This genre-defying adventure documentary by Clive Neeson was the most seen Kiwi film of last year's NZ International Film Festival. With New Zealand's adventure pioneers; it relives the discovery of the world's secret paradises in a lifetime of rare original footage.
"In the beautiful wilderness of New Zealand, when necessity was the mother of invention, a maverick bunch of kids began experimenting with something that would change the world. In 45 years of stunning original footage we experience first-hand the adventures of early adrenaline seekers and join them on the roads less travelled and discover the world's secret paradises.
"Last Paradise is the untold story of extreme sports innovation from its comical beginnings to the cutting edge of what it is today. Between the lines is a shocking revelation of a wilderness lost, but through the same story we discover a science to save it."
Anyone who has seen this film would understand why it has won top awards internationally. Why be destructive Stonecoldfox? Your facts are incorrect for starters!. Cold fusion? BSC? 1990s? Do your research! Furthermore the footage is clearly genuine and the project began in the 60s. It has been internationally commended for its excellent story flow and inspirational message to ALL generations. Just check out this interview by Professor Adam Green in USA. www.lastparadisefilm.com/media/green.mp3
This film was hilarious. The director basically consistently makes the same unfounded points That his generation was better then this one That him and his surfing buddies are better than anyone else That him and his surfing buddies invented adrenaliene sports and cold fusion It had no one defineable genre with aspects of doco, adventure, drama. The narrative links were completely illogical. It appears as though the director felt it was necessary to twist the narrative so that he could include ALL of his stock footage. And then he puts BSc next to his own name in the credits!!! FAIL. You can tell that the project started in the 90s - the opening is like a 90s paragliding instructional video. The only good things about this film were the footage and the editing.
I can't believe they had all that old film to base this on. Some remarkable footage, great old shots and a reminder of what life was like ...once.
To Jay & others- Some of us nostalgic survivors, are male,middle aged and still into that Peter Pan lifestyle/cherishing the good days...only now..no one knows what was: Today,we walk around, our own backyards(the beach, lake&ocean estuaries)two- three days/week picking up the refuse that other people.... who don't even surf/swim or fish...leave behind on a regular basis.So our kids or those of our friends, have a chance to experience briefly- what we once took, perhaps too freely- for granted. But...we were there-in the beginning...with the original Utah crew & their snowboards,and before this- with home made surfboards, some built in Oz,which were surfed at Raglan etc. in 1976.So I do remember. For the most part,the old footage Clive had or found is all that is left of that time-so today's generation can never really know.... because of this-perhaps; Kevin Jarratand friends have not been given their true due, until now. Yet, it took a fellow New Zealander to showcase this- when no one else would. Like Clive...some of us old guys,regardless of where we came from and being into what became called extreme sports just travelled-took pictures/& left only footprints.... and new friends.The hope was- after the fun faded- that we could make a living out of this, but only a lucky few, ever achieved that dream. {Life did not begin with corporate reality, mobile phones or fully sponsored funfests.} I'm still waiting to see a full version of Mr.Neesons' movie, but that's not the point. From what I did see of the rough pre/production edit- a couple of years ago- Clive deserves whatever praise he got or gets. Plus... there are still a few good places left- but not as many as before.Perhaps,some of you missed it/ every which way. I feel sorry- that perhaps todays' people may never, ever know, what it was to earn your turns/ like we once did & sometimes still do. In closing..it was a man's world...there were women around/ not many I'll grant you..but they were there.People like Renee Sessions who ripped deep powder & also made the boards that some of us rode...but that's just what-I know? Today,I'm just an old guy,in second hand/recycled clothes- who picks up rubbish and surfs/skis/snowboards occasionally- as and when he can. By RGP(age 56).First/Last of the travelling OZ dinosaurs.
This film is stunning, inspirational, and its message blatantly obvious and to be taken seriously. The many years and care taken to put this film together show in the incredible results. It is tight, yet the whole story is very powerfully told. See it, you will rejoice as many others have.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Tuesday, 17th May 2011.
Release date: May 17th 2011.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
