I think if I had seen this movie not knowing a 19 year old wrote, and produced it, I wouldn't have liked it. But since I knew that in advance, I was amazed at what a good job he did. I think that when he gets older, his movies will just get better and better. I did find this movie very predictable though... I pretty much knew exactly what was going to happen just after watching the trailer. The girl who played the main characters girlfriend sounded like she was reading lines for some parts of the movie, as did a few of the other actors. Even though I could tell he was going to die, I still cried at the end. Whoever played the father looked exactly like Jeff Daniels! I swear it was him! It's not Oscar worthy or anything, and I'm not sure if it was worth paying to see it in theaters, but I would rent it when it comes out.
17 Reviews
"Living Life" is a realistic and engaging drama of tragedy and achievement seen through youthful eyes.
swamp-1014 April 2005
Living Life is a terrific movie. Hearty congratulations to Jesse. My wife was observed to get her handkerchief out, a rarity, and I was pleased to produce considerable optical flow, since my ophthalmologist says I have "dry eyes" and should use artificial tears. Jesse brought together a number of plot items that we could react to. One of our granddaughters did a 4 week theater internship far from her Northern California home, but I don't know how this affected her romantic life, since she has professed no attachments. As older adults, we were interested to listen to the dialog among the high school students. My wife commented that the girlfriend in this movie "talks just like Megan" and wondered if training in theater does that. I suspected rather that many intelligent high-schoolers react negatively to the silliness that some classmates show, and speak in a very direct way as a consequence. The tension between the father and grandfather was a very interesting sub-plot because we have an adopted son who totally avoided us for years, but now has become reconciled. Life seems to be like that, but we really were amazed, both by the creative photography and by the maturity of direction, with many exchanges of feeling portrayed without words. I'll recommend to my kids and grandkids that they see this movie.
The feat is impressive, but not the movie.
johnsonism1 April 2005
Hands down, Jesse Harris deserves a standing ovation for managing a $75k budget, forfeiting his college education, and completing this movie--all while still in high school. But once it's on the screen, the movie deserves the same treatment as any other.
Though the cinematography is elegant and genuinely lovely in many scenes, the script at best fails to explore territory beyond Lifetime Channel clichés, and, at worst, provides fully unwatchable exchanges of sappy, pitiful dialogue. This movie is about a high schooler with cancer, which could have explored the tragedy of losing so many years of one's life, and the redemption in using the remaining time well. But Harris does little other than explore the most practical, mundane consequences of this illness: sad parents, an upset girlfriend, and the general discomfort of rotting away from the inside. 'Living Life' takes us through the motions of making a real movie, but offers little beyond postcard-quality images and struggled efforts to present real emotion.
My hope is that Mr. Harris can recognize the flaws in this movie, and return with a superior effort next time around.
Though the cinematography is elegant and genuinely lovely in many scenes, the script at best fails to explore territory beyond Lifetime Channel clichés, and, at worst, provides fully unwatchable exchanges of sappy, pitiful dialogue. This movie is about a high schooler with cancer, which could have explored the tragedy of losing so many years of one's life, and the redemption in using the remaining time well. But Harris does little other than explore the most practical, mundane consequences of this illness: sad parents, an upset girlfriend, and the general discomfort of rotting away from the inside. 'Living Life' takes us through the motions of making a real movie, but offers little beyond postcard-quality images and struggled efforts to present real emotion.
My hope is that Mr. Harris can recognize the flaws in this movie, and return with a superior effort next time around.
Save your time and money...
DJ-S6 April 2005
I was able to see the preview of this film prior to its Friday Seattle opening release. Reviewing the plot line I had concerns already, but what interested and curious about the location shots filmed in Seattle. I was also informed later that I may be surprised about some aspects of the films productions. Those surprises were the low budget, somewhere between $75,000 and $150,000, and the film producer, director, and writer was a 19 year old student.
Very early into the film I could see serious flaws and problems. To begin with the acting was very stiff, dialogue was forced and much of it unnecessary. The story itself undertakes the very serious and sensitive topic of cancer which the main character Jason is diagnosed as having. The script attempts to make the characters sympathetic by showing aspects of the main characters daily life and familial relationships. It tries further by bringing in a subplot surrounding the divided relationship between Jason's father and grandfather. This subplot remains obscure and the whole division between father and grandfather is never truly reveals itself. The characters remain unsympathetic through the end, which is unfortunate. With such a serious topic I would want to feel as if this was a person close to me, I do not get that feeling with this script or acting.
