Still Breathing (1997) User Reviews

It's so unbelievably probable that you want it all to happen - for a real dream!

[ruby_fff · 7/10 · 11 June 2001]

Like most people who discovered STILL BREATHING - written, directed, and produced by James F. Robinson, I chanced upon this fantasy of a film while checking out Cable programs. The beginning sequence just kept me curious and wanting to know more, what's going to happen to the two main characters and so on. At the time, I just saw Brendan Fraser in "Blast From the Past" opposite Alicia Silverstone, and appreciated Joanna Going's role in another small gem, "Eden" (1997, written and directed by Howard Goldberg), as a wife-teacher-mother who has Multiple Sclerosis. STILL BREATHING has magic, and it's so relaxingly delightful!

You might say it's quirky, or want to dismiss it as mere fantasy romance. But if you believe - as the film suggests, fate takes a hand in the destined arrangement of two persons being together. The pairing of Brendan Fraser (as Fletcher, the goofy but smart, always a sincere aura about him) and Joanna Going (as the aloof, vulnerable and hesitating Ros) is a godsend unlikely possible couple. James F. Robinson's writing is just right, and his direction is right on. Kudos to October Films for distributing such a wonderful 'small' film, greatly satisfying and enjoyable. It's a surprise gem.

There are special close-ups of things - a leaf, a hand, a rock, a knee…each has its own subtle, subliminal significance. Welcome, fate and destiny. Fraser is this young man with such a dedicated and steadfast focus in what he believes - in his heart (a trait handed down from generations in his family) - it is not hokey. It's so unbelievably probable that you want it to be - to happen for real. It's romance at play without showing cupids and 'cutesy' elements. It all seems so downright natural - even thought we know we're in a fantasy Hollywood movie. It doesn't matter: you're on this seeking journey with Brendan and you're not gonna let go - can he fulfill what he held close to his unwavering heart? Joanna Going's Ros seems perfect opposite Fraser's Fletcher. It's matchless casting! Wonderful writing. Imaginative. Creative. What a love and destiny story. Ah, Fletcher and Ros. (I'm repeating myself.)

The supporting cast proves to be just as delightful: Celeste Holm as Fletcher's grandmother Ida who has versatile talents; Lou Rawls is the Tree Man who plays music; Ann Magnuson is Ros' social pal Elaine; Michael McKean is a momentarily rich business man. Yes, the menu includes classical tune played by a jazz band, puppet show to cheer a young child, stones stacking as an art, slide projections with 'geographical' touches, endearing hints of black & white flashes. There is wisdom of love, or love legend a-telling… It's San Antonio, Texas vs. L.A. city scene - which place would you choose? Depends on whom you'd be with - or shall we leave it up to fate?

The soundtrack and sound effects contribute to the whole enjoyment of STILL BREATHING. Check it out. Leave skepticism aside. Don't miss a beat.

For romantics only.

[=G= · 6/10 · 9 March 2002]

With "Still Breathing", Robinson takes a risky but brave approach to romantic comedy/light-drama with a dreamy concoction of unlikely bedfellows, quirky characters, implausibilities, capriciousness, paranormal events, art, and romance. Fraser plays a Texas street performer who seeks out the girl of his dreams (literally) in Los Angeles, a hard-hearted and cynical scam-artist (Going). Viewers will have to shut down the left side of their brains and just go with it to appreciate this fairy tale flick. Those who do may find pleasingly romantic metaphors in piling rocks, stories about windows, and other stuff which left-brainers would deem nonsense. Different enough for a look.

An Engaging Film

[mpbodul · 7/10 · 7 September 2005]

I'll watch this wonderful film anytime it comes up on Dish or cable. It was captivating, yet low key; weird, yet very sane, even with the dreams.

It was the first time I had ever seen Joanna Going - an exceptionally beautiful woman. I have seen her since in several other films, but she was perfectly cast in this movie.

This low key movie is a very old fashioned film, yet again at the same time, very modern. It harks back to romantic films of the 30s and 40s, but I can't say which film. It has that feel.

