Most 02/03/2010
 
Picture
Movie Info:   
Title:  MOST

My Rating: 5 star

Released: 2003

Directed by: Bobby Garabedian

Stars: 

  • Vladimir Jarvorsky
  • Lynda Rybova
  • Ladislav Ondrej
  • Ester Geislerova
  • Brad Heller
  • Klara Issova
Rating: NR

Premise:    A bridge tender takes his 8 year old son to work with him.  While there, an oncoming train arrives too early and the boy tries to help his father by lowering the bridge.  However, disaster strikes, and the father is left with a horrific choice: save his son, or save the train. 

Production:   Directed by Bobby Garabedian, this short Czech film may seem insignificant.  After all, it isn’t a 2 hour feature film, and none of the actors have great name recognition.  However, there is more to this film than meets the eye.  Told as a “modern day parable” this short film masterfully demonstrates the gospel story through stunning cinematography and beautiful storytelling that leaves audiences with a very real sense of the Father’s heart for his children.  This is probably the best independent film I’ve ever seen.  It’s well crafted manner and dramatic scenes give it a sometimes gritty realism, but creates an effective medium for sharing the love of Christ. Most of the movie is in the Czech language, and is translated into English, but the acting is so fantastic, you don’t even notice.  The story draws you in, and holds you spellbound until the ending message of hope flashes across the screen.  The best thing about MOST, is that Christians aren’t the only ones in love with this movie.  It was the official selection for the Sundance Film festival, best of the festival at the Palm Springs International, received the audience award for the best short film at the Maui Film festival, Winner of the crystal heart award at the Heartland Film festival, and producer William Zabka was nominated for an academy award for best short film.  Truly Most succeeds at being a modern day parable; appealing to the current culture, while presenting heavenly values.     

Cautions:

  • Some Drug and Substance Use
  • Some Drinking
  • Some Sensuality
  • Smoking
  • Thematic Elements
  • Mild language
Everything on the list isn’t major, excepting the thematic elements.  The father calls on God to help him with his decision, but he isn’t taking his name in vain, so really the drugs, drinking, sensuality, smoking, and mild language are a result of the passengers of the train.  Throughout the film, we begin to see that these passengers are unworthy, selfish, imperfect, and when we see them contrasted with the innocence and sweet nature of the son, we wonder at the father’s choice, to save the train.  We see that the passengers are worthless compared to the boy, and our heart aches and even is angry when we see the boy sacrificed for such  a despicable crowd of passengers, who continue to go on with their lives, without even noticing the sacrifice of the father.  The thematic element of a father having to choose between his son and these passengers is very emotionally charged.  This is probably the main reason I wouldn’t recommend this for younger children.  However, the movie ends with a powerful message of hope.  One of the passengers on the train, a drug addict, sees what the father did, and her life is transformed.  This is a powerful tale of redemption, and it is difficult to understand the full scope of it, if you don’t show the before and after picture.  The picture of an unworthy,  undeserving passenger, transformed by the sacrifice of the Father into a new person is well contrasted in the film, but that is also what creates some of the cautions above, such as the drug use, the drinking, etc. 

Conclusion:  Because of the nature of the film, Most probably isn’t suitable for younger audiences.  Even besides, the drugs and smoking, Most is just a little too emotionally charged for children.  However, I would recommend it wholeheartedly as one of the best independent films I’ve ever seen, both as far as the production values go regarding the acting and storyline, and in terms of the spiritually qualities present.  The sweet relationship between father and son, and the ultimate sacrifice of the father present a moving presentation of the gospel message, and it is presented well.  If you do not watch any other independent/small films, you must see Most.   It is a great outreach tool, a great message, and a great short film.  If you don’t do anything else this week, I would strongly urge you to experience afresh the sacrifice of the Father through one of the best short films of our time.