10 Minutes

By:amarpitar

REVIEW

Concept

A lot can happen in 10 minutes and that’s the whole point of the story. For someone 10 minutes might feel a long time, for others it could pass in an instant. And for some, 10 minutes is all they have to survive.

Direction

If the direction is poor, the idea can fall flat. But, here, the storyline is accompanied by some compelling direction and camerawork. Most of the shots are handheld, but you don’t feel the camera shaking too much to ruin your viewing pleasure.

There is this one continuous shot where the camera keeps rolling for like 5 – 6 minutes I feel, but it doesn’t look clumsy. It only enhances the feeling of anxiety and confusion that the little boy is feeling at the time.

Moreover, the effects to show that there has been a blast were brilliant! And I don’t mean the puff of smoke we see in the distance! I mean, the way the camera jerks a little every time there is a blast that makes it all even more real.

Even the soundtrack is put up together really well and the chugging sound that accompanies the scene when the kid is running to his home creates great tension and suspense. My breath actually became raspier and quicker as the scene went on. It really was that absorbing.

Acting

It might surprise you, but I can honestly say I did not think anyone was acting (apart from the guy in the store). It seemed so natural. And while it may not win awards for acting, because no one was that central to the theme (or had a big role), I did not find any faults either. The only person who was over the top was the salesman – but then salesman are sometimes boisterous in their approach, so it isn’t that big a bother.

Conclusion

10 minutes did what a lot of shorts were incapable of – it makes you think. I like to do my reviews immediately after watching shorts because it is the first impression that is the most important, but I couldn’t do it with this one. It overwhelmed me. Its simple yet powerful, strong and even beautiful. It doesn’t try to be too clever with the plot, yet it delivers a strong message.

Every minute is important. Every minute there is something happening in other parts of the planet. There are wars being fought, people dying, people crying etc etc. And yet we sit in our homes doing nothing about it.

Can we? And that my friends, is the question.

Score: 8.5/10

I shot your ex-girlfriend

By:PatrickBoivin

REVIEW

Concept

The title pretty much blurts out the story. But, it’s still a very interesting and funny short to watch. Who hasn’t thought of shooting your boyfriend/girlfriend’s ex – this short shows the lady actually doing it, and thus fulfills many people’s wish.

Direction & Acting

Nothing to complain about here. It’s pretty standard though there is hardly any soundtrack.

The acting wasn’t all that nice. Although the plot didn’t give much depth to their characters, but it didn’t seem like they were in a war situation apart from all the swearing. And they swear a lot. They probably concentrated on it a bit too much and forgot to act! They seemed a bit too relaxed to be in a war.

Conclusion

The surprising thing about this short was its length. It could have been longer. The idea was nice and they could have made a lot of jokes and maybe even created a lot more tension then they did. They just didn’t try hard enough.

I shot your ex-girlfriend might not amaze you with its acting or direction, but the idea is presented in a very different scenario. And that makes it a very good effort and quite an enjoyable short. Though the swearing does make this a short not for kids, the elders are going to enjoy it I am sure.

Score: 5.5/10