Last Stand (2003) User Reviews

Elegant, expansive and richly moving

[euphonicfilms · 22 November 2005]

I first saw this gem at a festival in Colorado where it swept several major awards, and was hugely impressed at the ambition of the production and how skillfully it was pulled off. This is top-drawer professional work all around, with beautiful 35mm cinematography, lush and immersive sound design and scoring, and art direction that is utterly convincing on an epic scale. The short film format is often thought of as primarily a learning ground for new filmmakers, but here we have the work of seasoned professionals at the top of their game, directed with obvious authority and vision.

At the heart of all this are two wonderful performances, one by a veteran actor and one by a charismatic newcomer. This story of a wounded cavalry soldier and a young Lakota boy is of necessity a very visual one. Unlike so many films that rely on a surplus of dialogue, meanings here must be communicated (both from character to character and from filmmaker to audience) with a glance, a gesture, a telling action. It's a wonderful study in visual storytelling that pays off in a genuinely affecting emotional crescendo.

As others here have indicated, the DVD contains a wealth of information for any aspiring filmmaker. The behind-the-scenes materials are substantial and provide many entertaining anecdotes and insights from the production process. And the film itself is a master class in story structure, shot selection, and pacing. It's worth tracking down.

Last Stand DVD

[janine-kerr · 10/10 · 5 December 2005]

I LOVED THIS FILM. Congratulations to everyone involved in the making this wonderful short. After watching the film and the DVD extras, I found out this was made on a shoestring budget with everyone involved working for the love of their craft, the film and it's writer/director Gabe Torres. This film and it's making is a story of friendship. The Last Stand looks and feels like a major studio picture, it's really well done. The script, the emotion, and the cast, Jason London is wonderful and oh my god that little boy, Jason Saul, he is amazing. That kid's eyes say everything, such depth. Last Stand has heart and it's shot so beautifully. Please support your indie filmmakers, buy a copy of this DVD.

A must-have treasure in every DVD collection !!!!

[ziba82 · 10/10 · 2 May 2007]

I came to the "Last stand" website by coincidence, and I am really more than glad, that I found this website - I ordered the DVD "Last stand" and I was more than enthusiastic about this movie!! It's an outstanding, touching and marvelous work from Gabe Torres, the actors are incredible gorgeous. The story is marvelous and touching, and the message of the film is so important and wonderful. Jason London is simply perfect in this role, and absolutely amazing is Jospeh Saul, the Indian boy, who really is a wonderful actor indeed. I will do the best I can to spread the word about this film here in Germany too, about this great DVD, which is really worth to be bought, it should be a part of every DVD collection, in my DVD collection it is absolutely the greatest treasure - because you would never believe, what wonderful experience you can make with a film of 23 minutes. Absolutely fantastic work,if I would have to decide, to give away all my other DVD's in order to keep my "Last stand" DVD - I certainly would give away them - as I would never give away "Last stand"!!!!!

The best what you can do is, to go and order this DVD !!! Otherwise you will miss an outstanding work - which is hard to find nowadays... Simply fantastic Gabe, Jason and Jospeh !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HISTORY WAS MADE - BEST SHORT FILM EVER

[italianodifiore · 10/10 · 10 January 2024]

"Last Stand" an idea that came to fruition by the prolific director Gabe Torres, stands to be one of the most insightful and rewarding Native American films surrounding the story of a Lokota boy and a US soldier. Unlike anything I have seen before, this movie stays true to the narrations of the native American characters by offering us historical scenes surrounding the Battle of Little Horn. The film Heart and Soul shines through by highlighting the voice of a Lakota boy who teaches us the importance of compassion in humanity. This movie, with its 23 minutes, takes you on a trip you've never been on before. I have never seen anything like this, and to this day, I firmly believe that history was made. The labor of love of everyone involved in this film came through and left a legacy. This movie should be accessible in every school in the United States; that's a hill I'm willing to die on. Watch this movie, bring your kids, share it with anyone, and let the magic of Gabe Torres move you. You won't regret it.

