BootDigest Such a frustrating disappointment

Curapedi I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

AshUnow This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

Jakoba True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

azplanner I discovered this film this evening ....an almost random choice on my new Roku setup.....ten years after it was released. It isn't perfect but it is so close, and certainly not enough to detract from its simple beauty of story and filmmaking with soul. It is art. Pace, storytelling revealed slowly, unique camera shots, dialog, silence, simplicity, beauty. It drew me in. Kept me. Emotions throughout. Just brilliant. Art. I want to see it again.

donwc1996 This film is not just unique it is also very unusual in that it simply does not live up to the preconceived hype associated with films in this genre. First of all, the director's style is fantastic because unlike every director on the planet he does not move the camera. Each shot is like a still life. This probably will drive some people crazy, but I loved it. Then there is the story. You just never know what is going to happen and eventually you realize nothing does happen. In this day and age when every scene in a movie is supposed to move the story forward, this film absolutely stands still so that combined with the non moving camera the film is like a series of still photos which in itself is quite abstract and surreal. The two leads are both very handsome and very charming and engaging. But the lack of action combined with the still-life photography really gives the two leads a great deal of character and depth that you just do not see in today's films.

thesar-2 What an amazing trick director Tan pulled off with obvious student-project Ciao: turning a 13-minute short into an hour and a half.In what felt like a first draft, Tan needed to go back and edit some more. There were far too many "mood" scenes with utter silence, like the overlong "typing" only sound intro, or close-ups and faraway shots. Too many, in fact, we saw a lot of the backs of the actor's heads for periods of time. But, heck, we all learn.If that were all the movie was, surely (not Shirley, as in Airplane! – I know, that was lame, but I have to amuse myself while writing about this mediocre film) this would've received one star. The actors, namely the Italian, Andrea (Calza), had their heart invested. And it was deeply emotional.Furthermore, this has happened to me one more than one occasion. No I won't name names, but I guess I should give the synopsis to clarify.Before the 13-minute movie turned 87 minutes begins, the off-screen (for the most part) character Mark (Blaum) dies, unexpectedly and it's up to best friend/roommate, Jeff (Smith) to snoop around in order to inform those close to Mark of the incident. Andrea's on his way from Italy in order to meet (or is that meat) Mark, but is intercepted by Jeff and they spend a good couple of days reminiscing about the late Mark.Now, when I say this has occurred in my life, I'm not referring to the snooping or someone died. I've just had people in my life that I loved and they were "just a friend." In fact, as much as I tried to cover it up – ha ha, fruitless – everyone, including my friend knew of this love. But, he didn't feel the same way, though wanted to stay friends. This movie captured these feelings, emotions and scenarios perfectly and personally. So, naturally, I rate this higher for the personal aspects.Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be watching this movie again anytime soon. Every scene dragged on 1-2 minutes too long, too many objects/props were off the screen, yet talked about a lot and 80% of the acting was just wrong.That said, I would recommend for those in the mood for a slow-moving, emotion-driven gay themed movie night. I loved the guitar scene and I was pleased with the finale. I can't spoil, and I'm referring to the "bed" scene, but I kept dreading them going to the obvious, but kept true to what would really happen.

lincoln-15 I recently saw 'Ciao' at a film festival in Australia and it turned out to be one of my favorites. I think it beautifully captured the cautious and quiet interactions we have with people who we barely know and who are from another country and culture. It was also a wonderful example of how we relate to another person who was unknown to us yet deeply loved the same person that we ourselves have loved. The common ground that two people have when they have both independently loved a third is thoughtfully explored.This movie is for those who love to think about (and ponder) dialog. It is also for people who enjoy a solid script delivered by actors that quietly deliver the goods. To me it was both believable and possible, which made it even more endearing. I was afraid that the film was going to go in a predictable direction and have a Hollywood style ending but this temptation was (thankfully) resisted. Instead the audience was provided with a very moving, heart warming, and realistic conclusion. I felt the movie was full of meaning, but you had to be listening and patient. The movie was about the journey of two people who shared common ground and the connection between them because of it. I recommend it highly.