User reviews

On the Edge is a very unique film that you will not soon forget. From the very beginning I was captivated by the story and its characters. The characters are true to life as are the issues they are facing so it was very easy for me to identify with them. I was impressed by the performances of all three of the main actors, Cillian Murphy, Tricia Vessey and Jonathan Jackson. If I have any complaints about the film at all it would have to be that Jonathan Jackson should have been given top billing since it is his character, Toby, who is the true heart of the film.

"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

After the death of his alcoholic father, Jonathan Breech (Cillian Murphy) steals the urn with his ashes from the house of his brother and drives a robbed car off a cliff to commit suicide. However her survives and accepts an alternative sentence of three months in therapy in a psychiatric hospital with a suicide group under the supervision of Dr. Figure (Stephen Rea). He befriends the disturbed Rachel Row (Tricia Vessey), who saw her mother dying in an accident, and Toby (Jonathan Jackson), who accidentally killed his brother in a car crash. During the treatment, the sarcastic Jonathan changes his behavior and sees the importance of being alive.

"On the Edge" explores an unusual theme - the behavior of persons that have survived a suicide attempt. However, the plot fails since it is pointless and the motives of the lead character to try to commit suicide are never clear: does he miss his alcoholic father, or is he simply a crazy disturbed young man? On the contrary, the motives of Rachel and Toby are very clear. The acting is great, with the exception of Stephen Rea, who has a weak performance in the role of a passive psychiatrist that does not seem to help his patients. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "A Beira da Loucura" ("On the Edge of the Madness")

In a way, On the Edge is a wasted potential, but it's hardly a film that should be avoided.

Its main problem is the fact it doesn't offer anything new. Patients in the mental institution, group therapy, doctors, rebellious patient that just doesn't want to follow the routine. That's right: we've seen it all, and we've seen it better; One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is simply too memorable and impossible to forget when watching one of the films about mental institutions.

On the Edge also feels a bit rushed, as if 30 minutes of it is missing. This doesn't let us get to know characters better or understand their stories.

But the film isn't completely bad. Stephen Rea does make us believe he's a doctor, and it's possible to sense a real person behind the professional persona, even if we never get to know much, if anything, about him. But the real heart of the film is Cillian Murphy, who manages to make his Jonathan as complex as the script allows him to.

He brings warmth, honesty and sarcasm to his character, without being over the top, even in extreme situations. Cillian Murphy is one of those actors who can speak with their eyes, and in this early role he proves himself as a talented actor that should not be overlooked.

After seeing this film's premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh, I cannot wait for it to be released in theatres. The acting is exceptional, especially on the part of Cillian Murphy. John Carney's direction is innovative and hopeful, and his free use of camera movements, angles and extreme close-ups adds so much to the depth of this film. Finally, the soundtrack is essential to the emotional impact of the movie. All in all, a versatile and funny film that is optimistic without nearing sappiness.

This film is ambitious. Suicide-attempt survival is a topic with many dark corners and impenetrable emotions. I laud it for trying. Unfortunately, some parts of the movie had a real paint-by-numbers feel that made it impossible for me to connect to the characters or the story at times. The soundtrack as a stand-alone CD would likely be a fantastic mix for driving or listening, or lots of things. At the same time, the sheer popularity of the tunes makes them distracting and pigeonholes the characters and their feelings into particular contexts. Some of the only cases where this actually worked in favor of the film were when the Pixies and Supergrass showed up. The bright part of the movie, of course, is Cillian Murphy and his performance. In the beginning, he comes across as cocky and self-involved, and only through the much more disturbed Rachel does he realize that his problems aren't as bad as he thought. Their scenes were among the best in the film, but his scenes with Stephen Rea were quite poor. Maybe that's because Rea's characterization of the doctor was a little too real, in that he was too bland to be offensive, but seemed also too detached to be a help. In those scenes, Jonathan Breech comes off as a wise-ass with very little understanding and too much ego, which is perhaps intentional. However, the writing was not strong enough to keep the burden of believability afloat. I kept feeling like the director was in the back, saying, "With more disdain! Wow, you really hate that doctor! Let it show!" Then there's Toby. Cute, sad, and a bit of a blank. Just about anyone could have been cast in the role, which makes it sad that it wasn't an Irishman. Aside from the feeling that at any time the actors might turn to the camera and shout, "Acting!" Jon Lovitz style, it was watchable. Nice cinematography. I wouldn't even call it too sad, though, as the characters didn't come across as people, they came across as actors. Not even the bittersweetness of the orange Popsicle could save that.