Wonderful Short Film by Gabe Torres

[cadams-5 · 10/10 · 22 August 2006]

I bought this film a couple weeks ago and after watching it with the bonus material I have to say that it was worth the cost. Gabe Torres did an excellent job with his "green" team for the one week shooting schedule. The movie has very little dialogue, but mostly images about two people from different worlds. One a soldier and one an Indian. They learn to trust each other and help each other out. It is a great film and it is for sale on www.laststandmovie.com. If you are interested in making short films the "Making of Last Stand" on the DVD will help you in making a short film and give you tips and pointers. The film will touch your heart as it did mine. Enjoy the film. Good job Gabe.

Fantastic short film!

[monsterbug71 · 10/10 · 20 November 2005]

I had seen this film at the Malibu film festival and was blown away! I couldn't believe that it was an independent film. The production value is thru the roof and the performances are stunning and touching. Jason London in particular was amazing. The unspoken dialogue that goes on between him and the Lakota Indian boy could melt even the coldest heart. Three quarters of the way through you think you know how it's going to end but let me tell you, don't relax, and have some tissue near by because your going to need it. I was thrilled to see that it's now available on DVD. The DVD is packed with extras and mind blowing facts like; the entire movie was shot in only 5 days! "Kudos" to everyone involved in this film.

I Loved This Little Movie.

[mynameisjonas70 · 10/10 · 24 November 2005]

I was fortunate enough to have the new LAST STAND (SPECIAL EDITION DVD) sent to me as a gift from a friend. I loved this little movie and I've been telling all my friends about it. It's an engrossing story set in the aftermath of the Battle of Little Big Horn. Although, Last Stand has a running time of twenty-three minutes, it's hard to call it a short. It really is like a little feature film. My friends and I popped it into the DVD player one night, not knowing what to expect, and all three of us became immediately absorbed with the story. Writer/Director Gabe Torres has clearly made a film out of love. Jason London gives a truly anguished performance as James, a wounded calvary soldier, and newcomer Joseph Saul gives an incredible performance without saying a single word throughout the film. I hope to see him again in more movies or television. He is a wonderful Actor. Yoram Astrakhan's cinematography and Brian Tyler's soundtrack fill the senses. The work as whole is very emotional and beautiful.

If you haven't seen this little work of art yet, by all means buy it for your DVD collection. If you've already caught Last Stand at a film festival, then you know how wonderful it is, but you will still want to get your hands on the SPECIAL EDITION DVD for the special features. The 'Behind The Scenes' Documentary is a truly inspiring look at how Gabe Torres somehow managed to rally together a group of successful Hollywood friends to literally work for free out of love for his project and vision. One of the most interesting features is the original audition of Joseph Saul, a young Indian boy right off the reservation, pulling his weight with seasoned film and television star Jason London, and landing his first film role. If you haven't seen this film yet, absolutely do what you can to get your hands on it now. I loved this little movie!

Excellent short film about friendship and forced loyalty

[Ironmike_1950 · 10/10 · 23 November 2005]

This short film captures the horrors of war and draws to unlikely allies together and with very little dialog. Clever use of the camera and the actors blended with actual events at the Little Big Horn in 1876 are handled extremely well. Splendid little film dealing with a trooper and a young Indian brave and their personal struggle for mutual survival and friendship. I had the pleasure of doing some research for Mr. Torres and he was most appreciative and incorporated some of my suggestions into the film which I found thrilling. To study how a short film can draw in the viewer, with a limited budget,small but skillful cast and not relying on dialog and special effects then see this gem of a film.

Excellent!

[RKBattelle · 10/10 · 18 June 2006]

This film is beautifully written, directed, and acted. The striking thing about it is how little dialogue is involved; all the emotional effects are achieved by subtle visual choices in the filming and the way the actors respond to each other and their circumstances. The understanding achieved between the soldier and the Native American child evolves slowly and effectively. The pacing of the film is outstanding. This is a switch for director Torres, who also wrote and directed "December," which was remarkable for its great dialogue -- the pleading and yelling between the boys in the dormitory who are trying to figure out their places in the war and in the world -- but, like everything he does, it is brilliant. All lovers of film should own this in their DVD collection and show it to their friends!

This is what short film is all about!

