Father of Nations

I really liked the movie, so much so that I saw it twice. The movie is very well done - cinematography, acting, story line, dialogue, directing, music, etc. And overall production values. I didn't know what to expect as a production going in, with the movie being an independent film made locally, but was blown away by the high quality of the work.

This is a post-apocalypse movie dealing with the likely extinction of the human race and how the characters respond to that realization while they are struggling to survive. It's a great movie on its own merits. It is an amazing movie for one made in Alberta by Albertans.

Beautiful cinematography. Aspects of the film reminded me of The Road and The Book of Eli. There are some intense action scenes in the film, yet the overall story feels more character-driven than plot-driven. This film is a conversation that explores the various ways that people confront the breaking down of society and their search for meaning. There was some exposition at the start of the film and the pace picked up after that. I appreciated the unexpected comedic moments in the film. Great soundtrack. I am blown away that this film was made by a young production company. It's scale is epic.

It is a moving portrayal of perseverance in the face of hopelessness. Of choosing faith over fear and doubt. Awe-inspiring cinematic landscapes. The incredible heartstring pulling acting. And thought provoking script.

The filmmakers were obviously inspired by Terrence Malick's masterpiece but spun their story into the territory of apocalyptic action.

Although the poetic writing had content worthy of meditation, sometimes it stalled the story or retold aspects that were already understood. Despite pulling from a depth of literature and philosophic thinkers, when every word is important, it exhausts the viewer and can fall flat. The interspersement of action and story propelling information saved this film from being a beautiful letdown. Now it can stand on it's feet and have something to say. I'll add this to my list of great Canadian filmmaking and recommend anyone to view it for both the masterclass in cinematography and its ability to carve into the hallow spaces inside us all that calls out to something outside and says "Why?".

The photography was exceptional; the settings were realistic for a dystopian situation. Hilda, Alberta served well (as in the community coming together) in making it seem like a run down existence.

The monologues were well written and the main roles were well acted but some minor actor deliveries were stilted. The editing was intriguing (moving back and forth in time). However the story was thin; the movie was too long.

Cyril Anderst had less of a role than he did in "Where Were We in '63" and the same amount of dialogue. The same old house was in the movie but in one scene it burned down; it won't be in any future films.

We have had the privilege of seeing this movie twice. It was so good the first time we had to go back and see it again! Amazing cinematography. Music was outstanding. Dialogue was very thought-provoking. The movie broached hard subjects with courage and depth. And the plot was well written and intriguing. The acting was excellent. I cried several times during the movie. Going back-and-forth in time created a lot of intrigue and interest. This film was entirely done in Alberta, and the cast and crew did an amazing job! Although the film dealt with some hard subjects and the characters' varied emotional reactions to these, the ending was very hopeful! I would like to find out what happens after the story. Keep going Thousand Year Films! I am very much looking forward to your next movie!