Seve: The Movie (2014) User Reviews

Talent will find a way

[cinematic_aficionado · 7/10 · 11 July 2014]

As someone who by and large is totally indifferent to sport, reviewing a film about the life of a golfing legend might not be a highly objective task although I would still do my best.

Ultimately, this film is about talent and that talent will find a way to flourish no matter what the obstacles are.

Seve grew up in a low middle class Spanish household, the son of a farmer. Nothing could be further from his world than golf. Early on in life, he developed an interest that grew with the passing of time to become a full blown passion. That young boy knew he was meant to play golf. Thus, after school and on term time developing his skills as a golfer was the only thing on Seve's mind.

The obstacles were of course plenty. Not doing well in school, pressure from home resulted in everything being against him. That did not diminish his passion by one iota. His determination, caused his parents to come to realise that this youngster had made up his mind about life and gold is his choice.

From then on, his talent was quickly recognised within his home town, then Spain and ended up becoming an internationally acclaimed sporting personality.

Like mentioned earlier, talent will find a way and Seve's found his, illuminating the world of golf.

Inspirational, well-done documentary/biopic

[laurenmariev · 8/10 · 18 April 2016]

SEVE: The Movie was an inspirational biopic that opened a window into the life of the Spanish golf legend Seve Ballesteros. It follows Seve all the way through his life from childhood to his untimely death from brain cancer in 2011. The film really immerses you in his life. During the flashbacks to his childhood, recounted with very talented actors such as José Luis Gutiérrez who plays Seve.

The movie is in Spanish with English subtitles. Gutiérrez is a fantastic young actor who really nailed Seve's iconic swing and his light-hearted attitude. Also interspersed throughout the movie were some great archival clips of Seve playing golf at various championships that he competed in such as the Ryder Cup and the Masters. There were also some real interviews with Seve. All of this combined really made the movie a terrific tribute to his man, and his passion was palpable through the actors and through the shots we got to see of him playing the sport that he loved so much. The film was also a great tribute to the sport of golf itself, showing its intricacies and the drama that can be involved in it. Overall, a great film that I would recommend to anyone with even the slightest interest in golf.

Superb and extremely moving

[toni-mcgovern · 8/10 · 29 June 2014]

I followed Severiano Ballesteros's career in the 1980s, when my young brother became very interested in golfing and wanted to emulate this talented and charismatic golfer. He would watch Seve's putting and shots in the competitions and he was a kind of hero to my brother. Back then, golfers didn't really have followers but Seve changed all that. He made you feel that anything was possible, if you wanted something badly enough, if you worked hard and made sacrifices, you could achieve your dreams. What a wonderful role model for my brother to have when he was young and the lessons of discipline and being passionate about what you love have never left him.

Seve the movie underscores all of these traits and leaves you in awe and near tears for a man who never gave up at anything, who succeeded against quite difficult odds at times and was always supported by a loving family. His early years are movingly portrayed in the village of Pedrina, the youngest in a family of boys who see the shining star that Seve will become. His successes are brought back to life with the wonderful commentaries for the games he played and won, which are left to stand as they are. The film does not shy from the stubborn and obstinate side of Seve either, being very fairly balanced in that regard.

The film could be enjoyed by anyone, you don't have to know anything at all by golf because it touches on universal themes common to all of us - the determination to succeed, being passionate about something and working at it, how the love of a family can drive you onwards and never, ever giving up.

'Golf is not HOW, it is HOW MANY.' - Seve

[TxMike · 5 September 2016]

I found this movie on Netflix streaming movies, I enjoyed it even more than I thought I would. It is a good mix of documentary footage and interviews woven into a re-enactment of Seve's early years, up to the point where he turned pro at 17.

Seve was one in a million. By that I mean he began to love golf by about the age of nine, he decided golf would be his life, he shrugged off school work and studies, he shrugged off getting a job or a back-up skill. He decided he was going to make a living just by playing golf. The other 999,999 who try that fail, it is just a hard game to become #1 in the world as Seve did.

The young actor picked to play Seve from about 9 to about 16 was a very good choice. He has a similar build to the young Seve and has a really good golf swing, making the re-enactments very authentic. It shows the familiar story, of Seve teaching himself the game on the beach near his home, using just a 3-iron. By doing that he learned the art of creating all kinds of shots which later made him such a wizard on the golf course. Then caddying at the local course, then becoming the best golfer around at a very young age.