[screen-writer · 10/10 · 8 February 2004]

I saw this short film not too long ago and was just deeply pleased. I knew someone involved with the film and was anxious to see the end result. It was worth the wait. Everything from the story and the acting to the directing and visuals were first rate and do not miss a beat. I spoke with a group of television/film production students who watched it and I heard nothing but glowing reports. If you get a chance to see this, don't miss out.

awesome

[youshould · 10/10 · 28 November 2005]

I studied the The Battle of the Little Bighorn in 4th grade. I learned all about Crazy Horse, the savagery of Sioux and Cheyenne Indians, the retaliation of whites p.o.ed about Custer. But it was all a blur of text book facts, my attitude was all, "Who cares." After watching Last Stand--and i don't ever watch history movies, and frankly, most movies about American Indians are pretty lame--I was left with a feeling of disquietude and healthy confusion. Damn, we are all savages, and damn, only a few of us have natural compassion towards people outside of our social circles. Very human, very gritty, awesome ending. This movie exemplifies what a short film should be.

The most incredible short film ever made.

[codycannon · 10/10 · 20 November 2005]

I've watched quite a few short films. Some good, some bad. Though most short films I watch aren't AMAZING. Last Stand is nothing short of AMAZING. In fact, it's much better than AMAZING.

It has replaced many feature films on my all time favorite movie's list. I have never felt more apart of a movie than I did when I watched the opening scene. I was drawn in and transformed into an Indian and a soldier.

After watching the film I wanted to cry, but at the same time I was in awe. I was so involved in the film I lost track of time. 23 minute's didn't seem so short. It seemed perfect. The film is perfect. It couldn't have been any longer, or shorter. It was just perfect.

If you get the DVD, then you get even more great stuff. You get "An Epic on a Shoestring: The Making of Last Stand" - That is most definitely worth the price for just that. Plus the deleted scene's and pictures.

Last Stand

[emmetoconnell-1 · 10/10 · 22 July 2008]

I would highly recommend "Last stand" to anyone with an interest in the Indian wars. This is an excellent story brilliantly created on film about the clashing of two cultures.The Indian boy lets you know how his people felt about the white invaders through his facial expression in what is brilliant acting.This is a must see, and for this film to be made in one week and on a shoe string budget is a credit to the whole cast.This film is a must for any Western buff, get it you will not be disappointed.The main character in this short film plays the part to perfection and the closing scene is very well created. The detail concerning Indian costume and war paint is very well researched as is the Cavalary uniforms and weapons a really brilliant film and not to be missed.

Super Awesome

[gentledeer2 · 10/10 · 14 September 2010]

I love the way this showed that compassion could be for others, and that even if it does cost you in the long run you stick up for whats right. In so many of the Westerns the Indians were always made out to be the bad guys with no compassion. This shows a different side with that Lakota boy, Goes along. I give this two Huge Thumbs up. I remember when I was in school the most that was ever taught to us about the Native Americans was The First Thanksgiving. Since I have read Material from the Native Americans side of that I think they need to tell it like was from both sides. This is an Awesome Movie, I recommend it to everyone.

Only a revered silence is eloquent enough to describe this

[cmflash · 10/10 · 18 December 2007]

I think words are an inadequate praise for this amazing and gorgeous short film. The silent communication between Jason London and Joseph Saul in this film is absolutely breathtaking. I had to just sit and think for about an hour after watching. I did not want to move or speak. It was beautiful and touching and brings tears to your eyes. The behind the scenes film was actually longer than the movie, and was packed with information on all the hard work and skill that went into making this movie. It was really impressive! I was totally astounded that it was made in only a week and on a low budget. I am in awe of Joseph Saul who played Goes Alone,and Jason London was sublime!(as usual) Gabe Torres is an artist beyond compare!

Why this incredible and moving picture did not receive the Acadamy Award for short film is beyond me!!!!!!

Great, impressing DVD

[jeremia90 · 10/10 · 6 May 2007]

I have seen this film, which recommended a friend to me, and I can only say: A great film, a great story, great actors and a great message. My friend was right. Congratulations on this film for everybody who worked on this film, especially for Gabe Torres!My friend want to make this film popular here too and of course I will also tell my friends about this film which is great work. This film has got only little dialogue, so it is perfect for all countries all over the world - its message can be understood everywhere. The film lives from the intense playing of the wonderful actors and the characters who must learn to understand each other without understanding the language of the other and of the great story.

This film spimply has to be ordered!