I was lucky enough to witness this feature on the Norwich University of the Arts MA degree showing about a week ago, and I was incredibly impressed by it's sheer amount of detail, it's storytelling and great portrayal of death told on screen. I'd like to think of the film as a journey of self-discovery, finding out who you are and what you mean to people. It sets out such a horrific way of showing terminal illnesses in the UK and that's something not many people are daring to express at the moment, such as Matt's violent coughing, the cancer patients' ill look in bed and the icey-cold look of hospitals. I myself took the film very personal due to the fact that a loved one passed away to cancer and this film really captured my emotions in my own experiences in life, dealing with knowing that someone I cared about is going to die in only a matter of weeks. I think people can identify and relate to that very well and people's responses will be great. What "I'm Still Here" really did was a huge achievement in my eyes was that I actually cared about the characters, every single one of them. It was because they were simply realistic and convincing in their performances and you can easily sympathise with them (including the ones that make mistakes such as Ben) and I seriously didn't want any of this to go away during the two hours of watching this. But like always, all good things might come to an end. Not only is it a story based on life and death, but it's a story on redemption. To change the errors of your ways because life is too short and we should make everything matter. Leaving a mark in the world in which the characters live in was integral to the plot and Matt sure does that in the finale. All I can say is watch it and enjoy it for what it is. As much as it is depressing, you will never see another film quite like this. Effective and enjoyable till the very end.
11 Reviews
Quietly affecting drama of emotional truth
ale_fish4 June 2014
Having lived through a family experience of terminal illness, I was not looking forward to watching this film. Fiction often seems trite and forced when you've actually dealt with the reality, particularly a devastating one. However, 'I'm Still Here' (2013) neatly sidesteps all the tiresome 'Hollywood' grandstanding that is synonymous with the subject matter and delivers instead a truthful and telling depiction of the struggles of Matt, a young man struck down by a lingering and potentially fatal disease.
The strength and authenticity of the film lies in its grounded approach; a willingness to embrace the mundane and common place aspects of the situation. There are no silly 'bucket list' activities; just regular trips to the hospital, awkward 'self-help' group sessions and a few snatched moments of happiness as the clock begins running out. In less adroit hands, this could all have been a little on the dull side but writer-director Kris Smith and a largely unknown cast pull the audience in slowly but surely and, by the climax, you are fully invested in both story and characters.
It always seems a little unfair to single out individual performances from a fine ensemble but it's very hard not to highlight a few. Obviously, a lot of the heavy lifting falls to Dan Burman as Matt and he proves more than capable of shouldering the responsibility. Interactions with his family are painfully convincing and, although the psychology of a broken home leading to emotional detachment is hardly new territory, Burman really nails it, never mining a scene for audience sympathy or making his emotional journey too great to strain credibility. Joanna Pope is also note perfect as his fussy mother and Jack Beresford scores in an all too-brief appearance as younger brother, Rob. Elsewhere, Lucy Collins is truly outstanding as a charismatic hospital patient (we'd be talking awards if this was Hollywood) and Marie Wilson inhabits the character of the downtrodden woman next door with an authenticity that informs her every gesture and expression. The music soundtrack is excellent and, just as importantly, is used very judiciously. The design of the title sequence is also extremely impressive.
But it's the naturalistic writing and atmosphere that allows story and cast the room to really breathe and fuels the subtleties of this quietly affecting drama. Particularly notable is the way that Matt finds a kind of closure; not through tearful reconciliations with his estranged family as you might expect but through his kindness to strangers. This involves the warring couple next door, who he has only previously known by hearing their arguments coming through the wall (a brilliant touch). Also assisting is a non-linear structure, which allows for some telling moments without compromising the coherence of the story. There are a few rough edges and the final act may seem a superfluous addition to some but still packs a heavy emotional punch. A vibrant and very moving piece of cinema that never descends into easy sentiment and remains a very positive and life- affirming experience, despite the theme.
The strength and authenticity of the film lies in its grounded approach; a willingness to embrace the mundane and common place aspects of the situation. There are no silly 'bucket list' activities; just regular trips to the hospital, awkward 'self-help' group sessions and a few snatched moments of happiness as the clock begins running out. In less adroit hands, this could all have been a little on the dull side but writer-director Kris Smith and a largely unknown cast pull the audience in slowly but surely and, by the climax, you are fully invested in both story and characters.
