The Beginning (I) (2008) User Reviews

A really nice coming of age film

[planktonrules · 9/10 · 24 September 2008]

This is a short film that was just posted with nearly 100 other short films on IMDb. Unfortunately, they are apparently only for viewing in the US, though hopefully they can work out the rights to show the films abroad as well.

Elizabeth is a 28 year-old woman who is beginning to question who she is and the persona of pleasant compliance she's adopted for herself. Instead of just trying to be "nice" and get along with people, she's decided to speak up and be honest about her feelings and self. This is ultimately tested when she goes to dinner with her parents. The parents seem to mean well, but are also stifling and demanding--and often ignore Elizabeth's right to independence. When they begin trying to force her into their mold of who she should be, Elizabeth stands up and announces her new-found outlook on life. How will this fly? Will her parents accept this? Watch it and see this poignant and insightful film that shows great deftness.

Want the movie to continue

[flite_420 · 10/10 · 8 October 2008]

I was taken in immediately. I want to see the movie continue to see what happens next. This movie has something for everyone. Good actor choice. These actors seemed at ease in their performance and very natural. They just seemed to be regular people and not recruited from a modeling agency. I did not get a sense that they were scripted. As a parent, I can relate to the parents reaction at the dinner table scene. I like movies that have a message that we can relate to and this one does. I like narration that clues you in on what the lead character is thinking or what situation he/she is facing. Some vary famous movies are done this way. I thought the music was a good choice. I also liked the natural lighting. This setting seemed liked a place that a young women starting out would live. Definitely worth viewing.

When you talk about honesty, mean it .

[csp-17 · 10/10 · 29 September 2008]

A fine story about a young lady, Elizabeth, who thought that the road to happiness was to behave in a way that would please others. She developed an identity based on her behavior.

She came to the realization that pleasing others did not help her move towards happiness.

So, she decided to make a commitment to just being her true self. Naturally, her identity changed in the eyes of her family. Others questioned what was wrong with her.

This film asserts that the effort to be honest with ourselves and live with the consequences is truly THE BEGINNING of our personal journey.

Kudos to the writer.

"the truth will set you free"

[almarlady · 10/10 · 4 October 2008]

This film is about truth, honesty and courage.

Have you ever asked yourself the question, are you happy? Elizabeth, a young lady facing an identity crises comes to the realization that the person she has become is not who she really wants to be. We all want to be accepted by family and friends and in doing so we sometime loose our own identity.

Watch and see how Elizabeth achieves the happiness she is searching for and the reactions from both her parents and friends when they discover the "REAL" Elizabeth.

We need more films like this.