now here's another film with a difference - filmed over 12 years
centered around mason (ellar coltrane) from a boy of 6 to young adult of 18
it reads in the nziff program kind of like the 7-up series but much more linear
director richard linklater assembling the cast once a year over the 12 years
an ambitious project with huge foresight and serious commitment for all
mason and older sister samantha live with their separated mother
he's a cute little boy and sister also cute but quite manipulative
normal kid stuff then - and so it is with everything else - normal
mom decides she needs to move the family back to houston
she needs to advance her education and her mom can babysit
once there ex-hubby makes an appearance after a long absence
things a bit tense between mom and dad but nothing too serious
she is struggling to make ends meet and he's living the good life
fortunately a lecturer at her college is on her case and dating ensues
then the first leap forward by a year - mason's hairstyle the clue
mom and her new man are now married and his kids are on board
so a nice domestic arrangement of 2 adults, 2 boys and 2 girls
quite a cosy time for the fresh family in this year - looking good
another leap forward and things are deteriorating - new dad a drunk
forces a buzz-cut on his stepson leading to teasing, etc at his school
domestic violence at home - more than 2 young children should endure
so mom packs them up again and moves in with a friend - more anguish
all this would make for an interesting film in itself but this one is special
the very natural ageing process for all involved makes it quite riveting
before long both kids are teenagers with all that brings to the picture
another new man for mom - this time an returned soldier ex iraq
politics hover around in the background and root the film in time
bush is mentioned - then the hope and excitement of obama
me thinking how exciting for a director to be able to do that
toss in contemporary issues knowing by film's end it is history
teenagers mason and samantha continue to grow and evolve
literally before our very eyes - the changing hairstyles continue
great scenes of camping with dad and hanging out with friends
mason is a sensitive boy but smart with it - he is liked by everyone
despite or because of mom's men issues he is a very good male
loves his mom, stands up to bullies, remains close to his sister
before we know it he is graduating from high school - college beckons
the nest is empty - and a realisation that we have seen mom transform also
she from a young struggling mother to a university lecturer with 2 great kids
tellingly it is her (the woman) that has had to typically cope with immature men
dad - he has also grown up and finally pays her dues at the graduation party
but as the title suggests this film is focused on mason - our now young adult
a great final scene when he eschews partying at college and heads for the hills
his new roommate, girlfriend and her friend instead have a cookie and go hiking
beautiful scenery, great new friendships and some slightly trippy talking
you know what they say about seizing the moment - it's the opposite
the moment seizes you - i think we are having one those moments
she agrees - this in a beautiful sunset in a beautiful place
me - reckon that scene is going to be a landmark one
this film - ditto - staggeringly good - nziff highlight
one for all ages and genders - 5 stars from me
will be watching for other reactions...
fortunately a lecturer at her college is on her case and dating ensues
then the first leap forward by a year - mason's hairstyle the clue
mom and her new man are now married and his kids are on board
so a nice domestic arrangement of 2 adults, 2 boys and 2 girls
quite a cosy time for the fresh family in this year - looking good
another leap forward and things are deteriorating - new dad a drunk
forces a buzz-cut on his stepson leading to teasing, etc at his school
domestic violence at home - more than 2 young children should endure
so mom packs them up again and moves in with a friend - more anguish
all this would make for an interesting film in itself but this one is special
the very natural ageing process for all involved makes it quite riveting
before long both kids are teenagers with all that brings to the picture
another new man for mom - this time an returned soldier ex iraq
politics hover around in the background and root the film in time
bush is mentioned - then the hope and excitement of obama
me thinking how exciting for a director to be able to do that
toss in contemporary issues knowing by film's end it is history
teenagers mason and samantha continue to grow and evolve
literally before our very eyes - the changing hairstyles continue
great scenes of camping with dad and hanging out with friends
mason is a sensitive boy but smart with it - he is liked by everyone
despite or because of mom's men issues he is a very good male
loves his mom, stands up to bullies, remains close to his sister
before we know it he is graduating from high school - college beckons
the nest is empty - and a realisation that we have seen mom transform also
she from a young struggling mother to a university lecturer with 2 great kids
tellingly it is her (the woman) that has had to typically cope with immature men
dad - he has also grown up and finally pays her dues at the graduation party
but as the title suggests this film is focused on mason - our now young adult
a great final scene when he eschews partying at college and heads for the hills
his new roommate, girlfriend and her friend instead have a cookie and go hiking
beautiful scenery, great new friendships and some slightly trippy talking
you know what they say about seizing the moment - it's the opposite
the moment seizes you - i think we are having one those moments
she agrees - this in a beautiful sunset in a beautiful place
me - reckon that scene is going to be a landmark one
this film - ditto - staggeringly good - nziff highlight
one for all ages and genders - 5 stars from me
will be watching for other reactions...