I had the pleasure of being in his gallery once, in the 1980s while he was still at or near his prime. In early interviews he said he would never 'retire', to him that would be like giving up. But health problems, and in 2008 a malignant brain tumor, all conspired to cut his career and his life short, in 2011 at the age of 54.

I had only known him from watching his golf, now I feel that I know the person a bit. Excellent film, every die-hard golfer deserves to watch it.

Educational and moving tribute

[TimelessFlight · 7/10 · 28 April 2023]

This is a lovely film that is both educational and moving.

'Seve The Movie' offers up a cinematic story telling of the real life Seve Ballesteros's, focussing on his childhood interest in golf, broadly speaking from the age of 10 to 16. It reveals enough of his upbringing, family and environment - and above all his single minded drive to become a great golfer - to give us a good picture of Seve as a boy.

Mixed in with this story telling (a little intrusively at times) is real archive footage of the adult Seve's major golfing triumphs and adventures. The regular time jumps might not be to everyone's taste, and I found it uncomfortable at the start. However once I accepted this was the filmmakers chosen route it did not distract too much, and indeed on occasion added to the story (for example, cutting back between an important chip shot at The Open to a similar shot played when he was a young boy worked quite well). Could the story have been told better in a linear manner? Maybe.

The film is a little light in places; some of the childhood events are rather patchy in their dramatisation, and the movie is incomplete too - the period between the 16 year old Seve getting a chance to turn professional and his first Major win is almost entirely overlooked. However, there's enough on offer to compensate for this, and the impact of his Father, Mother and Brothers on his path is particularly interesting.

Where the film ultimately shines is in its conclusion. As Seve's illness is revealed, the film relies more upon real life archive footage and becomes deeply moving. The love between Seve and his younger countryman Jose Maria Olazabal is as beautifully portrayed as it is painfully intense, with one very brief, intimate and powerful moment between them - a candid shot following a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award - needing no embellishment.

The concluding 20 minutes or so, in which we see the eventual fate of the young boy portrayed earlier in the film, more than makes amends for any gaps in the story. So although I would have liked a little more from the film, I certainly had enough to understand and to care.

Very much recommended viewing, especially for sport fans or anyone lucky enough to have seen Seve play.

Seve- the European Arnold Palmer.

[danastarbuck · 9/10 · 3 July 2014]

I have just left the cinema blinking my way into the late evening glow of the city lights thinking I would have been disappointed after watching a Senna type biopic. However I came away genuinely moved and entertained by this wonderful movie.

I would challenge anyone who witnesses the tributes made about this truly inspirational man, that it will not bring a slight lump to the throat.

The first hour and a bit does show Seve, the youngest of four brothers, battling to pursue his passion up till the point he plays his local Caddy Championships. This is interlaced with clips of his genius on show. A great deal of the action is well known and been viewed before but there are fascinating interviews around the early 80's when he was struggling to get more money for his art and of course eventually for the benefit of future Tour players.

The young actor playing the 9-16 year Seve really looks and plays the part! The film does gloss over or ignores the difficult parts of his life like his time in the army or his sad divorce and his battles with the US Tour, however in the end the film felt about the right length.

The film got the point across that if you have a talent and you want to be the best you have to sacrifice enormous time and effort to reach those goals. The film shows this in spades, however it should have mentioned the awful pain he was having with his back even from the start of his time on the Tour which eventually shortened his career.

You do not have to love the game to be inspired by this gem and also to feel the genuine emotion from this simple but beautifully shot film.

Great story- poorly told.

[hcharton-944-475761 · 6/10 · 8 September 2019]

Great story. Great involvement from Seve himself. Great interviews. Horribly scarred by time jumps back and forth to childhood at random and irritating times. This story has a beginning, a middle and an ending. Unfortunately, the director showed no respect for this in a failed effort at cinematic show boating. Why does everyone try to be Quentin Tarantino. Be yourself. And most of all show respect for the subject matter.

For whom the golf is not just a sport.

[Reno-Rangan · 9/10 · 4 June 2016]

I don't know the history of golf because I'm not a regular follower of the game other than knowing a few names from this generation. So Severiano Ballesteros is an unheard name to me until I saw this beautiful film. I'm glad I saw it for the many reasons like that.

