Customer Ratings & Reviews

“Half-Life,” Jennifer Phang’s first feature film is an impressive debut. A blend of family drama, magic realism and teen angst. Set in the rolling hills of Northern California suburbia, “Half-Life” centers around the lives of Saura Wu (Julia Nickson), a mother of two struggling to keep herself together, her teenage daughter Pam (Sanoe Lake), her 10 year old son Timothy (Alexander Agate) and her live-in boyfriend of five weeks Wendell (Ben Redgrave). We learn that the family patriarch abandoned the trio some time ago. The aftereffects still resonate and are played out in Saura’s hurried relationship with the much younger Wendell, Pam’s crush on her gay friend Scott (Leonardo Nam) and Timothy’s frequent escapes to an alternate reality. The latter provides the film’s fantastic animated sequences courtesy of artists Matt Pugnetti, Catherine Tate and Ryan Schiewe, to name a few, which are sure to be compared to Richard Linklater’s 2001 “lucid dream” “Waking Life.” The performances in “Half-Life” are strong and evoke the sense of isolation the characters feel, none more so than young Agate’s turn as the imaginative Timothy. Kudos to Phang for educing such a solid performance. Nickson and Lake are also note-perfect as the mother/daughter duo who are more alike than they realize, as they both battle to keep their lives in what little order they have left. The rest of the cast is rounded out nicely by James Eckhouse and Susan Ruttan as the voluntarily ignorant parents of the attention seeking Scott and Lee Marks as Scott’s unassuming boyfriend Jonah. “Half-Life” moves at a methodical pace reminiscent of Shyamalan at his best. Michael S. Patterson’s beautiful score expertly complements, as well as haunts, the piece lending it a quiet calm amidst a canvas awash in turmoil. Cinematographer Aasulv Austad wonderfully captures the grace and charm and contrasting hustle and bustle of the East Bay Area. Harkening back to Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Magnolia” and the works of the late Robert Altman, Phang possesses a touch for creating relatable characters intertwined in multiple story lines. She’s definitely one to keep an eye on. “Half-Life” is a stunning beginning to what looks to be a promising career.

With the economy and being out of work for a bit I've been spending more time with my family and this really drove home a meaning of what it's like when things get bad and you really need your family around to help you through. It's not always the best but at the end it's often all you have and what gets you through the tough spots in life.

The characters in this movie were very real, and i think most of the viewers could relate to each characters struggle. And I just love how they all meet up and try to overcome each others burden.

I was not expecting that this movie would captivate my picky self. The title reminds me of a computer game, and doesnt give you a clue of how beautiful this movie is. Very unique and artistic.

Jennifer phang is brilliant here. the diversity of the characters is just amazing, and how their lives come together is brilliant. not your typical drama.. and sanoe is so cute.

A gem amongst the many films that gets produced everyday. I was not expecting to enjoy the movie, and surprisingly I did. Very realistic, and I recommend this to all my friends.

My daughter told me to watch this movie. Trusting her taste in films, I did. I'm gald I did. It's one of the most beautiful films I've seen. Everyone should see it.

I find the movie very touching because i could relate to one of the characters dilemma. Sometimes society is too judgemental and very imposing.

It has a beautiful story, a spellbinding cinematography, a touching lesson. A beautiful work of art. A standing ovation is in order.

It deserves the awards it garnered.Most unique drama that I have encountered so far. Watch it, and you will never be disappointed.

After watching the movie, i have more respect for single mom's than before. It made me realze how hard there situation. This movie is an eye opening to issues that we see everyday , but just dont bother to care. Watch it!

I think the kid in this movie is so cute, and I love sanoe lake. She is so natural.

It's an interesting look at how people live their lives, and the priorities they take. A very good story, great cinematography, but I'd say the acting needs a bit more polishing and impact.

Being Asian myself, I can see myself in the story. I love it. Finally, a movie I can relate to.