Liquid Bridge

It's not often we see a good surf culture film. When surf videos became the rage, I bought every single one. In amongst them were some real doozies. Like 'Beach Cool' and 'Seven Waves'. There were others that engaged like 'Five Summer Stories' a well produced documentary and the classic 'Big Wednesday'. Liquid Bridge covers the generation gap. The story of a young man trying to overcome his fear of big waves and compete on the world circuit against the wishes of a wheel chair bound father who is trying to stop him competing. The performances are first rate. Ryan Kwanten is indeed a star in the making, he is supported by a stella cast including Tony Bonner, Jeremy Simms and Carmen Duncan.....but the best part of the film is where Ryan Kwanten finds himself in prison. The direction and photography are in a class of their own.

The newly inaugurated Gold Coast Independent Film Festival is screening a cross section of Australian films this week. One of them was "Liquid Bridge" written and produced by Phil Avalon. It was an example of what producers can put on the screen when working on an "Independent's" budget. Some strong performances and jaw-dropping footage of surfers riding mountain sized waves are audience pleasers. Eye candy for both sexes is plentiful but the film has a real heart beating underneath. There's more than enough sex, drugs and surfing to go around but the basic story of a young man stepping outside of his father's shadow is touching and in good hands in this film.

As a distributor I believe that this is a good feel movie that will attract teenagers and young people. The film is very entertaining, the story well told, the lead characters looked good and their motivations well defined. There are some very touching moments where the characters are moved by emotions without having to say word by word what they feel. A rarity in today's movies... The love scenes are directed with sensitivity. The music is hip, typical of young audiences and work quite well. The photography of the waves and the coast of Eastern Australia is at times very aesthetic and exciting. The direction overall is very good with nice touches of both, tenderness and excitement. This is a movie that will inspire you to surf into the high waves of life. Don't miss it.

Unfortunately, this movie will probably never be shown in Canada. I'll have to wait for it to come out on DVD/VHS. From what my e-pals tell me it is a great film. As well, the trailer looks great! I am perplexed as why M. Lani john Tupu is not given credit :((((

Ryan Kwanten gives a the sort of performance which clearly helped secure his spot in the TV series Summerland...and the brunette is hot! A good, by the books, thriller, but set around the world of surfing, which gives it the point of difference. Strong artwork and perfect fodder for the late teens/early twenties film goer. People might remember Skippy's Tony Bonner as the wheelchair bound ex surfer...and father to Ryan. Always a strong character actor, Bonner lends a level of maturity to the otherwise youngish cast. Wave action varies a little from slightly grainy to top quality but overall takes the viewer on a nice, warm ride. Watch for some cameo roles from former Aussie surfing heroes.

The lead actor Ryan Kwanten eats up the screen. I also loved the performance by his French lover (Simone Kessel). The story really moved me, a young man with issues with his dad wants to conquer the waves...it was directed with flair and the movie is great entertainment . 5 stars.

Liquid Bridge has everything - Big Waves, steamy love scenes, a gripping story and wonderful visuals. Supported by great acting and a rockin' sound track, LB delivers like a perfect wave peeling at Pipeline! At last, a film about surfing that actually works!!

I've never surfed in my life but after watching Liquid Bridge at the Sanctuary Cove Film Festival in Australia, I felt like riding these waves instantly. The visuals are of such intensity that it's not Nick (the main character) riding them, but you. You can feel your legs working. Some stunning photography and powerful visuals like the massive rolling waves, some of the jail scenes, the shower scene and exotic late afternoons. Also some well directed, touching scenes between Nick and his jail mentor and (especially later in the film) Nick and his girlfriend. Nick performed well and so did his mother. A topper.A joyful escape from the drudgery of life.

Loved the whole experience, some outstanding acting based on a solid story line. But the real action is in the water. Just thinking about riding a big wave is out of the question for a land lover such as me but riding the biggest waves ever filmed that was awesome to watch. The soundtrack is a killer. All in all a fab escape for us mere mortals forever stuck on dry land.