All the films are not for just entertainment, some are the great historical account that makes it reach in a wider distance like this one. Every sports produced its own legends, and so this film is focused on golf. One of the best sport-drama I have ever seen and an important film based on the golf, specially dedicated to Seve fans.

An English-Spanish language film produced with the collaboration of Britain-Spain. It sets in a small coastal town of the northern Spain in the year 1967 where the 10 year old Seve introduced to us. Being born in a hardworking farmer family and after losing interest in the studies, how he develops a passion towards the golf is what the film portraits. At the young age he begins to think of the game of all the time and it becomes his life. With the support from his family and trained himself in the harsh conditions make him turn into one of the gifted golfer in the history.

This is one of the strangest screen presentations I have seen. It is nothing visual spectacular, or if you expect it to be a film that recreates his whole life, then you might end in a disappointment. Because it was a mix of the feature film as well as the documentary. His childhood days before he becomes a pro was awesomely cinematised and the rest was the archive footages from all the tournament he had competed.

"The one with biggest heart will win."

That's the part anybody must not miss it because some of the greatest shots he ever played and when he teed off a bad shot, how he came back to the game was so inspiring. His spellbinding techniques and as a humble human being, anyone who does not know would to begin to like him like I did. The blend in narration between the real videos and actors performed were amazing. A perfect screen exhibition for a great sporting personality.

Coming from an economically poor family did not stop him to pursue his dream. Everyone goes through a struggle while chasing such dream, and so Seve did despite very talented. It was a long journey that covered most of his life. With the interview clippings attached to it, lets us know his many unknown qualities of his family, friends, former teammates and opponents recalling their memories. Including some of his old interviews where he reveals how much he loved the game.

It was not your usual biographical-sport film, but surely a must see. Very cleverly written screenplay and obviously wonderful editing. Especially if you're a Severiano Ballesteros' fan, you'll definitely love to see him in the film. This is how you showcase a legend on the screen if making money from the product is not an agenda, but letting the world who is Severiano Ballesteros.

Actually, it was directed by a documentary filmmaker, so he excelled it. But the sad part is the film did not reach a wider audience or even the golf fans as it should have been. Mainly because the film did not see the worldwide release, but it is available in the digital format. So I hope my review made you a curious about it and I once gain hope you would recommend it to your friends.

9/10

A Must See Inspirational Story!

[summermarie2493 · 9/10 · 24 April 2016]

Seve Ballesteros changed the game of golf forever and inspired thousands through his never- ending strive for success. Seve the Movie tells the compelling and inspirational story of Seve Ballesteros life. Director, John-Paul Davidson, captured the struggles Seve encountered through combining dramatic recreations with archive footage. From seeing a young Seve on the beaches of Spain, teaching himself the game with a broken 3 iron strapped to a stick, to becoming one of the greatest golfers of a generation. This film will leave the viewer feeling inspired and ready to take on their passions. Overall this film truly shows how a passion and talent for something will flourish no matter what the obstacles are.

You do not have to like golf at all to love this film.

[johnbirch-2 · 9/10 · 6 July 2014]

Motor-sport is made for the bio-pic treatment, as we have seen with Senna and Rush - fast cars, glamour, money, the international circuit, and so on. Golf, on the other hand, would not be high on most people's list of sports likely for the big screen bio-pic treatment. It really would need a very special person to keep anyone other than real fans hooked for nearly two hours (especially when most people already know the story).

Fortunately in Seve golf has that story. This really is a tale where fiction could not come close to the reality - the story of a boy from so far the other side of the tracks that there are not even tracks who gets to the top of a sport more associated with money (and appalling fashion sense) than possibly any other by dint of unusual talent, allied to sheer hard work.

Even so it needs a cast that you can believe in - and Seve finds it. Admittedly at the start one wondered a bit about whether this all Spanish-speaking cast would be up to it - especially the young lead - as the initial scene-setting creaked a bit at times, but once things got into their stride the result was impressive.

The young lead playing the junior Seve is particularly impressive. What is remarkable is that you do not have to like golf at all to love this film. not only his golfing style looked like the real thing, but he also can clearly play a bit - well that or there is some pretty impressive trick photography or hours of film of missed shots on the cutting room floor.

And it all builds to a total tear-jerker of a finale, which is impressive as we all know how it will end.

You do not have to like golf (I'm no real fan), think of it as a real life rags-to-riches tale like few others. Go see it.