Brendan Fraser's character's stress on family and his relationship with his grandmother was something that is sorely lacking in films of today.

Surrender to this movie and believe.

[beachrat-1 · 11 June 2005]

For those thinking this is a chick flick, my partner brought this to me because it resonates with our story so strongly. And he is a gun-totin', beer-drinkin', crude & rude redneck. Sometimes it does happen that there's an amazing connection between people who belong together but can't necessarily believe it, because of personal histories and all of the paraphernalia of "real life". And it takes one person to believe all the time, or two people each to believe enough of the time, to carry them through the parts where you just have to *trust* the other person and take the leap. That's really what this movie is about, to us, and it captures all of that just perfectly.

...was flipping channels and it caught my eye

[chvideo · 6/10 · 18 March 2000]

Unfortunately I missed the beginning of this film, so I couldn't tell what was going on at first, but the girl, the gun, the dead guy and the black & white dream sequence caught my eye. After that I was unexplainedly hooked into watching the rest of this film--I simply could not stop watching it. It was like reading a good book you can't put down.

Still Breathing is still breathtaking

[editor-306 · 8/10 · 13 July 2006]

Combining eccentricity with serendipity, Still Breathing is still, almost ten years after it was first released, one of the best fate-filled and wistfully magical love stories of all time. Take one somewhat unusual street performer who is mystically drawn towards his soul mate - a hardened con artist miles away, and then back their journey towards, away and towards one another with a gorgeous soundtrack that moves effortlessly from Chopin to Carly Simon, and you've got one very touching if not markedly unique story. Fraser is great as the slightly odd lovestruck suitor as is Going, who clearly portrays her struggle with losing the grip on her tough anti-emotion veneer as it starts to crumble under Fraser's enticing conviction. The lovely locale of San Antonio, TX also adds to the charm of this special film that will leave you wondering if one soul is truly destined to be, exclusively, with another.

good acting + great score = solid flick

[tlopesio · 7/10 · 31 May 2007]

This is hands down the best performance from Brendan Fraser EVER. He makes his "odd" character likable and charming, which was a big surprise...he's usually way too over the top for me. The movie has some slow moments (like most of the scenes involving Joanna Going's character and a Spanish dude, and some other girl who always shows her cleavage) but other than that the flick flows nicely. It's pretty low budget, but the score really makes you feel like you're watching a bigger movie - the score helps many moments in the film. The best thing about the movie is how it handles love and romance, which is done in a very subtle, methodical fashion that makes you really understand and associate with the characters. Highly recommended if you're in the mood for a different type of romantic comedy.

A weak attempt at a fairy tale romance

[KB-21 · 4/10 · 1 March 1999]

'Still Breathing' was marred by tedious pacing, forced characters (I could have lived my whole life without seeing Brendan 'Encino Man' Fraser play with marionettes), and a story so threadbare it doesn't even wash as a fairy tale. One senses that the plot got resolved when it did only because the director looked at his watch and realized how long the movie was getting. Harmless, prettily shot, and OK if you're so into the whole puppies-and-kitties moon-June-spoon romance ideal that you have NO standards whatsoever, but as a film for normal people to watch, pretty mediocre.

Deep meaning flowing through it - Excellently cast

[kirkham-1 · 8/10 · 15 June 2004]

If you are not a sensitive guy - don't bother. Otherwise, this film is a treat. You must see the film in its entirety or you will not get it. Super casting job - I do not know of any others who could have handled the parts so well. A true look beyond the superficial plastic sides of characters we usually see. A truly pleasing experience to watch. Brendan Frasier and Joanna Going have much more going for them then the typical fluff of Hollywood types and this movie displays their depth well. Celeste Holm is enchanting and the supporting cast add much color and flavor.

Barely breathing

[jackjack-2 · 6/10 · 5 October 2001]

For all its flaws, it still is a movie worthwhile to watch. The viewer has to live with a plot that is unrealistic. But accepting the plot, the movie has its moments though it plods along. The opening scenes are somewhat incomprehensible and it is not until the end that there is a glimmer of what the opening scenes are about and the viewer has to be quick to catch it.

