Gone (2002) User Reviews

genuinely fantastic film with major flaw

[petercook-310-678991 · 8/10 · 10 March 2012]

Having conquered the critics (and the box-office) with Fakin' Da Funk, Tim Chey could have "sold out" and kept delivering more of the same. Fortunately, he was wise enough to try different paths, and although all his movies can be classified as faith-based thrillers there's no real similarity between them, except maybe a common theme of alienation and solitude.

This film is a clever idea, but one has to wonder if the ending was tacked on because the movie was getting too dark. The revelation at the end that everybody was the anti-Christ, feels something like hearing a joke that builds up for 5 minutes and ends with a silly pun. Anyhow, this is a classic film, and who knows, some people may like the ending, but in my view the final explanation is so weak that it brings the rating down from a 9.5 to a 8.

Gone was a brilliant film. Period.

[k-ladden · 10/10 · 13 February 2012]

I truly do NOT understand why Gone was attacked as viscously as it was by the film media (there films much more worthy of the Golden Raspberry). I loved this film and was very impressed with the loving amount of dedication that it demonstrates on the part of the actors, writers and director. This was a GOOD movie: it had a strong and intelligent story; excellent and interesting characters; and real feel for the post-Apocalypse genre. I felt that the actor's everyman act worked beautifully in this film and created a sense of reality for the character and of his situation. 3 lawyers get left behind in the Philippines - awesome and amazing idea.

Overall, this is a complex and entertaining film and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in examinations of American culture and tradition, perhaps as a double feature with Citizen Cane (I am not, however, claiming that Gone was as good a film as Citizen Cane, only that they have a similar theme... what does it mean to be an American?).

Take your parents to see it over the weekend - they will be changed

[m-closson45 · 10/10 · 15 February 2012]

Here's the deal: It's real, it's heavy, and it's inspirational, but NOT AT ALL cheesy. Don't like that? Don't see it. I won't say much else. I will say that Tim Chey was shockingly good now that he's paid his dues with "Genius Club and 'Suing the Devil." I LOVE end times movies! I was very happy that this film never got political and blamed God for the number of "down on their luck" people that were shown, nor was the race card ever pulled out. It was also refreshing that the actor's all realized they were lost without God.

It's very funny at parts, but be prepared for some serious drama. In no ways is it cliché or contrived or boring. Let's just say that's it not Oliver Stone dramatic. This truly is a must see. To say "I laughed, I cried" would be really lame. It is the truth, though.

We know that Chey's crowning achievement "Suing the Devil" is going to take the cake, and I won't be complaining. But this movie deserves to be experienced and taken in by the masses.

Don't believe the bad critics and definitely not the low rating on IMDb.

[luca-luca23 · 9/10 · 20 February 2012]

I just saw GONE and I enjoyed it very much, so I can't understand why people say that this is a bad film. It's a good END TIMES drama with top acting and good directing. It's a movie on which you have to focus, but that goes automatically and it's not so hard to follow when you don't think "What the heck is going on" during the film.

The actors are very convincing in this.

So please, don't listen to the critics, they don't know what they're talking about. And as for the rating on IMDb: the only explanation I can think of is that a lot of people don't get this film because it's too complicated (although it's not), or because they didn't like the ending, or maybe because they expected too much. But this is definitely a very good faith-based drama, and it's one of those movies that make you think about how important life is.

Everyone who wants to see this movie: see it without any expectations and prejudices, you won't be disappointed....unless you hate talk of God.

The scariest ever...

[elliotdowney · 10/10 · 27 February 2012]

I saw this movie as a teenager when it was first released in 2003. The promotional hype for the film ensured you did not have a clue what it was about and people who had seen the movie were asked not to reveal the ending. You went to see it anticipating something scary and thats what you got. Even 10 years later I still remember sitting in a dark theatre with my heart pumping and everyone, and I mean everyone, screaming their lungs out. Especially when everyone get suddenly RAPTURED!!!

The movie set a new and very high standard in horror movies which I don't believe has ever been equaled. The characters were great, the direction perfect and the music, which I thought was absolutely fantastic, made this a classic.

I still get scared when I see it on DVD.

Pheomenal Rapture film - Gritty, hard-boiled, hard-core film

[ThomasinWestHollywood · 20 March 2007]

The film's become something of a cult classic as almost everyone who is interested in the Book of Revelation has seen 'Gone'.

The film is about 3 lawyers who are left in the Philippines after the Rapture takes place. Together they must escape while getting into deep philosophical discussions on God. Tim Chey did a credible job in bringing the reality of the Rapture and the tension of these 'left behind' lawyers to the big screen. Really enjoyed the dialogue and the intelligent bantering very much.

