Francesco Bellissimo

It's a must see film, if you want to break away from predictable plots in a movie that gains the big bucks at the box office. The relationship in the story between Charlie and his younger brother Sam is unique and beautiful, and the loyalty he has with his brother in life and after Sam's death is something special. Charlie's developing relationship with Tess is also beautiful, in helping him let go of his brother. It confronts death and provides insight of one theory of the afterlife, providing comfort to those who have lost a loved one and at the same time appreciate life. Charlie's meeting with people who had passed is profound, but not scary. There is also a hint of Christian themes in the movie which is rare in modern cinema. Efron's depiction of Charlie is strong, poignant, authentic and inspiring, and is in my view the best performance of his career. Doesn't matter if it didn't scintillate the box office; it was a pictorially and emotionally beautiful movie which penetrates the heart, and the ongoing scenes with Charlie and Sam's spirit will bring on the tears many times in the movie. We don't need blockbuster twists in movies. The best are the subtle ones, and this one touches the soul; it inspires hope. The romance between Charlie and the free spirited and gorgeous Tess is stunning and timeless and the images and the movie's love story will last throughout the ages. A rare and beautiful gem.