Granted the director says he wrote this when he was 15 and it shows. If this film were cut down to 20-25 minutes it could possibly be shown as an after school special but that may even be a stretch. This adds that this film should be cut down drastically. There is excess dialogue and long scenic shots that add nothing to the film. The camera work though is decent but not outstanding, probably the only strength of the film.
This film is only slightly better than Wendigo , which as my anti-muse ranks as the low of lows in my book.
One good thing about the film is that a percentage of the box office sales will be going to cancer research. I admire this generous offer the fact that it does bring attention to the subject. However I feel other films have done a much better job concerning relationships and life threatening disease for instance My Life or Magnolia. I sure there are a number of independent films that do much better as well. My recommendation is you preserve two hours of your time and skip this film. Your money is better spent contributing directly to a charitable organization of your choice, there are plenty out there that need your support.
I hope the director learns from this, he is young and it is a great accomplishment to complete a film at his age. However, he is no prodigy, with some seasoning and maturity he may come up with something stronger. With that I am going to go contribute some more money to one of my favorite charitable organizations.
Very early into the film I could see serious flaws and problems. To begin with the acting was very stiff, dialogue was forced and much of it unnecessary. The story itself undertakes the very serious and sensitive topic of cancer which the main character Jason is diagnosed as having. The script attempts to make the characters sympathetic by showing aspects of the main characters daily life and familial relationships. It tries further by bringing in a subplot surrounding the divided relationship between Jason's father and grandfather. This subplot remains obscure and the whole division between father and grandfather is never truly reveals itself. The characters remain unsympathetic through the end, which is unfortunate. With such a serious topic I would want to feel as if this was a person close to me, I do not get that feeling with this script or acting.
Granted the director says he wrote this when he was 15 and it shows. If this film were cut down to 20-25 minutes it could possibly be shown as an after school special but that may even be a stretch. This adds that this film should be cut down drastically. There is excess dialogue and long scenic shots that add nothing to the film. The camera work though is decent but not outstanding, probably the only strength of the film.
This film is only slightly better than Wendigo , which as my anti-muse ranks as the low of lows in my book.
One good thing about the film is that a percentage of the box office sales will be going to cancer research. I admire this generous offer the fact that it does bring attention to the subject. However I feel other films have done a much better job concerning relationships and life threatening disease for instance My Life or Magnolia. I sure there are a number of independent films that do much better as well. My recommendation is you preserve two hours of your time and skip this film. Your money is better spent contributing directly to a charitable organization of your choice, there are plenty out there that need your support.
I hope the director learns from this, he is young and it is a great accomplishment to complete a film at his age. However, he is no prodigy, with some seasoning and maturity he may come up with something stronger. With that I am going to go contribute some more money to one of my favorite charitable organizations.
"Living Life": Dreadfully Painful
lindelo1 April 2005
While I was indeed impressed a 19 year old was able to pull of such a feat, the movie itself definitely reflects the maturity of a 19 year old. First and for most the movie reeks after-school special. The lines were cheesy, his sickness was unbelievable (showing impressive medical equipment isn't sufficient to make it medically accurate), the romantic chemistry was awkward and near absent, and the ending beyond predictable. The only redeeming qualities I felt the movie had was amazing cinematography and the actors that played the grandfather and friend (although the side plot with the friend's mom's boyfriend was nauseating and extremely unnecessary) were good (especially in light of the painful acting seen by the others in the movie). Overall I have a hard time truly respecting a script about an emotionally charged subject like cancer when the writer himself (at the Ballard High screening) admitted he'd had no personal experience with cancer, either himself or someone close to him.
I'm genuinely shocked to see the movie will be playing in a local Seattle theater. It was one thing entirely to screen in a high school auditorium (where I saw the film) and entirely other to expect people to pay to sit through the agony.
I know a number of people may disagree with me regarding "Living Life," however I feel it's only fair to potential viewers to share both sides of the spectrum.
I'm genuinely shocked to see the movie will be playing in a local Seattle theater. It was one thing entirely to screen in a high school auditorium (where I saw the film) and entirely other to expect people to pay to sit through the agony.
I know a number of people may disagree with me regarding "Living Life," however I feel it's only fair to potential viewers to share both sides of the spectrum.