Hard to fault a film that does all it can to show talent change to genius

[netiaholland1984 · 10/10 · 28 October 2014]

I hardly ever give things 10 out of 10, bar Casablanca and Seven, but this film certainly achieves what it sets out to: an enthusiastically-told tribute to what must've been an amazing man. Slightly saccharine flashbacks to his childhood are offset by jaw-dropping footage, interesting interviews and an ending which keeps picking up in emotive punch.

Self-indulgence, however, is never a problem (despite a near two-hour running time) as the flashbacks actually end up serving the documentary footage well (the young Seve is a revelation, albeit in a highly specialised role) while the real Seve and his contemporaries add more gravitas, relevance, humour and pathos to the making of this great sportsman.

Rounded of with a thumping if samey score, this gets top marks for innovation. One or two less for overall enjoyment perhaps, but that's merely the limit of the story's limited confines. Different, dazzling in places, but they make the best of what's available. And no-one should be penalised for that.

Magical memoir of an artist on the golf course

[McIn61 · 8/10 · 4 July 2014]

I really liked this film even though it won't be big box-office. But I am biased. I am a fan and I know the region of Spain from which Seve hails, quite well. Most golfers will enjoy this biopic of one of the most charismatic and magical golfers of his generation. Most Spaniards will be proud of their countryman. And anyone who watches it will be moved. It's a nice, triumphant, emotional and ultimately sad story well told, of a poor boy from Northern Spain who was besotted with golf from an early age. His rise to near deity in the world of golf, loved as much for his outlandish shots as for his dogged determination and sportsmanship, his fall from form and ultimately his sad illness which was so hard to witness, give the viewer a roller-coaster of emotions. It was often said that Seve was "only good at recovery shots because he found himself in trouble so often". But the film suggests that he learned his craft with a single 3 iron playing all shots on uneven beaches and farmland - "everywhere can be a golf course, all you need is imagination" is a phrase that Seve lived by, in his youth and which showed through his style of play – imaginative. The film merges archive footage (much of which golfers will have seen already) with a dramatisation of Seve's early years to give a good overview of the life of a giant of the game. The tributes, comment and awe from fellow professionals leave you in no doubt that Seve was the professionals' choice for top dog.

Delivers on every level for fans

[tommodelboy · 9/10 · 2 October 2014]

Dragged along a mate last night in Leatherhead to see this ultimate tribute to a golfing god. I loved everything about this movie and it was so creative they brought Seve the kid back to life with a lovable little kid who was his spit and image, both in character and on the course. There was even about 15 minutes of new footage even I hadn;t seen before - and I thought I'd seen the lot on Seve via Dana on youtube! Really brought him back to life and paid perfect testimony to all Seve accomplished from lowly roots to the pinnacle of the game. It's a proper story, almost a fairytale. But it's all true. Seve was the greatest and while I never give anything 10 since ET, this came close. Even my mate was surprised and blubbing. DVD comes out this month, get it for anyone who loves golf, sport or has a flicker of human emotion. Seve the man delivers more feeling in a look, smile, or scowl than you'd get in most relationships.

The anatomy of genius

[sammyi1978 · 9/10 · 15 July 2014]

I am a golfer but still not was rushing to watch a film about golf, until I'd read a few reviews and been recommended by a friend. It was well worth the trip. Superb archive footage (much of it I'd never seen before) lovingly woven into a drama of reflective childhood moments. It's a film which tells Seve's amazing journey with style, emotion and a little humour. Three things I wasn't expecting to get out of a golf film. As a result, this film rises out of the swamp of most sports films, telling a universal tale of breaking out and examining the anatomy of what makes a genius. My wife also loved it, particularly enjoying the key family moments of drama. In truth, I was more into the fascinating footage, but the kid they found to play Seve was from casting heaven (for looks and credibility) and really helps you buy into what was at stake for a poor farmer's son trying to break out of a backwater village with the only ticket he could get his hands on. The drama did drag a little for me in the middle (hence being short of full marks) but the pay-off is a powerful 15-minute closing which had us both blabbing. Strong, insightful, different, and a tearjerker.

Golf is life.

