Dandelion

My new favourite movie, "Dandelion" is a mind-blowing film from the genius first-time director and all-around fantastic person, Mark Milgard. It's a certain must-see for everyone. Keep your eye out for more of Mark's work; "Dandelion" is going to be huge when it is finally released. The movie is rich with symbolism so subtle that it manages not to slap you in the face with obvious, cheesy links between each character and/or event, all while still pulling everything together, leaving no annoying loose ends to tie up in the end. The music was written for the movie, so it compliments the movie instead of distracting from it, and the scenery (as you'll read in many more reviews) is stunning. "Dandelion" has already won awards from many of the festivals it has appeared in, and it's on its way to receive more awards all around the world.

In my opinion, everything in this film is superior. The acting was incredible, storyline, plot and screen writing were very realistic. Some might say that the writing had too many curse words in it, but I think that it really showed realism. I actually cried a little during this film, and that's saying something, because I never cry during movies. I always look at them like a critic and manage not to cry during sad dramas. This one was very well casted, makeup was well done...and everything else. The Mullich parents, I think, had the best acting, especially Arliss Howard (Luke), since his character was very deep and complex. I think he pulled it off quite nicely. Taryn Manning and Vincent Kartheiser acted their characters incredibly well, the realism of it all just blew me away. I thought that everything seemed real and was all very well done. I applaud everyone involved and I would recommend this film to a great number of people.

There isn't much to say about Dandelion that the film doesn't say for itself. Form the beautiful shots of Idaho fields to the perfectly understated acting, Dandelion is its own greatest compliment. The editing, although only using very few techniques succeeds in making the most powerful transistions possible. As well, for a movie of its length and bare bones story it is amazing that the film never feels boring. Most directors would have felt like making Dandelion a short, but in its full length one can see its true colors. Anyone who watches independent film will not be surprised by the plot, but the beauty with which Dandelion executes the simple story is a testament to artistic film making.

This movie caught me off guard at the Sundance Film Festival. This is an emotionally charged story that really lets you feel the emotion the characters are going through. The cinematography is breath taking and is simply put one of the best films shown at the festival. The acting was top notch and the directing was flawless. Make sure you see this film when it comes out. You will be in for a real treat.

Wow, I just watched this movie for the first time and actually never heard of it before yesterday. I was amazed by this incredible work of art. I have seen Vincent Karthiser before in Another Day In Paradise, and was impressed with that performance, but this one is in another dimension. This is a beautiful but very sad movie, a hard thing to accomplish with this depth of emotion. All the lead actors are at the top of their game, and the last 10 minutes of the film are an emotional roller-coaster. I can't recommend this any more highly, I gave it 10 stars. I knew almost nothing about the story before I watched it, and within the first minute I was hooked. All I can say is, wow what a fantastic way to spend an hour and a half.