10 reviews
Visually I would give the film a perfect score, especially given that it was made in humbler surroundings and not by some Hollywood studio. However, I didn't feel the look was something that was new to me if I search outside the local cinema. I understand that filmmakers probably didn't intend to bring something completely new to the table and instead wanted to make an homage. That is perfectly legitimate but it stops me from wanting to give it the highest grade. I felt the main actor didn't perform perfectly either but overacted at times. Having said that, I still think the film offered more than most other films made in our country and overall the people who made it should be congratulated; hopefully we'll see more things from them.
The attention to detail in this production is second-to-none. Even the musical score and set dressing in the night club scene is accurate to the film that it pays tribute to. How is it that a super low-budget independent production like this was able to accurately capture the style of the 1982 Blade Runner film effects and sets while every multi-million dollar Hollywood attempt to do something like Blade Runner has failed miserably?
People who see Slice of Life owe it to themselves to also check out the behind the scenes videos that outline the research that went into this production and the process that the film-makers used for creating the shots. It's like handing someone sticks, stones, a few pieces of string, and a $20.00 bill while telling them to make something with scenes that stand up to the cyberpunk world of Blade Runner. Impossible? Apparently not.
Kudos to the patience and raw talent displayed in this work of art. The major studios would be insane not to hire these people.
People who see Slice of Life owe it to themselves to also check out the behind the scenes videos that outline the research that went into this production and the process that the film-makers used for creating the shots. It's like handing someone sticks, stones, a few pieces of string, and a $20.00 bill while telling them to make something with scenes that stand up to the cyberpunk world of Blade Runner. Impossible? Apparently not.
Kudos to the patience and raw talent displayed in this work of art. The major studios would be insane not to hire these people.
It's not accurate to say that "Slice of Life" is inspired by or is an homage to "Blade Runner" - simply, it is a story that exists on its own in the BR universe. There are far too many markers to say other wise... Everything from the almost trademark cinematography to its identifiers like advertisements to "off-world" colonies, dining at the White Dragon, Deckard's gun, spinners, nods to Atari, etc... right down to the "One More Kiss Dear" sound-a-like sound track on the end credits. Make no mistake about- this is supposed to be Deckard's LA in 2019.
That having been said, this is quite the Herculean task- a small limited budget short film that set out to tell a story set in one of the most iconic, influential, Si-Fi universes of all time. A landscape that is incredibly layered and detailed and "atmospheric". Slice certainly did so very successfully and impressively.
It was a smart choice to have a lack of dialogue and instead let the atmosphere speak for itself. It is reminiscent of the short films that were released ahead of BR 2049 featuring some of the characters in the film. Same universe, just different stories. My only qualm, without spoiling anything, was I wish there was something more to the story itself. At the end of the day, a strong story and strong characters (in my opinion) need to be the bedrock on which to build everything else.
However I really did enjoy this love letter to BR and I applaud the incredible effort!
That having been said, this is quite the Herculean task- a small limited budget short film that set out to tell a story set in one of the most iconic, influential, Si-Fi universes of all time. A landscape that is incredibly layered and detailed and "atmospheric". Slice certainly did so very successfully and impressively.
It was a smart choice to have a lack of dialogue and instead let the atmosphere speak for itself. It is reminiscent of the short films that were released ahead of BR 2049 featuring some of the characters in the film. Same universe, just different stories. My only qualm, without spoiling anything, was I wish there was something more to the story itself. At the end of the day, a strong story and strong characters (in my opinion) need to be the bedrock on which to build everything else.
However I really did enjoy this love letter to BR and I applaud the incredible effort!
Such a cool SF short! It's an homage to the science fiction movies of the 80's, so if you're a fan, this will be a dream come true, and if you don't care for the genre, you'll be astonished by the sheer brilliance of the filmmaking in this movie. The esthetic is amazing, all done with practical effects and miniatures... storytelling is Hitchcockian - show, don't tell. It hits all the right notes for suspense and puts you in the middle of dystopian vortex of despair. This movie left me wanting more, sure hope I get it.
- jade_saibot
- Feb 15, 2020
- Permalink
A real good film noir with wise touch of Blade Runner. Smart crafted story about a drug dealer looking for money for a radical change of his life. A desperate gesture. A cop and his blackmail. And the run to profit by opportunity.
The care for each detail, the musical score , the atmosphere and, not the last, the performances are the precious good points of this short film who reflects a splendid cinematographyc culture and a high respect for audience.
