Mind the Gap

A strikingly poignant examination of the role of forgiveness in our lives. Schaeffer has created a collage of memorable characters and provides the audience with ample reason to care for their fates. The dialog is crisp and meaningful, the characters are unique and memorable, and the film concludes balanced and cohesive.

The film managed to brush the very edge of my tolerance for adversity as each character faced with their personal demons, but never stepped past the threshold into contrivance or absurdity. The usual cliches and "movie" plot mechanisms were ably dodged and the ending was more than I'd expected and all I could have hoped for.

This is the film that Magnolia wishes it could have been.

I watch so many movies, most of them become like wallpaper to my life, barely worthy of comment other than the 90 minute-long void in my life that they fill.

'Mind the Gap', however, was such enthralling viewing, and filled with so many points that made me question my own actions in life, that when the titles came up at the end, I actually felt that I had spent my time wisely, and felt so uplifted I had a tangible 'up-ness' about me! Superb acting, well-shot, and the intermingling stories provide a plot rich in human experience.

The most note-worthy film I have seen in a (sadly) long, long time! :-)

I was tempted to give up on this movie very early on. It seemed odd, sluggish and pretentious in that 'Touched by an Angel' sort of way.

And it was. The movie tries very hard to be heart-warming and self-important to the point that I imagine turns off many viewers.

But they are missing out on a true gem. Despite its over-earnest nature, the movie succeeds in being a feel-good movie thanks to a well-written story and some superb acting by a group of relative unknowns.

The film touches on 5 very different people's lives and how they keep their heads up despite some very sad fortunes. The film teases at first, giving us almost no information about these characters and expecting us to care about them as they plod along. But patience is certainly a rewarded virtue here as the BIGGER PICTURE is slowly revealed and the intricacies of these character's lives come together in a way I would have never imagined.

The fantastic acting done by the whole cast helps to move the story along whenever it appears to be stalling. Each actor manages to etch out deep, hidden emotions and secrets from their characters that are not fully-realized until the very end of the film. If nothing else, this movie is a great study of "effect and cause", rather than "cause and effect". You are privileged to see how each character has been changed by events in their life long before you find out what those events were and how profoundly they impacted their recipients.

In some vague ways, this movie reminds me of the 1984 film 'Paris, Texas' starring Nastassja Kinski and Harry Dean Stanton. A sparse, slow-moving film about a man deeply affected by an event we don't know until the last 15 minutes.

Looking at it's IMDb page, another user gives 'Paris, Texas' the "Life-Changing Movie" stamp of approval that others have given 'Mind the Gap', and I agree. If you have the patience and can stomach the incessant mushiness, 'Mind the Gap' is the type of film that makes you step back and look at the world (and your life) with fresh eyes. There is nothing in this movie that will blow the average-movie watcher away - but that is precisely why it is so good - it just doesn't work without YOU.

YOU are the 6th story - the 6th character.

'Mind the Gap' only sets up the formula, the pattern.

***YOU fill in THE GAP***

I watched this movie in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep. I had no idea what to expect, having never heard of the movie, and was pleasantly surprised.

What an amazing and diverse group of characters, all very complex. By the end I cared deeply for all of them.

The story lines were riveting and unpredictable. In the beginning, I couldn't imagine where this movie was going but it was a pleasure to watch it evolve.

I have not had a movie affect me like this in a very long time. Some very powerful and emotional messages....I highly recommend it and can't wait to see it again.

Though some of the acting in this film isn't incredible, it's certainly competent. I think Eric Schaeffer is a very talented actor and director, he did a great job with this film. The five stories that are told are intriguing and the transitions between them are smooth.

I'd recommend this movie if you are looking for an interesting collage of characters and plots rounded up by a blissfully happy ending. It's nice to see a movie with a complex plot and fascinating characters. It will leave you delighted with humanity and wondering what happened to each character.

I, for one, really enjoyed this movie. I saw it on a satellite movie channel and am very tempted to go and rent it... possibly even buy it when I can get my hands on it.