I felt comfortable with the characters. Unlike most characters today, they were classy. Even though Joanna Going plays a gold digging artist, she acts like a lady. One thing about this movie that makes viewer comfortable is that the dialog is clean. There is no offensive and demeaning language and there is no nudity or sex to spoil the ambience. One good thing about the movie was that it is a movie about a classic romance which no longer is a subject of movies today which have to be dirty.

One good scene was when Going gets rid of a rich pest. It was very funny and a scene that I will long remember. But at the end the movie really falls apart even though the ending was what one hoped for. But the ending is badly done, not fulfilling, implied rather than explicit. All too often the movie was vague.

Celeste Holm was a delight in the movie. Going was adequate in her role but she showed nothing that would make her a star. Brendon Frasier played a different role than he usually plays. It was hard to realize he was not a villian because that is his usual role and it took a few minutes to realize that he was going to be the good guy for once.

Sheer boredom caught on film...

[paul_haakonsen · 2/10 · 17 November 2023]

I had never heard about this 1997 movie titled "Still Breathing" prior to stumbling upon it by random chance here in 2023. And seeing that the movie had Brendan Fraser on the cast list, of course I opted to sit down and watch the movie.

And I managed to sit through a staggering 40 slow paced minutes of absolutely nothing happening. I gave up on the movie then, and I have zero intentions of returning to attempt to watch the remaining 69 minutes of the movie. Writer and director James F. Robinson delivered an impressive amount of absolutely nothing with this 1997 movie.

The storyline was flaccid, the pacing of the narrative was insanely slow paced, and there just was nothing to keep my interest glued to the screen. So "Still Breathing" from writer and director James F. Robinson was a massive swing and a miss in terms of entertaining me.

Sure, the acting performances by leading actor Brendan Fraser and leading actress Joanna Going were good, but the total lack of anything worthwhile or watchable in the script just utterly killed off this movie for me.

My rating of "Still Breathing" lands on a two out of ten stars.

Beautiful, spellbinding

[pzylik · 8/10 · 21 November 2003]

I can't remember how I came across this unheard-of movie a few years ago, but I am a fan of Brendan Fraser and so I settled back to watch it. I'd never heard one little thing about this movie before, and I was so pleasantly surprised with the whole experience. There was a quiet magic about the whole story. It was a beautiful, peaceful, serene experience just to watch the relationship develop and to enjoy those stunning scenic shots. When the movie ended I felt so relaxed and refreshed! Some months later I had a chance to watch it again, and once again it was like a calming meditation. "Beautiful" and "Magical" are the only two words coming to mind to describe this movie. It's excellent, and I recommend it highly if you're in the mood for something sweet and peaceful that will make you feel much more alive afterwards. I give it 8 out of 10. Wonderful movie.

Follow that dream

[Irie212 · 7/10 · 17 January 2024]

"Still Breathing" joins a whole category of comedies that involve a supernatural element. Instead of witches (from Eastwick or anywhere) or ghosts or time-travelers or talking animals, it has Brendan Fraser as Fletcher McBracken, a young man who has prophetic dreams. Like his father, and his grandfather, and so on, he has dreams that envision the face of his one true love, and, like them, he sets out to find her. She turns out to be Roz (Joanna Going), a clever con artist in Los Angeles who, for screwball reasons, mistakenly assumes he's rich.

It's worth seeing for the performances, especially by Fraser and Celeste Holm as his grandmother; for the writing, which rises well above the screwball plot ("Oh, it does cause quite a fuss, that combination: smart and beautiful"); and for the all-important fact that Fletcher is almost embarrassed by his vision, but can't deny it-- it's the family legacy.

There is also freshness here. This is the only feature film by Texas-born James F. Robinson, and it includes, for instance, a scene with Fletcher and Roz watching a slideshow of great paintings. After seeing a few, Fletcher points the projector toward Roz, whose blouse is open because she had been trying to seduce him, and her torso becomes the screen for the Virgin Mary, for a landscape, for a female nude...