Cool Film, Go see it while you can!
jmelland8 April 2005
I am a huge drama freak, and I expect a lot from the films I see. That's why when I went to see a film made by someone from Seattle, I was a bit worried. Let's face it, we are not known here for our artists or our films. I don't think a hit was ever fully produced here without the generous help from LA, and there aren't even many of those. This aside I was pleasantly surprised by the beauty and tight structure of Living Life. Its story line was poignant, it characters well developed and its emotion strong and stirring. I was moved to tears on more than one occasion. The technical side of the movie was first rate. The shots were long and beautiful, the music fantastic, and the location/set design first rate. When I think about the fact that a 17 year old wrote the film and the SOLD IT, I am floored. What an amazing phenomenon.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
Great Film, Terrific Effort!
musicaeltoromata8 April 2005
I truly enjoyed the film. I'm so proud to be from a town where someone finally made a great film! The pacing was excellent, the editing was very clean and the character development was very strong and convincing. The locations and set design we very well sculpted and thought out, I'm surprised by the strong understanding of cinema this young director has. He has made a very marketable film on his first time out! (not to mention he can't even buy a beer yet!)
Go check it out at the U Distric Metro Cinemas. It's well worth it, emotionally moving, with great music, and beautiful cinematography. This is the first significant work of a director who is really going places. I can't wait to see the next film.
Go check it out at the U Distric Metro Cinemas. It's well worth it, emotionally moving, with great music, and beautiful cinematography. This is the first significant work of a director who is really going places. I can't wait to see the next film.
A charming film with many wonderful aspects
justin-3048 April 2005
I went to see Living Life because I read the recent article in the Seattle Times about the film and the amazing effort put forth by the 19-year-old director and his team. I was curious and went with the expectation that I would see a film by a "big fish in a little pond". I was very happy to find myself wrong in this assumption. Living Life is a wonderful film easily screened with the best films Hollywood has to offer. I would recommend this film to anyone who loves a good drama. I was moved to tears and warmed in my heart. I loved the music, and thought the acting was great. All in all a stellar effort, I can't wait to see what they come up with next!
A lovely film
specialc-28 April 2005
Not only was I surprised that Living Life was made by 19 year old Jesse Harris, I was also deeply moved and inspired by the film. I fell in love with the characters and was swept away by their story. I loved the music, which caressed the film with its subtle minimalistic beauty. The writing was brilliant, and the camera work absolutely divine. This film is truly a tremendous achievement and I foresee all the people involved bringing us even better films in the years to come. Keep your eyes out for Jesse Harris and his extremely talented film-making team. They'll be entertaining you for decades! Go see Living Life, you wont be disappointed.
A touching film with a great back-story
Lively29 April 2005
The entire film is eye candy, especially considering this is a low budget film, with camera angles, Seattle scenes, lighting and close ups that make the film a pleasure to watch. The dialog is simplistic, but on par with most films these days.
What really stands out is the tenderness and innocence of the story. The shots of children experiencing the wonder of an old time magic show are fantastic. And I had a good cry - there are several chances to shed some tears, but you leave feeling good about life and not depressed.
This film is PG or G, depending on whether you consider the subject of death to be appropriate for small children. I am not that offended by or against violence, crassness, or foul language in a film, but I do find it refreshing that this film is not infested with fart jokes, obscenities, and the assumption that everyone has a dark and nasty streak, especially coming from a young male director.
To learn that Jesse Harris wrote Living Life when he was 15, shot it when he was 17, and was able to figure out a way to finance it and find distribution on the day of his high school graduation is a screenplay waiting to happen in itself. His lack of arrogance, unpretentious storytelling, and pragmatic approach to advancing his career goal are good lessons for all independent filmmakers out there.
Go see this film, have a good cry, enjoy its visual beauty, and feel great about humanity and the ability of an aspiring and talented young director to have a dream fulfilled.
What really stands out is the tenderness and innocence of the story. The shots of children experiencing the wonder of an old time magic show are fantastic. And I had a good cry - there are several chances to shed some tears, but you leave feeling good about life and not depressed.
This film is PG or G, depending on whether you consider the subject of death to be appropriate for small children. I am not that offended by or against violence, crassness, or foul language in a film, but I do find it refreshing that this film is not infested with fart jokes, obscenities, and the assumption that everyone has a dark and nasty streak, especially coming from a young male director.
To learn that Jesse Harris wrote Living Life when he was 15, shot it when he was 17, and was able to figure out a way to finance it and find distribution on the day of his high school graduation is a screenplay waiting to happen in itself. His lack of arrogance, unpretentious storytelling, and pragmatic approach to advancing his career goal are good lessons for all independent filmmakers out there.
Go see this film, have a good cry, enjoy its visual beauty, and feel great about humanity and the ability of an aspiring and talented young director to have a dream fulfilled.
