After the Apocalypse (2004)

From my favorite movies..

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

An interesting idea, but a very flawed execution. The movie is slow, but that's a positive thing. What isn't, are the stupid actions of the characters just to interact with other humans. It looks some of these actions (like the doll the main character brings to the woman when her 'boyfriend' throws it a few yards away: why doesn't she picks it up herself after the boyfriend leaves?) have just not been thought through.Besides this, the interaction and acting reminded me sometimes of a Buster Keaton-film, but as a poor mans version. Unintentionally funny to the point when it becomes tedious and annoying. I'm a really big fan of post-apocalyptic movies, and although this film tries to do it some other way than just be another Mad Max rip-off, it fails horribly.

I had the chance to see the film "After the Apocalypse" a couple of months ago, and though the feminist in me had some difficulties liking the female character for what I considered a certain lack of character, I was quite taken by the atmosphere and the fact that anyone will understand the movie without having to understand English. There were many moments that made the film absolutely worthwhile for they were filled with a sincere humanity, that made one relate to those rugged remains of society. The scene do not only show the endearing side of us, but also the things we are capable of doing, when we are starving... be it for food or for the touch of another person.

AFTER THE APOCALYPSE somewhat reminded me of a Quest for Fire type flick (in a weird way) done in a David Lynch format. Set in a bleak, post-urban landscape in the aftermath of the Third World War. Five survivors trying to make sense of a New World after a devastating urban catastrophe challenges all their human needs. It seems that this group of four men and one woman are forced to communicate to each other without speaking, because of deadly toxins in the air.As stated before when I compare Yasuaki Nakajima's to that of Lynch, I do so in the manner of Nakajima's vision for showing us a world through landscapes and environmental thematic situations. With masturbations, a cannibalism and rape situation, a line has been severed and the reality sets in. Discovering sand for the first time would be an oversight to most, but is precious to the characters in this film. Nakajimas' implementation of dramatic situations through the woman survivor, such as being alone and giving birth, in a world so messed up. To me that is just plain terrifying, I could only imagine how she must have felt..AFTER THE APOCALYPSE is an eerie, yet beautiful film. The pure simplicity of the story flows like a cloud and really reaches the viewer. The acting was superb as each piece of the puzzle is crafted and the tensions are raised, at the hands of the actors, throwing out the script at times and showing us their own interpretations. I felt that was another huge aspect of making this such a dramatic film. And it doesn't hurt when the one behind the helm lends his hand at the acting duties; and very well done at that. AFTER THE APOCALYPSE is a very unique and well directed film, which makes me believe there's some great talent to keep an eye out for. AFTER THE APOCALYPSE is just a damn fine flick..

It is mesmerizing to watch the interaction of the post apocalyptic survivors. With no dialogue, and reminiscent to the stylings of Jean-Jacques Annaud, we witness the stragglers of humanity and their will to survive. Through body language and primitive drawings we watch the story unfold and relationships form. One woman among four men evolves into tension and jealousy. We also witness love, loyalty and feasting. In spite of the horror that the world has become, the absolute need for companionship is paramount. The results give us hope for mankinds continued existence. A gritty, realistic portrayal of humanity in a new dawn. Great story telling set to a great score.