Are you kidding me?

[bessbuzzini · 1/10 · 5 January 2021]

So you're telling me a "street performer" and puppeteer has enough money for a two story house, a classic car, trip to China, trip to California, last minute plane tickets back to Texas and is still too poor? If he lived in a hovel and drove a hoopty it would be more realistic. Clearly he has some family money to be able to throw a party for all those people including alcohol and pursue his dream of building rock sculptures and puppeting.

A Gem

[abooboo-2 · 9/10 · 6 August 2000]

The premise - sweet-natured, goofy guy gradually wins over cynical, sophisticated girl - has been around a long time, but if you get the right people involved and you're working with a patient, thoughtful script, it's foolproof. You can't go wrong. "Still Breathing" is a perfect example of this.

A cool breeze of delicate moments, tender surprises and disarming understatement, it achieves a magic that clunkers like "Simply Irresistable" can only dream about. It understands that romantic comedies are all about the hesitations, the silences, the searching looks - NOT contrived situations and screwball antics.

It also realizes that the actors who are paired have to BELIEVE in the material, in each other, and aren't just there because their agents thought it would be a good career move. Brendan Fraser and Joanna Going trust the script completely, they surrender to it. You can tell by the offhand, unforced way Fraser says his lines - knowing there's really no way he can foul them up. And Going; who looks like Winona Ryder, Teri Hatcher and Alyssa Milano (depending on the angle) shows the emotional turbulence of going from someone who is very sure of herself to suddenly not being very sure about anything at all. She's lost her innocence, then found it again but it's been so long she's lost it that she has a hard time recognizing it. It's also great to see veteran actress Celeste Holm infusing the film with her sparkle and intelligence.

A real pleasant surprise, you just find yourself melting into its gentle rhythms and not wanting it to end.

Deeper than it sounds

[lassofrivendell · 13 June 2003]

Still Breathing is a cute, feel good movie for all romantics out there. It is quorky, and even in its simplisitic thinking, it is truly a 'deep movie'. Brendan Fraser is terrific as Fletcher, and Joanna Going is splendid as Roz. However, many people might look down at this movie because it is rather, well, fictional. Many believe that true love is implausible, but this movie teaches that whatever the scenario, true love is completely realistic. I enjoyed this movie very much and hope that, without becoming repetitive, there will be more like it.

Tramp teases Texan; manipulates mutt for money; learns lasting lessons on love

[helpless_dancer · 5/10 · 23 October 2002]

Passable film concerning a cynical woman who dreams of true love while fleecing hand picked lovers. Mistaken identity leads her on a path of discovery, learning there's more to life than money and things. Real fiction, not real life.

Fantastic movie

[debdshaw60 · 10/10 · 5 August 2018]

Brendan Fraser could read a phone book to me and I'd die happy. He has a beautiful voice. He has a magical chemistry with his costars and with the camera. He exudes innocence, gentleness, and good humor. Celeste Holme is stunning and perfectly cast.

I just love this film.

Joanna Going, Brendan Fraser

[sjanders-86430 · 2/10 · 30 December 2020]

Casting Brendan Fraser in a romantic lead doesn't work for me. He is not romantic looking so why was he cast? Joanna Going doesn't fit with Fraser in looks or personality. The foolish idea that someone is preordained for a certain other is garbage. This thinking is destructive to common sense and thoughtful relationships. He collaged an image from a dream! Give me a break. Then he goes looking for her and finds her at the Formisa Bar in LA. And he takes her back to San Antonio. This is supposed to make them perfect for each other. This script is awful thinking. She would never go for him to SAN ANYONIO! No offence but ...

The best Truth/Love screenplay that's ever been written?