The result of entire effort is a great short film crowned by the perfect end.
And this has as result the emotional implication of viewer in the facts of guy looking to obtain his fair slice of life.
The care for each detail, the musical score , the atmosphere and, not the last, the performances are the precious good points of this short film who reflects a splendid cinematographyc culture and a high respect for audience.
The result of entire effort is a great short film crowned by the perfect end.
And this has as result the emotional implication of viewer in the facts of guy looking to obtain his fair slice of life.
- Kirpianuscus
- Jul 13, 2023
- Permalink
Very impressive production. I am in awe by the film makers and also watched how they shot it :D Incredible! Really, really proud of the guys and the dedication they put into it.
- jlihhatsova
- Jan 29, 2021
- Permalink
What can two guys working in a garage on their passion project in Croatia do? A lot apparently. What started as a short film that was completely self funded ended up being one of the most successful short film Kickstarter campaigns, and for a good reason. Hrgovic and Julius made more than a fan film, they took everything they love and admire from their favorite directors and movies and made it their own. Miniatures, matte paintings and the "old school" way of doing things is, in their case, a strength and what gives this short film its magic and charm. The making of videos on their Youtube channel could easily be a series on their own. Looking forward in seeing what will happen once they get the acknowledgment and recognition they deserve.
- markomrazek
- Nov 16, 2021
- Permalink
I really liked this film. It Is beautiful and entertaining. The practical effects in this film were as identical to the original Blade Runner. The lack of dialogue in this film made it relaxing and will be good way to watch when you're in bed.
The world and atmosphere these guys have created to build the cyberpunk world was basically flawless, from the colors, VFX, practical effects and costuming. This is the most accurate Blade Runner type film I've ever seen. I hope we get to see more movies like this in the future. 20 minutes was a great runtime for 'Slice of Life'. Wish Harrison Ford could be in it. 8/10.
The world and atmosphere these guys have created to build the cyberpunk world was basically flawless, from the colors, VFX, practical effects and costuming. This is the most accurate Blade Runner type film I've ever seen. I hope we get to see more movies like this in the future. 20 minutes was a great runtime for 'Slice of Life'. Wish Harrison Ford could be in it. 8/10.
- Charlesxsaver
- Apr 13, 2023
- Permalink
Very refreshing to see, that this group of filmmakers used so many old school techniques to make this film just as good as a professional Sci fi movie, where everything is almost made by CGI.
The work with the practical miniatures is so well done. With a minimal amount of resources, they achieved a very moody and dystopian Sci fi look.
This movie is only told by action of the actors and not by talking and they sold the stories so good, that there is no need for the actors to talk. What we see on screen says enough to tell the story. You can feel the emotions of the main character and the struggle he is going through.
Very well done and a must watch for every Sci fi fan.
The work with the practical miniatures is so well done. With a minimal amount of resources, they achieved a very moody and dystopian Sci fi look.
This movie is only told by action of the actors and not by talking and they sold the stories so good, that there is no need for the actors to talk. What we see on screen says enough to tell the story. You can feel the emotions of the main character and the struggle he is going through.
Very well done and a must watch for every Sci fi fan.
- janspiller
- Oct 3, 2023
- Permalink
It's clear that this short film was heavily inspired by Bladerunner but it seemed too much like a rip-off of both Bladerunner films and the Cyberpunk game combined, only on the aesthetic and sociological level. It is lacking in the philosophical depth of Philip K. Dick and other works associated with science fiction and the cyberpunk genre, which is probably an unfair criticism based on the high bar set by such writers, but it's worth noting. Fully aware that this would be hard to achieve within the confines of a short film, I do feel that even if this story was given a feature-length opportunity and budget I still believe it would fall flat.
Aesthetically very slick and cool while maintaining the dirty underground feel it successfully executes, but some of the corny imagery and particularly cheesy soundtrack takes away from what would otherwise be a rewatchable sci-fi short.
Given the criticism, I am however impressed with what was achieved on this reportedly limited budget, and would certainly give other films by Luka Hrgovic and/or Dino Julius a watch to see how they each develop their craft.
Aesthetically very slick and cool while maintaining the dirty underground feel it successfully executes, but some of the corny imagery and particularly cheesy soundtrack takes away from what would otherwise be a rewatchable sci-fi short.
Given the criticism, I am however impressed with what was achieved on this reportedly limited budget, and would certainly give other films by Luka Hrgovic and/or Dino Julius a watch to see how they each develop their craft.