Its saddening that some people have just voted '1' just to ruin the rating of this film on IMDb. The median average is actually an '8'. I doubt if anyone really believes it is that bad. There are very few films (that I have chosen to watch) I would give ratings below 2. Equally a few people have given it 10 to counteract the 1's sadly they are out numbered. I have rated it 8 as I believe it had its highlights but also a few shortcomings.

The reason people will trash this movie is because it has religious overtones. Well, I guess I should say, it is a religious movie, no overtones about it. If you haven't been paying attention lately, anything that comes out of Hollywood with any kind of a religious message is going to be attacked, no matter the quality of the movie.

Maybe some people just don't know what a good movie is...

[bobbyf · 1/10 · 6 August 2004]

One of the reviewers here wrote: "Good acting, good special effects, great location. Even better ending. " All I can say is, "Ugh." This movie was painful to watch. Let me start by saying this: I am a Christian- considered extremely conservative by many people I know. So, what I am about to say is not biased by the"Christian content" of the film. I'm not gonna bash it because it's Christian. I am gonna give it a 1/10 because it's a horrible movie. The writing is bad- over the top, WAY too preachy, and much of the "preachy" stuff is just plain irrelevant to the story. It just makes for bad scriptwriting.

Whether I agree with the screenwriter's beliefs is irrelevant- make a good script that flows well, stays on track, and is believable. The acting was amateurish at best. But hey, when you cast amateurs, you get amateur performances. Dirk Been may have been on "Survivor," but that show requires ZERO acting ability. Playing on his name and reputation to sell units is in bad taste. Cast unknowns who can act and you'll have a much better film.

The effects were HORRIBLE. The scene with the hail and the subsequent falling of the stars was embarrassing to watch. And what was so great about the ending? It made no sense.Yeah, I know what Tim Chey was going for, but it missed the mark, big-time. I bought this film and expected so much more based on reviews and the misinformation on their website. And, although I was hoping for more, I got what I always get when I watch "Christian" films- an under budget, poorly written, pathetically acted, badly produced piece of ka-ka. Maybe someday, someone will finally step up to the plate with an end-times film as well-written and as well-made as Gibson's "Passion..." was. 1/10 stars.

Must watch

[cburby79 · 10/10 · 20 February 2012]

I gave this film a ten, not because it is the greatest film of all time. In term of film as a Rapture science, it is not the best and many others fly by it in terms of quality. But this film has something which I think is missing from a lot of films - God - and is missing from a lot of other Hollywood projects, heart. It is a truly happy film, it is a film which can lift you no matter how bad you feel. The whole concept about the little guy beating the big guy, Anti-Christ, is a bit clichéd, but it works beautifully.

When Jesus Christ returns, it's over.

The acting is actually pretty good, and the guy on Survivor, Joel is actually very good and if he had turned in the same quality in a film that wasn't meant for kids easy to imagine some serious awards for him. My final reason for you watching this film is simple, I am 18 years old and I still but cant help at cry at two moments in this film. It just makes me feel so happy and hopeful...SEE THIS FILM

Too bad!

[jarmlar · 3/10 · 4 April 2004]

I'm a Christian, and I have watched pretty of Christian movies, but this one is too bad. They try to make this good, but it's too hard for them I think.

• You can see the film is badly dubbed in many places. - You can almost think that the mainpersons in this film was the only ones left behind. I think there will be a lot more of them.

• The quality is poor, and the acting could have been better too. The story is not so very bad, but could've been better. The only plus I give, is to the story in this film, but totally I can't rate it more than 3/10. Watch "Left Behind" instead!

First time I saw this I wasn't impressed.

[clarkgriffith10 · 10/10 · 25 February 2012]

First time I saw this I wasn't impressed. Maybe because I expected more action from a Sci-Fi or faith-based movie. Then I rented it on DVD and upon re-watching I figured something out: This is one of the very few movies that gets better the more often you see it. It is a subtle movie. Slowly but surely this one has made it into the top 5 of my 'best movies of all time' list.

I don't particularly care for the director's cut version, though. The inner monologue is missing - which gives you some of the most thought inspiring moments, and some of the added scenes downright make no sense at all. if I'd seen that one first I might never have given it a second chance.

The cast is exceptional. Every one of them does a really fine job. Especially the blonde guy from 'Survivor' who delivers a stunning performance. Didn't know any of them could act! Most of the cast who were unknown before this movie have moved on to fame (and some to fortune) - and rightfully so.

GONE deserves credit, celebration and remembrance for it is simply an excellent film.