It always seems a little unfair to single out individual performances from a fine ensemble but it's very hard not to highlight a few. Obviously, a lot of the heavy lifting falls to Dan Burman as Matt and he proves more than capable of shouldering the responsibility. Interactions with his family are painfully convincing and, although the psychology of a broken home leading to emotional detachment is hardly new territory, Burman really nails it, never mining a scene for audience sympathy or making his emotional journey too great to strain credibility. Joanna Pope is also note perfect as his fussy mother and Jack Beresford scores in an all too-brief appearance as younger brother, Rob. Elsewhere, Lucy Collins is truly outstanding as a charismatic hospital patient (we'd be talking awards if this was Hollywood) and Marie Wilson inhabits the character of the downtrodden woman next door with an authenticity that informs her every gesture and expression. The music soundtrack is excellent and, just as importantly, is used very judiciously. The design of the title sequence is also extremely impressive.
But it's the naturalistic writing and atmosphere that allows story and cast the room to really breathe and fuels the subtleties of this quietly affecting drama. Particularly notable is the way that Matt finds a kind of closure; not through tearful reconciliations with his estranged family as you might expect but through his kindness to strangers. This involves the warring couple next door, who he has only previously known by hearing their arguments coming through the wall (a brilliant touch). Also assisting is a non-linear structure, which allows for some telling moments without compromising the coherence of the story. There are a few rough edges and the final act may seem a superfluous addition to some but still packs a heavy emotional punch. A vibrant and very moving piece of cinema that never descends into easy sentiment and remains a very positive and life- affirming experience, despite the theme.
Dan Burman and Lucy Russell give excellent performances.
jenson_c-261407 June 2020
I'm Still Here by Kris Smith is a must see!!! Bittersweet, it takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. It is hard hitting from the start. There's no time to catch a breath, you simply trust, go with it and allow it to take you on an exquisite journey cinematically. The powerhouse of talent from Dan Burman and Lucy Russell will blow you away. Their chemistry is electrifying. These artists know how to deliver and make it look effortless. I savoured their scenes together. Dan Burman gives a sensitive, subtle, engaging performance that holds your breath from start to finish. You are on his side routing for him, willing a happy ending. Lucy Russell reminds me of a younger Dame Maggie Smith, both physically and performance. Incredible nuance and highly skilled artistry. Awe-inspiring. My thanks to Smith and his crew for making this inspirational, thought provoking film. Brilliant job.
Raw, heart-aching debut from promising director Kris Smith
arabesuku9 December 2013
I'm Still Here, the feature film debut from director Kris Smith that draws on his experiences with terminal illness, is as poignant and punchy as they come. Matthew (portrayed by Dan Burman), a young man with his whole life ahead of him suddenly discovers that he has terminal cancer - thus begins a roller-coaster ride of pain and heartache, from reconciling with family to falling in love at the wrong time.
Burman's sterling no holds barred performance married with Smith's raw, almost documentary- like filmmaking (thanks also to the excellent cinematography by DOP Joshua Carver) give I'm Still Here its emotional core – since the film seems so natural it makes it all the more relatable, and that it makes the drama all the more heartbreaking (oh yes, you certainly will need tissues). In all the right places, Burman channels melancholy, wit and pure agony on his journey through all the stages of grief portrayed in the film that will certainly pull at your heartstrings.
His co-stars are equally as empathic, particularly Lucy Russell as Rebecca and Chris Szuca as Ben who deliver fresh, engaging performances. Whilst the focus of Matthew's attention is on his love interest Olivia (Rebecca Bailey), the more meaningful relationships are the ones he forms in his community; particularly in the case of fellow cancer sufferer Rebecca and the estranged married couple Ben and Sophie. Matthew's realization of his larger role in the world around him will certainly have audiences feeling warm, even if his kindness is shrouded in tragedy.
The film's somber score by Asche & Spencer, whose credits include Machine Gun Preacher and Monster's Ball, reinforces the moody tone well as Matthew struggles with day-to-day life, knowing his time is growing shorter by the minute.
I'm Still Here is a dose of fresh, no-holds-barred filmmaking that will break your heart in two with its powerful drama. Smith has made his cinematic mark, as his beautiful debut shows strong signs of great promise in his future – he's most certainly a director to watch.
Burman's sterling no holds barred performance married with Smith's raw, almost documentary- like filmmaking (thanks also to the excellent cinematography by DOP Joshua Carver) give I'm Still Here its emotional core – since the film seems so natural it makes it all the more relatable, and that it makes the drama all the more heartbreaking (oh yes, you certainly will need tissues). In all the right places, Burman channels melancholy, wit and pure agony on his journey through all the stages of grief portrayed in the film that will certainly pull at your heartstrings.
His co-stars are equally as empathic, particularly Lucy Russell as Rebecca and Chris Szuca as Ben who deliver fresh, engaging performances. Whilst the focus of Matthew's attention is on his love interest Olivia (Rebecca Bailey), the more meaningful relationships are the ones he forms in his community; particularly in the case of fellow cancer sufferer Rebecca and the estranged married couple Ben and Sophie. Matthew's realization of his larger role in the world around him will certainly have audiences feeling warm, even if his kindness is shrouded in tragedy.
