Review of After Life (1999) by Arnold P — 23 May 2010
This was the dullest, most beautiful movie. I know - how is that even possible? It was shot in dreary scenes, the color spectrum is weeping from neglect, but the simplicity of the movie somehow drove the point home more effectively. This is bound to make you stop and think about the premise and wonder which memory from your own life you would take with you for eternity if you were only allowed to take one. Is it a stupid premise? Sure. Is it an extremely fascinating premise to consider? Absolutely.
Put aside your skepticism at the get-go or you won't make it through the movie. Don't try to accept the story line as a religion, a doctrine, or a statement and merely allow yourself to be entertained as a blank slate for a while. There are a few small surprises that aren't revealed in any big A-HA moments...they unfold naturally and without any fanfare, they are just dropped casually with all the forcefulness of an offhand whisper.
The whole movie drifts along like a leaf on a stream in a quiet sort of reverence those gathered around a death bed would show...only there is no tense awaiting of last breaths. Here, the scary part is done, there are no worries other than getting that favorite memory immortalized. There is an understated joy in knowing there is life after death and this movie floats in a carefree way around the subject in a way I didn't expect. Long after the movie is over, you'll be thinking about it...wondering what memory you would take and wondering why they only allowed one in the first place? What happened when they got to heaven with that one memory?
This review of After Life (1999) was written by Arnold P on 23 May 2010.
After Life has generally received very positive reviews.
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