[Wadevanbuck · 10/10 · 25 March 2024]

This movie touched me in ways I did not expect as I did not know much about Seve when I started the film. I grew up with two brothers and struggled as Seve did in school and at home. My father also passed away from leukemia so theres no way for me to watch this without crying. The ending is sad but in a good way because so many people love Seve. Its been time since I watched this movie but just thinking about it makes me emotional. I love Seve forever and the lessons he teaches in this movie. One of the greatest humans to ever grace this earth. You would be hard pressed to find someone who would not love this film even if they do not know golf.

The soundtrack is excellent. I have been trying to find it but cannot so sometimes I will just watch the movie on youtube to hear the music.

Seve the Movie is a smart and unconventional biopic

[shanewilliams-86204 · 8/10 · 17 May 2016]

Seve the Movie is a smart and unconventional biopic that is as every bit entertaining as it is informative. Director John-Paul Davidson's fourth feature is centered on Seve Ballesteros, who shines throughout his pre-teens to adulthood as Spain's finest golfer. Newcomer José Luis Gutiérrez does an exceptional job portraying young Seve as he faces odds at home, school, and his caddy job at the golf course his brother works at. Throughout the film, there are cuts to documentary footage that make it clear Seve accomplishes his aspiration to be a pro-golfer. Despite knowing the outcome of Seve's career, the film does a great job keeping the audience's attention and emotions invested in young Seve. Furthermore, the cinematography fully realizes the setting of 1970s Spain. Seve the Movie tells Seve Ballesteros' life story in a way that is engaging and inspiring.

Inspirational Film

[ariellecohentorchlight · 9/10 · 20 April 2016]

Seve the Movie was about professional golfer, Seve Ballesteros. The film recounted his early life, showing how became interested in golfing growing up in Spain. It shows the struggles Ballesteros faced while growing up on a farm and having to forgo his love of playing the game in order to further his education. Jose Luis Gutierrez plays a young Seve, and he was absolutely incredible in this role. Interspersed throughout the recreated parts of Ballesteros' story is archival footage of him playing in various tournaments such as the Masters and the PGA European Tour. There were also interviews, which I found helped the story along, as he talked about the moments from his childhood that the movie had just recounted in the previous scene. I have never before been interested in the game of golf, but Seve's story was so incredible and so inspirational that I might have to try to participate and maybe even watch a few tournaments. This movie is a must-see for everyone, but particularly if you love the sport.

An Incredibly Moving Film

[mjcritelli · 10/10 · 23 December 2018]

I loved this film for so many reasons. I particularly liked the clarity with which the filmmaker understood and presented the essence of Seve Ballesteros' behavior and psyche, his passion for practicing the most difficult shots in the most difficult locations and developing supreme self-confidence in the process.

The fact that he was forced into this approach because he did not have the equipment, the connections, or money to play on conventional golf courses when he was young does not undermine the power of the story. He took what was available to him and he turned it to his advantage. He referred to the fact that anyone could create and play on a golf course in his or her imagination.

He had a charismatic personality and the ability to joke about his tendency to hit difficult shots well.

This is a story and film with lessons far beyond golf and sports. It is a metaphor for life.

Who knew golf could be so much fun!

[lashthecash · 9/10 · 2 November 2014]

Must say, this is just a lovely piece of film-making. Old fashioned storytelling and sweet tale, set within a novel framework which really works.

Chronicling Seve's life and using flashback sequences to informative childhood moments, we rise, fall and rise again with this charming character.

There humour, a few stakes and a progressing well of sentiment that grows for our hero as the film hits a crescendo of key moments.

A life well lived, blessed by genius and determination, cut short by tragedy but ultimately it's eternally hopeful and embracing of a transformative mortal journey that leaves an immortal footprint. Beautiful if a fraction long.

Emotional tribute not to be overlooked

[eddiew1980 · 10/10 · 16 July 2014]

My dad was a huge Seve fan but aside from his major achievements I knew nothing of his life. I was wide-eyed at a bold and emotive picture which opened me up to a heroic journey which shows how even the great champions are made, not born - and often by the sacrifices of others around them, not simply their own. The flashback structure is hardly Memento but all the more intelligible for it. While powerhouse ending is absolute killer - heartrending, inspiring, hopeful, and uplifting at the same time. As the audience poured out into a bright summer's evening, you could tell their thoughts were still elsewhere with Seve. I already have my dad's stocking filler for Christmas.