[galileo · 10/10 · 16 July 2003]

I'm blown away by this screenplay. It's the best modern movie about "true love" I've seen. The emotional depth portrayed in the characters is explosive yet classic. Marry that with incredible cinematographic images and a wonderfully eclectic, sophisticated soundtrack, and you've got the ingredients to a contender for my short list of all-time favorites. As you can tell by this over the top reccomendation, this movie's got the kind of overboard sentimentality that inspires the same in me!

For Only the Incurable Romantics

[docm-32304 · 8/10 · 20 February 2021]

I loved this film. It is quirky, but one of the most romantic films I've seen. It has a slow methodical pace, similar to The Notebook and follows the get together of an artistic man and a woman of bad sorts shall we say. But in the end, it is an intelligent romance, very dissimilar to the Hallmark factory.

Beautiful

[Buffycar · 1 December 2003]

I absolutely LOVED this movie. The way it was filmed was so beautiful. It made me want to visit Texas. I was thrilled to see Joanna Going. She was on a soap opera I used to watch a looooong time ago. She is as beautiful as ever. The characters are believable. Joanna Going's character, Roz, is a con artist but instead of disliking her you feel sympathy for her. I would watch this movie again and again. The music weaves throughout the film and makes you feel good.

Inexplicably overlooked romantic comedy

[wiluxe-2 · 10/10 · 28 March 2005]

I saw this at it's premiere in Austin at SXSW a few years ago--Joanna Going sat two seats over from me in the balcony at the Paramount on Congress Avenue in Austin--and the audience loved it. Brendan Fraser is pretty charming in the lead. I was surprised by the cameos: what's-his-face, Lou Rawls, as a street musician; and what's-her-name, who played Fraser's mom (I don't have the cast list handy). An "OLD Hollywood" icon. Anyway the plot is pretty unique, but maybe the main plot device could have been more clearly explained right off; I knew what was happening only because the director said what was happening in his opening remarks to the Paramount audience. The producer, a tall blonde BABE in a very lovely dress, gave me a CD of the soundtrack as I was leaving; I told her I thought the film was great and that I hoped she'd make a lot of money off it. She sighed and said she hoped so too.

Wonderful

[ociopia · 10/10 · 30 December 2020]

I had never heard of this movie or the female lead. Brendan Frasier is one of my favorite actors. He is able to suspend my disbelief in a magical way and he brings that to this movie. He's also hysterically funny. OMG I love him in Blast From The Past. He swashbuckled in The Mummy but I thought that was darling and fun and silly.

I now realize that what he also brings, that I've never seen before, is incredibly sensual over-the-top sex appeal. Holy cow. He is absolutely beautiful, like a Greek or Roman statue. As the movie went along, I started to think he was like the perfect man that you'd dream about, give anything to be with but would never be clever enough to recognize. And I think that was one half of the plot. The other half was Joanna's two dreams, that she would find the man who was perfect for her and she'd deserve him. Simple. Complex.

I can't even explain why this movie works but it is literally enchanting. I started to feel like I was floating, carried along by the soft weave and tug of the tale. It is a tale, one of magic and promise, like all tales of love.

I think Joanna Going could not have been more perfect. You don't really know what chemistry between two actors is until you watch a movie that has it. Chemistry = when you watch two people touch, breathe on each other, and you'd give anything to be one of them right at that moment. Chemistry is The English Patient. This movie is hot.

hot, hot, hot!!!

[meerelda21 · 10/10 · 4 October 2007]

Oh, my GOD!!!! For years, I've had a thing for Brendan. This movie sealed the deal. He is too hot for words in this flick!!! The chemistry between the players is freakin' amazing!! My poor hubby searched high and low on the internet to find a copy of this for me, and fortunately, when our house was robbed last Christmas, they left my all time fave movie. I don't care just how "hardened" you may have become in the dating world...this movie will remind you what romance is all about. Being a Texas with a heart felt fondness for San Antonio doesn't hurt, either. Ladies...I guarantee that after this movie, your night will be filled with pleasant and slightly naughty dreams....especially the wife beater, personal serenity device...and OHMYGOD....the slide show scene. AHAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Trust me, it's a gooder!!!! You'll love it!