I don't want to fill my review with spoilers, so I'm trying to hold back a little. I am a sucker for coming-of-age movies, so I enjoyed much of this film, but it seems like the script just wasn't ready and it contains some real howlers. There are scenes were people die, and they are so ineptly done they seem comical. There's a scene where two boys might have fooled around, but it's so coyly portrayed you can't tell if anything happened at all. The boy is supposed to be enormously endowed but doesn't know it until he asks. Masturbation scenes look more like torture scenes. The boy is supposed to be an Olympic-level swimmer but he doesn't seem to care at all for swimming. Secrets are kept that can't be believed, and are revealed in a way that also can't be believed. The boy is troubled by dreams -- this whole movie seems like a dream, held together only by dream logic. You enjoy it more for how your can rewrite it in you head than for what's actually on the screen.
8 Reviews
A good coming-of-age film with some hackneyed plot devices
wmadavis30 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
The lack of reviews is confusing.
Jscooter41413 January 2019
I understand why this was a film I did not watch back when it came out, it is a mixed bag. There is a high review rate on this site, that makes no sense, what is that based on, where are the positive reviews to back that up ? Rotten Tomatoes does not even review this film, it falls in the middle because of course there are much worse films to watch, Keanu Reeves latest film is a great example - Replicas.
A very "real" movie
griz-259-17510026 February 2012
What a mystery this movie is! Reviews about it are rare. Finding out much about it online is hard. Few have heard of it.
But I think it's worth it. I found the plot a little slow at first; but now I think that's just because the writer wanted the story to fully develop at a pace that wasn't rushed. It's a good story line that keeps you engaged and even a little off-balance at times. Some unexpected twists! I thought the flashbacks were handled well. The acting is amazing a relatively low- budget production and I found myself being drawn deeper and deeper into the lives of the characters. They were just so "real". It ceased to be acting and it was quite easy to believe you were "a fly on the wall" in these very real people's lives. Bravo on new-comer Jake McLeod. It's a very heavy load he carries, a very emotional performance at times. But he handles it like a pro. Actually, all of the performances were very "natural" -- genuine and not at all forced as can happen in some lower-budget production. Some mature themes, but overall an enjoyable movie. The ending was an interesting touch; leaving one with a lot to think about long after the credits are over.
To say any more would rob you of the chance to fully enjoy this good movie for yourself.
But I think it's worth it. I found the plot a little slow at first; but now I think that's just because the writer wanted the story to fully develop at a pace that wasn't rushed. It's a good story line that keeps you engaged and even a little off-balance at times. Some unexpected twists! I thought the flashbacks were handled well. The acting is amazing a relatively low- budget production and I found myself being drawn deeper and deeper into the lives of the characters. They were just so "real". It ceased to be acting and it was quite easy to believe you were "a fly on the wall" in these very real people's lives. Bravo on new-comer Jake McLeod. It's a very heavy load he carries, a very emotional performance at times. But he handles it like a pro. Actually, all of the performances were very "natural" -- genuine and not at all forced as can happen in some lower-budget production. Some mature themes, but overall an enjoyable movie. The ending was an interesting touch; leaving one with a lot to think about long after the credits are over.
To say any more would rob you of the chance to fully enjoy this good movie for yourself.
A must see film.
lharris90424 August 2013
A wonderfully moving film that kept me glued to the screen from beginning to end. I felt the start was a little slow paced but as the film progressed, I realized that it was necessary to the storyline and gave me the viewer the time to get under each character's skin. The acting is believable and the storyline quite touching. I laughed and cried and became emotionally involved with all the characters in the film, especially with young Coleman and his uncle Matt. I am sure that director Antonio DiVerdis is a passionate filmmaker and well in touch with human emotions to be able to make a film so sensitive, poignant and realistic. Mr. DiVerdis, I look forward to seeing your next film.
