Title:  Live Life

Date saw the show:  August 12 2007
Place saw the show:  Alberta, Calgary, Calgary Fringe Festival (www.calgaryfringe.ca)
Director:  Dick Chua

Short Film

2 ˝ stars

Reviewed By: Emily Axelson

Live Life - PG Mature Theme (Canada-10:00 Drama, Dick Chua - Director) Dina is lost in life and has just moves into a new apartment. She meets a blind guy who calls himself a photographer and from him she learns how to ‘see’ life and believe nothing is impossible.

Live Life is currently playing at the Calgary Fringe Festival. Live Life is a creative concept, and with better direction and acting, could have been a great film. When I first read about the story line, I was intrigued and convinced that it would be fantastic; my expectations were not met, but I give it credit for having such an imaginative storyline.

Dina has just recently moved into her new apartment. She can’t seem to stick with a job, and is incredibly frustrated with her life. She then meets a blind man, who claims to be a photographer. When she questions him about his photography, he states, “I take pictures of what I want to see. Maybe one day I’ll be able to see them.” Throughout the story, the blind man inspires Dina to see the good in things, and to see with your heart rather than your eyes.

I was mostly disappointed by the acting of Dina, the lead actress. It didn’t seem real to me. The blind man however, portrayed his character quite well as a kind hearted, loving photographer. Another thing that took away from the film for me was the sappiness…too much of it. The story is powerful, and maybe the sappy lines could have worked, if delivered properly by the actors. For this film, I think the story is its success and the acting its failure.