Living Life, a sensitive film about a serious subject
harringtonvideo10 April 2005
My applauds to a young and very talented director. "Living Life" will touch your heart and bring tears to your eyes but also leave you with a warm feeling at the end. It's brilliant cinematography, moving score and well designed locations only add to the story and help create the right mood. In dealing with such a serious subject as cancer it's possible to create a feeling of depression and hopelessness but such is not the case here. As we follow seventeen year-old Jason through his dealing with this disease we feel his pain and confusion and relate to the decisions he makes, both good and bad in relating to his family and friends. We see how he uses the short time he feels he has left to make a difference in the lives of those around him. Like any work of art there is always room to improve on it, but Mr. Harris had done an outstanding job in the handling of this subject and has created a very sensitive and heartwarming film which will leave you wanting to make a difference in the world with your own life.
I had the privilege of seeing the first version of this film at Ballard High School last year and now the final version at the Metro this week. The film has been re-edited, shortened (to 88 minutes), and completely re-scored and is a very enjoyable experience. Keep an eye out for the name, "Jesse Harris". He will be up there with the great directors of our time in the not too distant future.
I had the privilege of seeing the first version of this film at Ballard High School last year and now the final version at the Metro this week. The film has been re-edited, shortened (to 88 minutes), and completely re-scored and is a very enjoyable experience. Keep an eye out for the name, "Jesse Harris". He will be up there with the great directors of our time in the not too distant future.
Amazing heart felt family film!
jackie-2185 December 2005
This film will make you laugh, make you cry and make you leave the theater feeling great. It is a perfect family film. I have two young kids, 8 and 12 and they both loved it. My youngest now says its her favorite film. Before Living Life it was Princess Diaries, which was a good movie, so that should say something. I saw the film in theaters and was blown away when I heard it was directed by a 17 year old kid, amazing! He is going to be the next Spielberg or something. My kids have already been asking when its coming out on DVD. I emailed the distributor and they actually replied and said sometime in Feb, or March of 2006. If you have kids, or if you just like good, heart felt, make you feel good movies, then see Living Life whenever you can.
A very sweet film, every guy should see this movie
caras-15 December 2005
I'm a 15 year old girl and I love this movie. All my girlfriends loved it and we even saw it again and brought some guys with us, they even really liked it. But, its a really good movie. I heard about because I heard the director interview on the radio, he was only 17 when he made the film!!!!!!! It looks like it was made for a million dollars by Hollywood, it's amazing. But the film is so uplifting and emotional, I even saw some of the guys I was with crying. But it just makes you happy. My favorite part was the magic scenes and the little boy in the hospital, he was so cute. I babysit some young kids and I told them about Living Life and they saw and they also loved, its just a really good movie and its made by a teenager, you have to see it just for that.
Fantastic Family Film!
user-60018 March 2006
I saw this film on DVD, what a great film. Great story, great characters, great emotions. Plus the fact that it was made by a 17 year old kid, is amazing. I have two kids, one 9 and one 14, they both fell in love with the movie. Its a great kids movie because of the positive story and the way it deals with dying. My 9 year old really learned from it. My 14 year old girl thinks the main actor is really cute, so she likes it for that, but she also thinks its a great chick flick and all her friends watch it every month almost. I really encourage everyone to rent this movie, or buy it, because you will want to watch it over and over. Great Film!
I loved this movie!
sam1-75 December 2005
This is the kind of movie that you will remember for the rest of your life!
Not only is it a great drama, but a funny, happy, moving film. The lead actor is great. It was amazing to see him go through his experiences.
I could relate to this because my grandfather had cancer and died from it, but the cancer aspect is only one part of this film, its really just a great film that will touch you in ways most films don't these days.
I highly recommend this film. I wish there were more movies like this one. I don't remember the last time I saw a movie that made me feel better about myself. Rent it when you can, I don't think its playing it theaters anymore. Or buy it, its that good!
Not only is it a great drama, but a funny, happy, moving film. The lead actor is great. It was amazing to see him go through his experiences.
I could relate to this because my grandfather had cancer and died from it, but the cancer aspect is only one part of this film, its really just a great film that will touch you in ways most films don't these days.
I highly recommend this film. I wish there were more movies like this one. I don't remember the last time I saw a movie that made me feel better about myself. Rent it when you can, I don't think its playing it theaters anymore. Or buy it, its that good!