The film's somber score by Asche & Spencer, whose credits include Machine Gun Preacher and Monster's Ball, reinforces the moody tone well as Matthew struggles with day-to-day life, knowing his time is growing shorter by the minute.
I'm Still Here is a dose of fresh, no-holds-barred filmmaking that will break your heart in two with its powerful drama. Smith has made his cinematic mark, as his beautiful debut shows strong signs of great promise in his future – he's most certainly a director to watch.
A beautiful love story ... starring leukaemia
iloveponies-0174112 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
My friend recommended this movie to me on the type website with a warning of you're going to need tissues. Let me just say, I don't cry watching movies, but this, honestly I have never cried so much. It was an amazing movie portraying the different emotions felt by the family. It wasn't just about a guy who deals with death, but about falling in love, others being his rock and him being other peoples' rock when they needed it the most and how the smallest things have such a big impact. The tenderness of the relationships was beautiful. Dan Burman did an amazing job as did Rebecca Bailey. What a wonderful and beautiful way to portray young love in such a sad situation. Would highly recommend this movie.
I'm still here ... watching
shamkhalov29 June 2018
OK I have to say something straight away. Paused it an hour and a half in while writing this - the film is beautifully shot and superbly acted. If there was ever a way to explore the less comfortable side of healthy young adult desire -- to explore the world, to test boundaries, to take big risks, to live a little dangerously -- without the usual fear of worst-case scenarios or squeamishness, I'M STILL HERE is it, if only because the presence of terminal illness makes such risks seem like a quaint and necessary part of having lived. The movie shows a confrontational and sometimes dark but often humorous and wildly tender look at what it means to be alive, and, ultimately, what it means to die, all through the eyes of a young man and those closest to him.
Matt's quest to fulfil his bucket list -- at first filled with wild and predictable thrills, but eventually shifting to the sweeter, quiet moments only nature and family provide -- offers an excellent source of discussion with our generation about the things that matter most in life at a time when imagining past the next hour is often difficult. It's a brutally direct film that's hard to watch because it never pulls its punches about dying, but this makes it especially beautiful -- not to mention a near-constant tearjerker, even when it's upbeat. Full box of tissue required.
Matt's quest to fulfil his bucket list -- at first filled with wild and predictable thrills, but eventually shifting to the sweeter, quiet moments only nature and family provide -- offers an excellent source of discussion with our generation about the things that matter most in life at a time when imagining past the next hour is often difficult. It's a brutally direct film that's hard to watch because it never pulls its punches about dying, but this makes it especially beautiful -- not to mention a near-constant tearjerker, even when it's upbeat. Full box of tissue required.
So good
conanstewart-813727 August 2019
The quality of the film is way beyond its budget with good acting and beautifully filmed across historic landmarks in England. The storyline keeps your attention and the music provides the right atmosphere throughout the film. The film starts off as a suspense thriller and turns into a romance so it should appeal to a large cross section of people. Due to the nature of the film with its strong storyline and the way it was shot, it will look good both on the big screen and on DVD.
Brilliant film
terrybrooks-5063926 August 2023
I'm Still Here is an interesting, thought-provoking film. It contains great acting from the main characters especially. I'm Still Here has an original story-line and it is very moving. I would recommend this film to anyone! I like how down-to-Earth and realistic the characters and the plot are and I like the way it has been filmed. I also liked how the subject matter challenges its viewers. You get very emotionally involved in the story and captured by the suffering of the characters. I'm Still Here has important themes that capture the audience. If you're looking for an interesting movie, go and watch this film!!
Speechless
alec_walker-6442717 March 2023
I'm Still Here is an interesting, thought-provoking movie. It contains great acting from the main characters especially. I'm Still Here has an original story-line and it is very moving. I would recommend this film to anyone! I like how down-to-Earth and realistic the characters and the plot are and I like the way it has been filmed. I also liked how the subject matter challenges its viewers. You get very emotionally involved in the story and captured by the suffering of the characters. I'm Still Here has important themes that captures the audience. If you're looking for an interesting movie, go and watch this one.
Impressive!
chloe_miller39 May 2023
Excellent film from the get go! Filled with interesting characters and meaning behind it. Dan Burman is flawless as the loner Matt. I can't recommend this feature film enough! Loads of great cast members involved and packed with drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat! Soundtrack was moving (by the talented Asche & Spencer) and the cinematography was great to follow. Nothing jarring about it! Quite a long film though. Heard there was meant to be a 3 hour director's cut 😳 so I'm glad it's this version! Great work from the TV Bandits crew for pulling off such a great film. Well done to everybody!
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