Branches

This short film is full of heart and shot with a powerful eye for character, nature and the world around us. Rick Hansberry's award-winning screenplay has been turned into a spirited cinematic winter wonderland tale by Chris Messineo and his compatriots from Offstage Films, which has produced a slew of other great shorts. Be prepared to go on a holiday journey filled with magnificent cinematography, great acting and meticulous direction. Guided by the veteran actor Daniel Stern's calm voice and with a supporting cast of skilled actors, "Branches" takes us on a wonderful winter ride that both writer and director have carefully planned and executed with skill and nuance. Especially during this holiday season, this film would make a great gift and something that should become a part of everyone's library for viewing not only during the festive season but any time of the year. Anyone who has the chance should check it out at film festivals or buy the DVD. I give it 10 out of 10.