If Occurrence (2006) User Reviews

Beautiful, short, and to the point

[claymonster24 · 9/10 · 22 November 2006]

I had a chance to see If Occurrence at the 2006 Delaware Valley Film Festival. This is a moving piece of short film-making which is beautiful, short, and to the point. I found myself craving more once the credits began to roll. It's a story we can all relate to. If someone hurt you years ago, you hadn't spoken to him/her, then all of a sudden you run into him/her, how would you react? Can you be sincere and forgive the person who hurt you? Do you continue to hold a grudge? Director Mike Licisyn does not attempt to answer these questions, instead leaving it for the audience to decide, which was a very smart choice. Sometimes, the most thought-provoking questions are best left unanswered. And sometimes, the most appropriate words are best left unsaid. I look forward to seeing more from Mike Licisyn soon!

A very well handled little tale

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 4 March 2009]

This is a very well handled short film that manages to tell a simple story in an extraordinary manner. It all begins with a woman meeting another woman on the street in downtown Philadelphia. It seems they are old friends but haven't talked in years. Apparently something happened to estrange their relationship, but after a few tentative words, it's like the past is all behind them and once again they are friends. Or, so you might think. In a fascinating twist, you see not only this but apparently what REALLY happened because the two ladies were perhaps too afraid to talk and it's a very sad case of an opportunity lost.

While the film was shot in black and white and has no fancy sets or much of a budget, the film managed to convey its story very well--so well that by the time the film is complete, you too feel sadness and loss.