Wonderful Tribute to a Golf Legend

[rachelhaas · 9/10 · 19 April 2016]

Seve: The Movie succeeds in creating a tribute to the great Spanish golfer Seve Ballesteros which both acts as documentary and a universal, engaging story of passion and perseverance. A mixture of conventional, archive-based documentary and dramatized biopic – Director John-Paul Davidson does a masterful job of fleshing out the past of young Ballesteros. Child actor Jose Luis Gutierrez convincingly takes on this role. While lesser films would have delved into melodrama, Seve: The Movie shows the failures as well as the triumphs to give a sense of realism to the making of one of golf's legends. Flitting between footage of its subject's triumphs at the British Open and US Masters, and a reenactment of his impoverished childhood as a farmer's son in Spain, the charismatic figure of Ballesteros shines through. Filled with passion, charm, and occasional humor, the film will have you cheering on this golfing pro whether you are familiar with him at the onset of the movie or not.

Great Movie

[SophiaWhite232 · 10/10 · 19 May 2016]

From director John-Paul Davidson comes an inspiring sports biopic about the late, great golfing legend, Seve Ballesteros. Seve the Movie chronicles the fascinating and true account about how a young country boy from Spain grew up to become celebrated as one of the greatest golfers of all time. Throughout the film, director John- Paul Davidson beautifully intertwines real footage from Seve's personal life and career with reenacted scenes from his childhood to give viewers a full and complete look at not just Seve the golfer, but Seve the man. By the middle of the film, I realized that Seve's story was much more than just a "rags to riches" sports narrative. His story is about passion, determination, and following his dreams. Seve Ballesteros had the heart and mind of a champion, and his legacy deserves to be preserved through amazing works like this film. Seve the Movie is not just for golfers or sports fans, it's for anyone looking to feel inspired and uplifted. If you haven't seen it yet, I don't know what you're waiting for. http://bit.ly/1WBE1yk

A perfect antidote to cynicism

[stephdwards1978 · 10/10 · 2 October 2014]

I found this such a refreshing doc, brim full of life (produced by its charismatic lead and nostalgic nods to the hero's past) and anchored in a bittersweet reality. It also isn;t afraid to take its time with a slow build that weans you off the drama before delivering a rousing archive-led conclusion. Really could;t recommend it highly enough. My husband and his father recommended it and it certainly played to a female perspective for good old-fashioned story- telling even if the protagonist is a boy's own hero. The music is also wonderful, similarly befitting from a natural simplicity and effortlessly tracking the character arc without ever laying it on too thickly. My takeaways from this movie are two-fold - I will be among the first in the DVD queue whenever it comes out and I will be taking a holiday to Pedrena with my hubby next summer. Stunning visually and an unabashed ode to what makes a remarkable human being

Beautiful picture, beautiful story, beautiful lessons

[asgoins · 10/10 · 17 May 2016]

Seve The Movie is not all glitz and glamour of the world champion golfer. Seve The Movie shows the trials and tribulations of a young Spanish boy of Pedreña, and how he overcame them. People said he was to young, but his swing was finely tuned. People said he couldn't play because he was a caddie, so he practiced endlessly on the beach during the day, later sneaking onto the golf course at night so he could play. From being a farm boy, whose parents just wanted him to work on the farm and attend school, Seve Ballesteros believed in himself and gave golf all of his attention, resulting him getting thrown out of school at 14 years old. Becoming a professional golfer at 16, to winning many international championships such as: The Open three times, and the Masters Tournament twice. John-Paul Davidson does a great job with the film structure as he paints a vibrant picture for his audience transitioning from Seve's childhood, to his championship campaign. Seve Ballesteros will forever be remembered as the great Spanish golfer from Pedreña who changed the way the game of golf is played. Learn his story to help start yours. http://bit.ly/1WBE1yk

Emotion and flair in breakthrough biopic

[jimmytheleask · 10/10 · 2 October 2014]

I don't much care for golf, but I love biopics and remembered Seve fondly even though I knew little of his life, and certainly childhood. I've never quite seen anything like this film, however, which resets the bar for docu-drama with what appears a faithful reworking of Seve's story, told through the eyes of formative years and engaging archive footage. The latter is amusing, informative and fascinating, the former is beautifully shot, sweet and life-affirming. This must've been an editing nightmare but the balance really works, setting up the real payoff: an in overwhelming final 30 mins. Top marks for editing, ingenuity and emotive film-making.