Escape From The Fire (2007)

Escape From The Fire is a short 13 minute independent film shot in 35mm. The setting is Nazi Germany and was filmed here in Long Island New York. Escape From The Fire stands aside from the majority of independent movies from this era for multiple reasons. The most obvious being that it was shot on film instead of digital video. The 35mm looks great and goes to prove that modern film makers can still make a movie that looks good if they were only given the tools needed. Video looks horrible. Always has and always will! Why Hollywood will spend 60 million on a movie but not pay the expense of decent looking film is beyond me. Another thing that makes Escape From The Fire unique is the fact that it is an American film with German dialogue. No subtitles are available. The story is basically told silently.

Then there is the films appearance. Escape From The Fire shows off a great deal of talent from young, unrecognized film makers. The cinematography and lighting are the high points of the film. We have some very interesting pull focus camera work through barbed wire fences and natural lighting and shadows add much realism as the story unfolds.

The downside is that the plot is very weak. There really isn't much story going on at all. Escape From The Fire relies more on atmosphere and emotion then anything else. The film follows a little Jewish boy on the run from S.S. troops. He Escapes From The Fire through the woods and takes refuge in a barn where he meets a little girl. Together the two children bond and find a moment of peace in a world that is doomed with violence, hate and murder.

Its a nice little film and a little bit sensitive. It would probably appeal to mom more then dad but any true cine-maniac can see the strong points in this indie expression.