Break-out movie from the youngest director in Hollywood
SpumoniBiscotti8 April 2005
In Living Life, seventeen year old Jason Miller (played by Benjamin P. Garman in a solid first film performance) learns he is dealing with a very serious metastasized late-stage neuroblastoma (abdominal) cancer. His grandfather (movingly portrayed by veteran film actor Dick Arnold) has been estranged from the family for many years but because of his grandson's grave illness, insists on spending time with him. In a beautiful scene done on a rowboat in Seattle's Green Lake, Jason asks his grandfather: "Have you ever wanted to do something really great for a person, something wonderful that actually affects their lives?" This theme underscores the entire movie.
Jesse Harris graduated from Seattle's Ballard High School last year and now has the major motion picture "Living Life" in distribution. As a sophomore Harris wrote the screenplay about a young man's triumph in the face of terminal illness. By his senior year he had shot the movie, and used his own college funds to fund the project's development. His film has been an audience favorite at screenings like the Bay Area's prestigious Orinda Film Festival. This led to a post-production and distribution contract - with a major Hollywood movie distributor.
Harris admits that at film festivals and test screenings "people tell me, like in their twenties and thirties, that it (the movie) changed the way they think. People are relating to loss, to family, to what this all means for them personally. I'm not like a religious person. And the film does not come off as preachy. But all of a sudden the message just hits." And people are deeply moved. "I want people thinking about it, talking about it" Harris admits. And people tell him in thinking about encountering crisis in their lives "they learned how to react, and what they would do based on the movie." Film critics in Seattle have marveled how this movie is shot with the deft touches of an experienced director's eye. And how it bravely explores end-of-life themes from the teenage perspective of both the characters and creator of the film. Spielberg brought us "Duel" as his film school best. It is incredible to ponder what this young director will be capable of - based on the power of this superlative first effort. Jesse Harris has arrived with "Living Life" - and just as Sir David Lean praised Spielberg's first - I hope Steven (and others in the top echelons of directing) take notice of Jesse Harris' talent. But frankly, Jesse Harris is already a young Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu based on the rawness of emotion and depth of meaning he tackles. And it will be fascinating to see him direct action sequences: is he going to be more Wong Kar-Wai or John Frankenheimer? Something tells me he is going to be solidly Jesse Harris.
Jesse Harris graduated from Seattle's Ballard High School last year and now has the major motion picture "Living Life" in distribution. As a sophomore Harris wrote the screenplay about a young man's triumph in the face of terminal illness. By his senior year he had shot the movie, and used his own college funds to fund the project's development. His film has been an audience favorite at screenings like the Bay Area's prestigious Orinda Film Festival. This led to a post-production and distribution contract - with a major Hollywood movie distributor.
Harris admits that at film festivals and test screenings "people tell me, like in their twenties and thirties, that it (the movie) changed the way they think. People are relating to loss, to family, to what this all means for them personally. I'm not like a religious person. And the film does not come off as preachy. But all of a sudden the message just hits." And people are deeply moved. "I want people thinking about it, talking about it" Harris admits. And people tell him in thinking about encountering crisis in their lives "they learned how to react, and what they would do based on the movie." Film critics in Seattle have marveled how this movie is shot with the deft touches of an experienced director's eye. And how it bravely explores end-of-life themes from the teenage perspective of both the characters and creator of the film. Spielberg brought us "Duel" as his film school best. It is incredible to ponder what this young director will be capable of - based on the power of this superlative first effort. Jesse Harris has arrived with "Living Life" - and just as Sir David Lean praised Spielberg's first - I hope Steven (and others in the top echelons of directing) take notice of Jesse Harris' talent. But frankly, Jesse Harris is already a young Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu based on the rawness of emotion and depth of meaning he tackles. And it will be fascinating to see him direct action sequences: is he going to be more Wong Kar-Wai or John Frankenheimer? Something tells me he is going to be solidly Jesse Harris.
The most powerful movie experience I've ever had
jeffb-255 December 2005
This film is maybe the only film I can ever remember crying at. It touched me so much. I think it was the family issues that were in the film, I could really relate to them. Besides that, I was just very surprised at how good the movie was. But it wasn't just a tear jerker, it was very funny and I walked away from the movie feeling like I was a new person and it made me think about my life and want to be a better person, this was truly the best movie experience I've ever had. I really liked the actor who played the Grandfather, he was great. Also the magic tricks that are in the movie are also very cool, it made me feel like a kid again. I'm telling all my friends to see it and I will definitely be buying it on DVD, I would love to have the same great experience watching it again.
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