The central theme of the film revolves (mainly) around three of the young patients in a Mental HOME; Jonathan - (Cillian Murphy) - Rachel -(Tricia Vessey) and Toby - (Jonathan Jackson) all of whom have feelings of suicide and complex self-harm scenarios, including various idealisations of death imagery. Dr. Figure, (Stephen Rea) who is an osmosis figure to help to explore and hopefully deal with their deep-rooted demons. The surnames of the characters - Breech, Row & Figure also say something!

Jonathan kicks off the story by driving a stolen car off a cliff in an attempt to kill himself shortly after his (alcoholic) Dad's funeral. The consequences offer up the the ultimatum of facing jail or three months in the institute - he goes for the "easy" option ; )

The personification of Jonathan is invested heavily for the first part of the film; Outwardly witty, inwardly dark, charismatic, and quite sexy.

Dispensing with society's protocols and anti-establishment, he comes across as highly intelligent and 'on top' . . . maybe some may find it difficult to warm to his inner angst at first, but perhaps the alternative working title of "The Smiling Suicide Club" would help to explain more about him and other central characters.

Jonathan's 'battle' of wits against the passive Dr. Figure, and whole structure of the institute is very witty, intelligent, and reveals a great deal about both. A fairly corny part of the dialogue draws in the "Good Will Hunting" scenario (Only because Jonathan says so in the film).

The relationship between him and Dr. Figure gives room for some very witty and at times profound observations.

The clever dialogue (always peppered with underlying angst) is PERFECT for Cillian Murphy's character.

The Group Therapy sessions let us meet and greet the other in-patients, who have occasional but important focus in the film. The love-story then ensues; NO! nothing like "One Flew" - The love part of the story and the components within it will be understood from many differing angles - depending on where you've been with your *own* demons.

The occasional night 'escapes' to the local pub, bring the needed inside-outside interaction - especially the bowling alley scene, a central turning point in the film. John Carney ensured that the stereo-typical alley was not entered regarding the love scenes.

We have an occasional snatch of the historical nature of Toby and Rachel's 'relationship' which is left to the dialogue mainly; not on screen.

This is possibly a neglected part of the film which seemed to have got lost on the cutting room floor or so it seems; perhaps with these included it may not have its cult following?

Cillian is extremely bright, charismatic, fluent and cocky with it . . . American Jonathan Jackson's Northern Irish accent is much praised by followers of this cult film and gave great pathos...

Tricia Vessey (looking, sounding and acting a ***little*** like the new Vicky from Eastenders - oops!) Drags her feet, whilst much of the walking is inside her head. To be honest you would need to have had some emotional traumas to understand and even like her. Eastenders Vicky still comes to mind - but only as a resemblance of her image.

The characteristic intake of deep breathes in sync with his raised eyebrows, Stephen Rea carries his passive, calm, role and acts very much as a mirror for the cast.

# BRILLIANT soundtrack in all the right places . . . enough to make you want to go and buy it. ON THE EDGE is totally enjoyable the first, second and maybe third time around - a great film.

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.

"On the Edge" is a somewhat flat flick which focuses on a suicidal young man and woman who meet in a mental institution and discover that living and loving may be their most difficult option. The film offers good performances, a solid premise, and little else. An okay Irish flick with unrealized potential for couch potatoes into drama. (C)

This is not what you would call an average Irish film where ordinary people fight poverty, or kids gets dragged into nasty criminal business. The film seems to have gotten some bad reviews and I can only guess that this is because these people did not look hard enough. As the saying goes; 'the truth lies in the eyes of the beholder'. No, this film features something completely and utterly different. The film circulates around trust and what you can and what you can not do for a person depraved of the will to live. It touches the subject of trust very elegantly. Both romance and friendship is a part of the film, they do not take a leading purpose of the story but are always present in the background.

I was awestruck by the beauty of this film, it struck the bullseye of my heart. I am guessing that if you have ever known a very depressed soul this movie has a lot to teach you.

This film is visually very beautiful and very well-acted by the entire cast, especially Cillian Murphy. It is a well-paced film that is enjoyable to watch.

However the writing and use of music are both frequently immature, especially given the subject matter of the film. I felt that many of the emotional turns in the story were not well earned by the narrative development.

