On the Edge

2001 "A joyride through sex, love, and other activities."
6.9| 1h25m| R| en| More Info
Released: 10 August 2001 Released
Producted By: Hell's Kitchen
Country: Ireland
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website: http://ontheedgemovie.com/
Synopsis

A suicidal young man is committed to a Dublin psychiatric hospital where he meets new friends who greatly influence his life.

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Reviews

ThiefHott Too much of everything
Arianna Moses Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.
Logan By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.
Francene Odetta It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.
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.
sardonicme Here's a movie gets under your skin, but in a good way. Perceptive is the best word I can use to describe. It will connect with you emotionally,in many different directions, but never in a manipulative way. And the soundtrack could not be more perfectly chosen, as several other users have commented on. I'm staying general here because I want you to discover this gem on your own - if you already have an inclination that you're interested, just view it and come back here when you're finished. It's refreshing to know they still construct movies in this way. Girl Interrupted meets Good Will Hunting meets The Ice Storm. It's going to take a while to wash this one out of my short-term memory, but I think I'm fine with that, I'll welcome the residue.
guns-or-knives lets go for a solid seven, i liked the film, it was indeed quite nice, as that other person mentioned. i felt Gillian Murphy did a top Irish accent, but then i learnt he was born in cork (part of Ireland). i liked the BMW bit too, not so much all the introspective stuff, i felt that deterred from the plot a bit, but still. i found a more interesting Ireland related film in "the devils own (starring brad Pitt and Harrison ford). now there's a Irish character you can get behind, the metaphor for that old fishing boat at the end was sublime, possibly not quite understood by the American movie- going public, but the boat to me represented hope beyond reason, faith beyond logic, roots beyond branches. but anyway, back to On the Edge, i felt although it was lacking a certified "hero", it didn't do too bad a job in patching itself up despite its obvious failings. box-office- poison? schbox schoffice schpoison i say!PS did anybody else spot that guy with the hat in the scene where Gillian's friend hears of his other friend's death? anybody else spot that particularly Irish cameo? loved it.
LondonOnMyMind "On the Edge" is a touching story about people and life. It is too bad it never got a wider release, audiences would have appreciated it.Cillian Murphy and Stephen Rea make this film. Murphy creates a relatable character with Jonathan, making us genuinely care for him and empathize with his pain. He is a talent to watch. Rea's subtle style of acting is perfect for the role of Dr. Figure. Their scenes together are funny and poignant at the same time. The dialogues between them are very well written, as are the ones between Jonathan and Rachel (the also good Tricia Vessey).Since I always pay attention to a film's atmosphere, I have to say that I loved the atmosphere and cinematography in "On the Edge". There is a melancholy and earthy quality to the cinematography, which fits perfectly with the film's themes of joy, sorrow and, ultimately, life as the most valuable thing in the universe.Everyone should see this film for its wonderful message and the acting.9/10

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