10 out of 10 (and I don't just throw this grade out like SOME people)

Worst Movie Ever

[jms4ma · 1/10 · 11 October 2004]

This movie was terrible. The acting was awful. The script was awful. What was even worse were the camera shots and sound. Half the time the voices did not match up with the actors lips, and different camera angles in the same scene would be completely different hues. The worst part had to be when one of the actors was at the top of a huge cross-shaped building. The building had to have been 50 stories high, and probably 100 feet wide. However, when the actor was on top of it in another shot, they had "recreated" the top of the building. The building's width had been reduced to about eight feet wide. How could a building hundreds of feet high be eight feet wide? I know the film was low budget, but it is inexcusable. The movie itself just pushed ideas about a "rapture" then actually having a storyline or point. This reduced the script to mere rubbish, the characters seemed to be selling ideas in their lines rather than conveying emotions and moving the movie along in a direction. It was a complete waste of time watching. The movie gives Christians a bad name if it is one of the current best Christian films out there.

Adventurous Sci-Fi Thriller masterpiece

[christines-307-388996 · 10/10 · 7 March 2012]

Perhaps what makes the film have a such a raw, earthly quality is its relation to settings of man vs. nature in the modern world. Facing something infinitely more powerful than man is what the story comes down to; perhaps even man can conquer the unknown if he remains true to his natural powers than his ammunition, but of course in the end GOD PREVAILS.

I shall not go into the other intricacies of the film and will leave it to the curiosity of potential/virgin viewers to find out for themselves. "GONE" is essentially one of the few action movies that truly lives up to its name and delivers the thrills and spills in no small amount and at breakneck speed. True connoisseurs of hard action.....YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!!! Set in the PHILPPINES, survival suspense of the purest kind. Predator deserves higher ratings. 10/10.

A great look at post-rapture earth

[williamyi23 · 10/10 · 3 March 2012]

Very good film. For a non-Christian viewer, as with most Christian films, suspension of disbelief may be hard or even impossible. These characters may seem unrealistic or even hokey. But for any Christian who has heard about the Rapture and what earth will be like following it, this is an interesting story with a profound impact. Dirk Been (the Survivor Christian) delivers an on-the-money performance of a non-Christian who finds himself, and Christ, as the anti-Christ is gaining control. I found the story to be chilling and scary for those left behind in another country and look forward to the next movie int he series. If there were one thing I'd do differently as a film maker it would be to show the rapture in a more detailed way. It happens and everyone seems to be looking the other way. Not that it might not happen that way, but I'd like to see the team at ILM put together an FX part that could have made it all more thrilling. Bear in mind that this movie is not about the rapture, but rather from the perspective of those left behind looking for an explanation. Watch it. learn from it.

Strong Christian thriller

[dellpay25 · 10/10 · 21 June 2005]

I like films that have no pretension. Most films today have an 'artificial flavoring' added, but 'Gone's way different. I rented 'Gone' at Blockbuster and was truly impressed with the story.

Yes, the movie is based on the Book of Revelations, but so what? The new CBS series is based on 'Revelations', too. But 'Gone' was first and is definitely the most original of all the last days-type stories.

The acting could definitely be better and it's puzzling why the 'Survivor' guys were cast. The only rational was the type of movie this is which is that the last 'survivor' in the end of the world. Nevertheless, the film was well-directed and written and the locations in Southeast Asia were stellar.

I would definitely recommend this film to anyone who has had a Christian upbringing because it is one searing and emotionally-charged movie that keeps you guessing to the last scene.

Another film I recommend, by the way, is 'Luther' with Joseph Fiennes as the star. I'll write an even lengthier review on that one. Great movie, too.

Give It A Chance

[sarah_thuvano · 9/10 · 10 March 2012]

This movie succeeds on a basic level -- it's entertaining. Sure the story is loose and religious and the film's surprises are somewhat stale, but it's all in good fun. There's just enough suspense to sustain interest and the minor twists of the story keep things at a good pace. Meanwhile the rounded supporting cast from of all TV shows, 'Survivor' keeps things lively and keeps the viewer going, "Where have I seen him before?" or "Hey that's such and such". Good casting call.

I've read on here how people think this is stupid, dumb and lacks any suspense or thrills. Like any of the faith-based movies had exceptionally smart stories, you didn't know what was gonna happen next or how it would all end. Of course not. For a entry level religious flick, this one satisfies. Now if only I could get the last song out of my mind...!

Don't believe everything you read - 'Gone' is phenomenal

[centurycitylawyer91345 · 18 April 2008]

If you read the other negative posts, you realize something strange: Not a single negative review focuses on the unique nature of the movie: the Rapture, God, Apologetics nor the fact that the film was shot using the Third Word as a backdrop to the book of Revelation.

