ChicRawIdol A brilliant film that helped define a genre

Ariella Broughton It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

Portia Hilton Blistering performances.

Scarlet The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

larapha Poesy or pure boredom? I confess that, by the middle of the film, I was in doubt. It's certainly an experimental film, far away from Hollywood or even most European movies.Far from anything, as long as my experience in watching films is concerned. Maybe Andy Warhol is something near, or some eastern movies. But yet so simple it may make us cry. Why is the American experience so harsh? Why there comes a moment when separation, for those 'lucky' ones that enter college, comes as inevitable as the moment of coming of age? Two kids, happy together and boyfriends since they were four, are seen this moment approaches. One copes well with mathematics and college requirements. The other can't solve simple algebra problems. We know he could enter through the door of physical abilities, but he doesn't want. He can also easily understand musical notes, as we see in his ability to play poignant, sad music. By the way, all is very sad in the movie. 'Don't you want me to go? Say it, and I won't go'. But he won't say it. The experience of someone is a particular one, one shouldn't deny the person the chance to try. Or so does America thinks. All I can say is, had I had a love like this, I would have already entered Eden. I wouldn't leave it. Certainly a movie I'll see again. Poetry, pure poetry.

JackTy8655 This is an unusual and hypnotic short film about the relationship between two 18 year old boys in small-town Arkansas. There are few characters and very little dialogue, most of the explanations come from narration by the 2 boys, one of whom is about to leave for college. There is no angst about sexuality, or bullying from other kids. When a teacher asks how long they have been together, Luke simply replies "Forever. We've known each other since we were 4". These are two 'old souls' with a profound, calm and absolute love for each other.The film is primarily narrated by Luke, who describes himself as a slow learner. He is devoted to the brighter Jonah, and superficially sanguine about his inevitable departure for college. However, in one brief scene we see Luke alone in bed, faced away from the camera, apparently crying.In a rare piece of narration by Jonah he tells us how he idolises his boyfriend, "I think he's perfect, I would give up everything for him". He describes how some people feel comfortable in one place, while others feel trapped. Superficially this backs up Luke's belief that Jonah will move on to a better life, and outgrow him. But I wonder if the gifted Jonah isn't actually making an oblique reference to a person, and not a place. He tells us, "The grass is always greener, but not for everyone". Is he describing his relationship, and how he could never abandon Luke?The ending is ambiguous, leaving you to imagine your own conclusion. But I think Jonah has already told us what he will do.

FJT The theme was interesting and somewhat different (e.g. no coming out, no hating families nor any drama related to coming out, nor any sudden death). Yet, it could have been so much more. Instead we get images, beautiful images, but no real grasp. If it were a short, of about 30 minutes, it would have been great. However, 1h and 13 minutes is nothing else than hipsters gone wild.The best scene was when Jonah, the alleged genius, makes his mom cry. Very real, and touching. The last 5 minutes showed peace of mind from the main actor, and a resolution. There was a clear end, and it was well done.

Suradit A beautiful, evocative, complex movie. Possibly to have the full emotional impact on the viewer, it must find resonance in the store of memories of the viewer. I cannot say whether someone who grew up in an urban setting or in a different culture would be as affected, but there should be some degree of universality to the experience of bonding to another in childhood and facing the prospect of separation and the imperative to follow separate paths.The young actors who play Jonah and Luke do a superb job and the few supporting cast are good, but the greatest superlatives go to the director, the writer and especially the cinematographer. The visual presentation with accompanying sounds, is almost overwhelming in quantity and effect. The surrounding woods and greenery, rain falling, polished wood floors and furniture, weathered wood out buildings , church bells, chiming clocks, a passing freight train and the sad sound of its horn, wind chimes, metal surfaces, the boys together, all stir memories either real or imagined. Its nuanced subtlety is far more powerful than would have been achieved through a series of more deliberate actions and excess dialogue. Rob Reiner's "Stand By Me" was a wonderful film that stirred memories of childhood and the coming to terms with inevitable change, but it pales in emotional impact compared to "Last Summer."Luke carries the label of "slow learner" and is repeating some classes in high school in order to be done with school, but has no idea what he will do next. Outwardly he is at peace with himself, is resigned to Jonah leaving for college, prefers remaining in "the shade of his own backyard," but beneath the surface he is deeply saddened at the prospect of separating from Jonah. At one time he tells Jonah he only wants to be with him and suggests the optimistic possibility that Jonah could return one day. "This place isn't going anywhere. I'm not going anywhere." But inwardly he knows full well that Jonah will meet new people who will love him and will never return. Jonah asks Luke several times to tell him not to go, but Luke refuses. Luke tells a teacher that Jonah is too good for all this … recognizing that "Some people feel so comfortable in one place, and others feel trapped." His love for Jonah and a mature understanding of their different natures and abilities prevents him from asking Jonah not to go. Jonah is equally conflicted by his love for Luke, his sense of happiness (when he learns he was adopted) that he was never meant to be in this place, his fear of change and his need to escape from the small town trap where he feels unrelated to everyone and to everything about him, aside from Luke.A wonderful film that is sure to stir memories and emotions for many … and I suppose fall flat for those with entirely different experiences or those who disdain sentiment. Certainly anyone who feels a good movie must have car chases, special effects and zombies will be disappointed. I was going to give it a 9 since a 10 would imply perfection, but even after a second viewing I could think of nothing that would justify the loss of a perfect rating.