An awesome break from the standard coming of age flick.
reedyelmer19 March 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I don't really know that this contains a spoiler, but I checked it just in case. I won't reveal the ending other than obviously, it wasn't happy. South of the Moon is the beautiful and poignant story of Coleman Hawkins, a boy coming of age and his uncle, Matt Hawkins, seeking forgiveness for a heartache he caused years earlier. It showed the ultimate price of keeping secrets. Some of the dialogue between Coleman and his the supporting characters was a bit surprising, at times shocking, but very reminiscent of things discussed during my own teen years—many years ago. I particularly enjoyed that the movie was true to life, unlike many 'Westernized' movies centered on children that seem to think all problem can be solved and that all things end in happiness. It was a true testament to the pain we suffer and give unto others when we let our dreams slip through our fingers, or simply throw them away out of fear. There was only 1 major flaw in the film and that was that it took me 5 years to hear about and finally see it!
Tender and REAL..spiritual...human...
briannash-941228 September 2017
I am not quite sure I can find the right words to best describe this movie, but I recorded it because I somehow liked the description and upon watching it, I went immediately to Amazon to find it and buy it.. The film is REAL...(anything with John Ralston for me is always something worth watching)..the characters (especially Ralston, Jake McLeod, Moya O'Connell are so well acted...but ALL the characters are great!)..the story involves human weakness, psychic and spiritual connections; a wayward soul caught in the guilt of a past error made, one that affects almost everyone around him...and one too late to amend. One character fraught with internal torment; the other trying to piece together fragments of both what he dreams of as well as what he lives with,the characters are fragilely entwined, and the story unfolds with a tragically poignant direction. SO worth the watch (even if my attempt at trying to express but not reveal, is the opposite).... Choice of actors could not have been chosen more perfectly..
Excellent
joejoe-478-98828116 September 2012
I'll be a little critical here before I go on to tell you what a great film this is. The main character wasn't that great. However to be fair I think it was a difficult part to play. I actually thought his "friend" (the boy) would have done a better job at playing the main character.
There were two story lines within the movie that made it interesting. One being a believable plot between the two boys. That lack of certainty in the main character is not something you will see in any American made film.
The second story line was between the uncle, parents, and final realization of just whom it was that he had been dreaming about. It all came together flawlessly at the end. It left no room for wonder even though there wasn't anything said. It was an extremely sad ending.
I would definitely recommend this movie to anybody who likes movies that deviate from the mainstream consciousness.
There were two story lines within the movie that made it interesting. One being a believable plot between the two boys. That lack of certainty in the main character is not something you will see in any American made film.
The second story line was between the uncle, parents, and final realization of just whom it was that he had been dreaming about. It all came together flawlessly at the end. It left no room for wonder even though there wasn't anything said. It was an extremely sad ending.
I would definitely recommend this movie to anybody who likes movies that deviate from the mainstream consciousness.
A memorable film
bulad2 October 2012
South of the Moon is one of the best films I've seen in a long while. I came upon it purely by accident while surfing the net (www.southofthemoonmovie.com ). Watching the trailer enticed me to purchase the DVD. I recommend it to anyone who wants to see an unforgettable film.
The acting is passionate and every actor in it brings a special worth to the film – the mark of a good director who succeeded in bringing out the best in each actor and created an emotionally charged memorable film with the right blend of drama and humor, adding also a touch of suspense for good measure. The story is sensitive and quite moving. It captured my interest from beginning to end and I became involved with the characters that were really true to life. While watching this film, I was overwhelmed with different emotions. I found myself laughing at times while at other times my eyes brimmed with tears (something that happened to me only once before watching Cinema Paradiso).
This film is a must see!
The acting is passionate and every actor in it brings a special worth to the film – the mark of a good director who succeeded in bringing out the best in each actor and created an emotionally charged memorable film with the right blend of drama and humor, adding also a touch of suspense for good measure. The story is sensitive and quite moving. It captured my interest from beginning to end and I became involved with the characters that were really true to life. While watching this film, I was overwhelmed with different emotions. I found myself laughing at times while at other times my eyes brimmed with tears (something that happened to me only once before watching Cinema Paradiso).
This film is a must see!
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