Instead, they attack the acting, the special effects, etc. But you rarely see this kind of attack on other indie films that celebrate pedophilia, bestiality, snuff/porn, etc. Why?

To me, the film interweaves an extremely compelling tale of 3 lawyers who get left behind in the Phillippines and have to get out. The fact that the entire film was shot on location is in itself remarkable. The film has action (tank chases, riots, etc), but the dialogue is especially compelling - the lawyers begin discussing the apologetics of God in the middle of the night at a street fire as more looting goes on. Why is this not discussed in the negative, bashing reviews?

The superb ending that takes place at the world's largest Cross (also never mentioned in anyone's review - tell me another movie that has filmed at the world's largest Cross?) was even applauded by secular critics. See Ruthless Review's review.

If you have any more doubts, go to EBAY and read the reviews there.

You either love this film (most true Believers do) or you hate this film (pagans, heathens, Luke-warm or carnal-minded Believers). I would rent the film on Netflik or Blockbuster and you decide.

So bad it might be good?

[kaf2f · 2/10 · 17 August 2005]

The back of the DVD for this movie raves, "Chey is the Quentin Tarantino of Christian Films." This isn't so much an insult to Quentin as it is to Christian films. This film is poorly written, stiffly acted and edited with a purposeless intensity. The scenes play out in a confusing and unrealistic way and are interspersed with some nice time-lapse photography. Flashbacks, fades to grey, freeze frames to tell the time (unimportant in the story) are all done with out any apparent reason other than to give the movie more cinematic credibility. The camera is haphazard, some nice crane shots are cut with ridiculous montages that have no significance. Poor blocking and lighting leave the viewer wondering who is talking to who in many scenes. Oh and the audio is terrible. The special effects were decent and thankfully limited. But this is all just technical. The movie fails to engage on an emotional level. The dialogue is so fake sounding and the actors seem to have only read it a moment before the camera was rolling. The story... the things that happen in sequence have no motivation behind them. The characters are struggling to take hold of one dimensionality. And the characters have to make a stance on Christianity and faith in every single scene. Take a queue from M. Night, engaging Christian films don't have to have the characters saying the name of Jesus Christ in every scene for the movie to be Christian. Goodness! Please don't try to show this to your unsaved friends with any expectations other than laughter.

Tight, twisted and tense - one of the most interesting thrillers of the '90s

[liza-w18 · 10/10 · 8 March 2012]

It keeps you on the edge of your seat for most of the action scenes, and it keeps you wondering, up until the very last minute, what the heck is going on. Then you find out. I'm not saying the ending was downright bad, but it could definitely have used some improvement. It could have been worse, but it could also have been so much better. The end just seems to ruin a lot of the buildup of the rest of the film. Anyway, the plot is very good, a man who has everything, but isn't completely satisfied with his life, gets a chance to have some "fun". He accepts Jesus as the end comes, and his life is changed forever. The acting is all good. The characters are well-written and credible. Actually, everything but the ending is top notch. The ending is the one reason that this movie doesn't get, at least, a 9. It just ruins so much of the movie, especially because the moment the definite end of the movie is reached, it feels empty. Up until that moment, you feel like you were watching a work of art, and then just before it ends in the same way that the rest of it has been, it cuts to some lame excuse for everything that happened in the movie up to that point, rather than a good explanation. I really wish they had made the ending better. Overall, a pretty good faith-based thriller, that could have been a masterpiece. I recommend this to fans of Chey's other work, and fans of psychological thrillers altogether. 9/10

Yeah, really bad movie

[faramir732000 · 1/10 · 8 April 2005]

The other reviewer was completely correct about this one. The writing was awful, the acting was awful, the subject was awful. The actors looked like they were not really into the movie, like they almost *had* to be there. There were some unique camera effects, but they were not really germane to the story (or what there was of a story), and they weren't produced particularly well.

I suppose they were trying to piggyback on the success (can I say that?) of the other eschatologically influenced movies (Omega Code, Left Behind). And yes, it DOES make Christians embarrassed when these types of movies are produced. I would not recommend this movie to anyone, especially a non-Christian.

I thought it was neat

[girlbabe · 10/10 · 20 March 2005]

I thought it was a neat movie. What were those tattoo looking things on the one cute guy?

I thought they did pretty good for a movie that probably had a budget of less than the price of a new car. They were definitely right on track with the stupid crap about football games and other useless, empty pursuits. I think it was pretty neat. I think the whole idea was to show that that stuff is a waste of time. On the other hand, the part about the apes and the humans, I guess you could say the humans killed off all the apes? but then I guess that doesn't explain where the half apes/half humans are, and why the missing link is still missing.

