Platicsco Good story, Not enough for a whole film

ShangLuda Admirable film.

Invaderbank The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

Billy Ollie Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

deconstructing In a way, On the Edge is a wasted potential, but it's hardly a film that should be avoided.Its main problem is the fact it doesn't offer anything new. Patients in the mental institution, group therapy, doctors, rebellious patient that just doesn't want to follow the routine. That's right: we've seen it all, and we've seen it better; One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is simply too memorable and impossible to forget when watching one of the films about mental institutions.On the Edge also feels a bit rushed, as if 30 minutes of it is missing. This doesn't let us get to know characters better or understand their stories.But the film isn't completely bad. Stephen Rea does make us believe he's a doctor, and it's possible to sense a real person behind the professional persona, even if we never get to know much, if anything, about him. But the real heart of the film is Cillian Murphy, who manages to make his Jonathan as complex as the script allows him to.He brings warmth, honesty and sarcasm to his character, without being over the top, even in extreme situations. Cillian Murphy is one of those actors who can speak with their eyes, and in this early role he proves himself as a talented actor that should not be overlooked.

PeachHamBeach WARNING: SPOILERS ON THE EDGE is an interesting piece about teenage depression and suicidal behavior. It begins when Jonathan (Cillian Murphy) loses his father to alcoholism. You don't understand Jonathan at all when you first meet him. He comes off as callous, self-centered and unlikeable until he grabs the urn with his father's ashes and decides to drive himself, in a stolen convertible, off a cliff. Is it an abrupt decision, spur of the moment, or is it something Jonathan has been contemplating for years? The only alternative to jail time is to participate in a residential suicide program in Dublin, run by Dr. Figure (Stephen Rea) so Jonathan agrees to it, though he doesn't believe anyone has answers or solutions for him. As you get to know him, you realize that Jonathan himself doesn't understand fully why he's so depressed and suicidal. You learn that his mother died when he was ten, and that there is a history of depression in his family. He has a rocky relationship with his older brother Mikey, who is the only family he has left.In the treatment center, where patients are required to wear pajamas instead of street clothes (Jonathan is given an especially rib-tickling set!) Jonathan becomes close friends with two other suicidal teens Toby (Jonathan Jackson, whose Irish accent was very good IMO) who accidentally killed his brother in an accident, and the very disturbed Rachel (Tricia Vessey) whose creepy sexiness Jonathan can't help but feel drawn to, even when she is abusive to him. Though Dr. Figure coaxes a lot of revealing stuff out from Jonathan's mind, it is his relationships with Toby and Rachel that assist him in taking a look at his life, and lead him to become a person who cares about people instead of being so self-involved all the time.The beautiful, doe-eyed Murphy does another fantastic job vanishing into a character who hides his vulnerability behind a facade of sarcasm and toughness that Dr. Figure can see right through. Jackson gives a heartrending performance. Vessey is impressive too, lending a very "L.A., California" vibe to this otherwise quite Irish story. I'd like to see more of her work. I would have said that I might like further explanation about Jonathan's history of self-cutting (You don't see any scars, but he spends most of his screen time in long-sleeved pajamas, sweaters and coats) and about Rachel's fascination with human blood. There are two semi-sexual scenes that are so bizarre they defy description. But I guess the whole point is that these behaviors can't be categorized or explained neatly. Every case is individual, and the doctors never know if treatment will be effective.Bittersweet is the word that best describes the overall tone of this film. John Carney did great with direction, but also composed the original music score that enriches many scenes. The film ends on a fairly upbeat note, but there is a nagging worry about whether these young people will really be able to keep surviving.I liked it.

George Parker "On the Edge" is a somewhat flat flick which focuses on a suicidal young man and woman who meet in a mental institution and discover that living and loving may be their most difficult option. The film offers good performances, a solid premise, and little else. An okay Irish flick with unrealized potential for couch potatoes into drama. (C)

carrierdodson After seeing this film's premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh, I cannot wait for it to be released in theatres. The acting is exceptional, especially on the part of Cillian Murphy. John Carney's direction is innovative and hopeful, and his free use of camera movements, angles and extreme close-ups adds so much to the depth of this film. Finally, the soundtrack is essential to the emotional impact of the movie. All in all, a versatile and funny film that is optimistic without nearing sappiness.