On the Edge

"On the Edge" is a touching story about people and life. It is too bad it never got a wider release, audiences would have appreciated it.

Cillian Murphy and Stephen Rea make this film. Murphy creates a relatable character with Jonathan, making us genuinely care for him and empathize with his pain. He is a talent to watch. Rea's subtle style of acting is perfect for the role of Dr. Figure. Their scenes together are funny and poignant at the same time. The dialogues between them are very well written, as are the ones between Jonathan and Rachel (the also good Tricia Vessey).

Since I always pay attention to a film's atmosphere, I have to say that I loved the atmosphere and cinematography in "On the Edge". There is a melancholy and earthy quality to the cinematography, which fits perfectly with the film's themes of joy, sorrow and, ultimately, life as the most valuable thing in the universe.

Everyone should see this film for its wonderful message and the acting.

9/10

After seeing this film's premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh, I cannot wait for it to be released in theatres. The acting is exceptional, especially on the part of Cillian Murphy. John Carney's direction is innovative and hopeful, and his free use of camera movements, angles and extreme close-ups adds so much to the depth of this film. Finally, the soundtrack is essential to the emotional impact of the movie. All in all, a versatile and funny film that is optimistic without nearing sappiness.

After the death of his alcoholic father, Jonathan Breech (Cillian Murphy) steals the urn with his ashes from the house of his brother and drives a robbed car off a cliff to commit suicide. However her survives and accepts an alternative sentence of three months in therapy in a psychiatric hospital with a suicide group under the supervision of Dr. Figure (Stephen Rea). He befriends the disturbed Rachel Row (Tricia Vessey), who saw her mother dying in an accident, and Toby (Jonathan Jackson), who accidentally killed his brother in a car crash. During the treatment, the sarcastic Jonathan changes his behavior and sees the importance of being alive.

"On the Edge" explores an unusual theme - the behavior of persons that have survived a suicide attempt. However, the plot fails since it is pointless and the motives of the lead character to try to commit suicide are never clear: does he miss his alcoholic father, or is he simply a crazy disturbed young man? On the contrary, the motives of Rachel and Toby are very clear. The acting is great, with the exception of Stephen Rea, who has a weak performance in the role of a passive psychiatrist that does not seem to help his patients. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "A Beira da Loucura" ("On the Edge of the Madness")

i am tired of going into details on films . Cillian Murphy is captivating. The comedy is brilliant in timing and delivery and Stephen Rea plays it low profile in this film. Such constant and well done comedic content is based around young adults whon in despair do not wish to live and are institutionalised for it. (which is rare enough to find mental health assistance in ireland). the main character starts out wanting to end his life , commits sarcasm and jokes on all serious matters to hide his pain. He then through a series of life's common events, grows to appreciate life in a most touching way. as they say Tragedy Plus Time Equals Comedy" which seems to make a premise of this film yet for the character, his comedy stemming from pain grows to enlightenment. anyone who can understandably see the levels of mental depression in ireland that go without treatment can , i hope , relate to the issue at hand and appreciate the ability to laugh at life as well as treasure it. anyway this is how i interpret it, ( nothing worse than a critic, lol) ;-)

On the Edge is a very unique film that you will not soon forget. From the very beginning I was captivated by the story and its characters. The characters are true to life as are the issues they are facing so it was very easy for me to identify with them. I was impressed by the performances of all three of the main actors, Cillian Murphy, Tricia Vessey and Jonathan Jackson. If I have any complaints about the film at all it would have to be that Jonathan Jackson should have been given top billing since it is his character, Toby, who is the true heart of the film.