GRRRR! I would have rather spent my time poking my eyes out.

[jake_211 · 1/10 · 14 March 2005]

This movie was terrible. You couldn't fast forward fast enough to get to the end of this movie. It came down to the last 20 minutes of the film and I literally hit the eject button right in the middle of the scene. It was one of the worst movies I have ever experienced. Worse than all Dean Cain films combined. To start, the acting was terrible. I realize that the main actors were from the cast of survivor, but one would think that any TV experience would have given them a little more talent. The movies other main problem was the campy visual effects and the poor film quality. In the movies defense, the theme of the show was well intentioned and the story was all right.

The script was strong, but the acting was flawed.

[colorado-9 · 10/10 · 17 December 2005]

I agree with Ruthless Reviews that this is one of the most entertaining movies of 2004. Every scene really made me think about the end of the world and whether my existence is a coincidence or not. The best part of the movie was when the characters grappled about issues that we never see in cinema these days.

Finally, the ending where it's revealed that the two lawyers are in league with the villain is an incredible twist and gave me goosebumps. The dialogue where they head to the helicopter taking them out of the Philippines was amazing and memorable. I also loved the huge Cross and the redemption that took place.

Having said that, however, there were flaws. The ADR is not good and the transfer from film is also not good. But this shouldn't detract from a great movie.

I think the negative reviews that I've read are uncalled for and strangely ignorant and vicious - much like a personal attack from someone who dislikes any talk about God or is attempting to sabotage the project. Nevertheless, they've failed miserably and it's kind of humorous how pathetic their attempts are.

Overall, I give this movie an excellent rating and I'm glad to see it did well with all the critical acclaim and awards it was nominated for.

A great film! The best Christian film I have seen so far!

[pismire · 10/10 · 24 June 2003]

Brilliantly made, and keeps you on your toes. At first I just thought it was a typical film about Christianity and the rapture. Once I started watching it though, it was very entertaining. But it also made me think too since I am a Christian. The emotions portrayed in this film was Also the director of this film really has a heart for God. This film was such a blessing in my life.

Critique of the latest "Rapture" movie

[victor-129 · 10/10 · 7 July 2004]

I recently saw this film on video with several friends, and we were quite impressed by it. I have seen "Thief In The Night," "The Omega Code," and also "Left Behind," and I am not putting those movies down, but "Gone" is actually quite a dark, unnerving, gritty thriller that had our talkative group unusually quiet. To be honest, religious movies are usually poorly done, or lack imagination. I have seen other religious themed films, but this somewhat obscure movie seemed to transport us into that sequence of future world events known as the "Rapture." (We had all the lights turned off for added effect, and that really added to the experience as well.) A unique film, with actors who don't really seem to be "acting," great camera angles, and a sense of ominous foreboding throughout that keeps you guessing to the end. It does have some scenes that are not for the squeamish, and if you are looking for a polished, big-budget film, this is probably not for you, but we enjoyed it.

Gritty, moving, thought-provoking film

[c-foss25 · 9/10 · 29 February 2012]

This is a great movie. Some will disagree with me but , if you know anything about the bible you know it is. I think everyone should see it!! I agree a new updated version like be nice but the message is still right on. If you can see this movie. Is not a "scare the hell of you movie",it is truthful with the Bible. I think the U. N. will play a major role in the world government to come. The last days are lining up with the Bible. Look at what has happened with the chip for dogs and cats that now has come to light to protect on children from being kidnapped. It's the size of a grain of rice. This I feel is the fore runner of the mark of the beast spoken of in the Bible. Without the mark you can't sell or buy, with this chip that small in the future there is no telling how much info can be put on it.

Now, for all of the cinematographical buffs out there, this film may not rank high on your list of things to see. But if you know anything about plot development, profound truth, and the intentions that this film (the series) had, you'd understand my p.o.v.

Granted, the specifics of the film are renderings of the writer, who cannot be expected to know what will happen in the end. But the film is biblically accurate and justifiably "scares" viewers into thinking about what may be. I'm a Christian, not due to this movie, but due to my personal decision to accept Jesus as my Savior. The film and potential that something similar to the circumstances portrayed therein can remarkably scare someone into thinking about their actions and decisions. It's not some cheap attempt to scare people into believing in God, but rather, a means to get your attention.

As a Christian, I know I'll not be left behind, and thanks to movies like this, I can look beyond the superficialities of entertainment, acting, and film budgeting to appreciate the depth that the film has to offer. This is a movie you shouldn't not only see, but feel with your heart and soul.