more generously to the world around. It also makes me feel damn lucky to live in New Zealand. Although not preachy, I can't help but feel inspired by the powerful environmental message that becomes self evident throughout the film.

There is so much breadth and depth in this film's topics that I found myself inspired to pursue even more information about some of the characters, topics and inventions.

Without question, Last Paradise is one of the most unique, original and entertaining documentaries of this genre that I have seen. It deserves a large global audience.

A Bit Boring Really !

[chrisliz57 · 5/10 · 5 May 2014]

Last Paradise is a boys own adventure story which screams out "look at us everyone". It tries to convince us that Adventure sport came from New Zealand and the film makers connections and mates were the instigators. Bungy jumping, wind surfing and even board surfing oh and I nearly forgot Jet Boating to name a few ......

In my opinion the film is clumsily edited, it is mottled together to give us a lesson in earth preservation, a history of adventure sports and a strange reference to a chap called Rutherford who was light years ahead in his thinking on fusion as an alternative energy fuel.

There are some great clips from the past; aging baby boomers are going to love the nostalgia on show but generally the film wears thin ........ The message is just too repetitive. Given all of that, if you know any of the aging boys then go see it ...... You'll have much to smile and nod about!!

Riveting from beginning to end.

[digbyscott · 10/10 · 18 September 2014]

If you want to inspire your kids in all aspects of life, this is the film. I've seen Last Paradise at the cinema three times, and have the DVD at home. My kids absolutely love it and keep watching it.

This film is powerful and inspiring with subliminal messages. At one level, it's a humble and wonderfully woven story that takes us through the genesis and evolution of adventure sports. The 45 years of footage includes classic scenes from the very first pioneers, to breathtaking footage from today's very best. At a deeper level, I'm most inspired by the message that growing up with nature as your default playground, rather than a screen, helps kids and adults alike to find their boundaries, to manage risk, and appreciate the beauty and majesty of nature. "Tomorrow's protectors of the wilderness are the kids who play in it today".

The rare original footage gives us the true picture of how different the world used to look and what has been lost forever and why. Last Paradise inspires us to make choices that give our kids the best chance of enjoying a world like we were privileged to grow up in.

A timeless classic

[jacquibrownart · 10/10 · 21 April 2015]

Thrilling, gut rushing. Sent tingles up my spine.

The jaw-dropping cinematography and fantastic sound and music composition brought the beautiful and rare archive footage to life in a way which is seldom experienced in cinema.

Clive Neeson's lifetime creation really comes from the heart. With a unique angle it reveals to us how we used to be and what's in our future. It needs to be appreciated that the whole film was produced, directed, written, filmed and beautifully narrated by one person over 45 years.

As well as a gripping story, it's a rare and timeless piece of high quality art.

One of my top 10 favorite films

[carusogina2 · 10/10 · 16 October 2014]

Full disclosure --- I screened this film at the Honolulu Surf Film Festival when I was Director of the Doris Duke Theatre at the Honolulu Museum of Art. I later screened in Baltimore at the Creative Alliance. This is one of the most breathtaking films I've ever seen. It's a film about children who were free to play and be part of nature, and as a result became the most daring, brilliant adults on the planet who never lost the ability to play, create, and save the earth so our children and grandchildren can do the same.

Clive Neeson's cinematography, editing, and music are stunning. I screen films all the time, and this is one of my top 10 favorite films. If you haven't seen it --- order it, screen it in your theater, even if there is nothing resembling water in your city or town. And after you screen it, go out, get some fresh air, and have fun. Life is short, but these men live it to the fullest. Thank you, Clive, for making this brilliant film!