South of the Moon

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!

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.

This film tells the story of a 12-year-old boy at the beginnings of puberty and his uncle who is a musician who is troubled by regret about choices that he made in his life.

The film uses frequent flashbacks to explain the uncle's backstory and there is a mild twist to things... and I say mild because it is heavily hinted at throughout and you will quite probably twig onto it within the first 15 minutes.

The acting is largely good... although there are definitely some moments where the acting could have been better.

The plot is interesting and engaging. The boy's parents are having marital issues and he worries they may divorce. Which is a bit of a trope of the genre and in all honesty... the film could have done without it. Also... there are definitely moments of clear melodrama. If it weren't for those moments then I would have given it a 9.

I would also have ranked it higher if certain things had a bit more resolution. There are a few plot points that seem important at certain points in the film but then just disappear without resolution. His friend, for example... just kind of disappears after an awkward conversation. If things like that were explained or resolved then I also would have ranked it higher.

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.

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.