Cillian Murphy's character in the film is always denying anyone else's' ability to analyze his suicidal tendencies and my biggest problem with the film is that I think if his character were a real person who saw this film he would hate it and say that it was dishonest.

My last statement does suggest that Murphy's character was developed enough for me to even have ideas about what he would feel outside of the film, so that is a positive thing.

I think "On the Edge" is a good enough movie, but the same actors/characters with the same cinematographer and director, but with a different story, could have made a much better film.

I liked this movie, it was good at first in maybe the first 30 minutes until that 'sex?' scene with the short haired girl and cillian, I was waiting for the build up of their relationship, but it fell short. I loved the idea, I also loved 'girl, interrupted' ! But compared to that this movie wouldn't be as great. If I am being honest, I only watched it for Cillian but he did a great job! He put a lot of work into the movie and I appreciate it. The acting was alright, at some parts it got a bit cringe but bearable. Cillian probably saved it from getting a 4 out of ten, so props to him! Anyway, the y2k/late 90s aesthetic was so adorable and I loved it! Some funny scenes as well!

Jonathan Breech (Cillian Murphy) is perfectly satisfied to bury his father. It's a life of drugs, sex, and chaos. He takes his father's ashes from his brother and drives the stolen car off a cliff. He survives and accepts a sentence of three months in the psych ward over the Christmas holidays which is run by Dr. Figure (Stephen Rea).

This is an Irish indie from filmmaker John Carney who later makes award-winning Once. Cillian Murphy provides the energetic lead and Stephen Rea provides the steady foil. Tricia Vessey provides the manic pixie girl. The group sessions need a couple of older geezers for balance. The camera movement during the first group session involves constantly rotating at the same pace around the group. It needs a few changes. It should highlight the calendar countdown more. The soundtrack is full of alternate Brit pop and is a large part of the film. This is a fine effort.

i am tired of going into details on films . Cillian Murphy is captivating. The comedy is brilliant in timing and delivery and Stephen Rea plays it low profile in this film. Such constant and well done comedic content is based around young adults whon in despair do not wish to live and are institutionalised for it. (which is rare enough to find mental health assistance in ireland). the main character starts out wanting to end his life , commits sarcasm and jokes on all serious matters to hide his pain. He then through a series of life's common events, grows to appreciate life in a most touching way. as they say Tragedy Plus Time Equals Comedy" which seems to make a premise of this film yet for the character, his comedy stemming from pain grows to enlightenment. anyone who can understandably see the levels of mental depression in ireland that go without treatment can , i hope , relate to the issue at hand and appreciate the ability to laugh at life as well as treasure it. anyway this is how i interpret it, ( nothing worse than a critic, lol) ;-)

I finished watching this movie for the second time today. I find it was dark. I have never seen a movie that explores the feelings that a person might have after surviving a suicide. It makes me sad to see that "Johnathan" and "Rachel" went through but at the same time it gives me a feeling that the movie was not quite finished. What will happen to these two characters as they live on after their friend past away? Johnathan Jackson performed really well with an Irish accent. Maybe the ending leaves you open to feel like "yeah whatever." The movie did give some advice, and one of it is like " a person who survives a suicide might never tell you how they feel." But I think they will tell that feeling to someone they really trust.

I gave this movie a second viewing few weeks after my first. It was just as good, I will probably watch for the third time at some point. Heartfelt, sad but kind of humorous in it's self awareness and sarcasm. It is not a feel-good movie but due to it's tight writing and solid acting (the amazing Cillian Murphy stealing the show, what an actor!) it is oddly human and real. So all in all, great movie, enjoyable and thoughtful.

If Cillian Murphy had only one movie role to identify himself by, On the Edge should be it. You could almost feel the energy coming off his slender body in waves as he strode through the scenes, wise cracking one minute, driving a BMX off a cliff the next. In this story of Jonathon Breech, a young Irishman's battle with death, depression, and love, my only beef came with Jonathon Jackson's accent. It wasn't terrible, but it was enough to make me cringe a few times when I'd rather have concentrated on Cillian's ice blue eyes, Cillian's deep Irish brogue, Cillian's large, working man's hands... Well-known for playing mentally off-kilter roles, Cillian Murphy is one of those blue-eyed actors (Paul Newman, Robert Redford) who can emote with stillness. There were times when the soundtrack in this film seemed to dominate, catchy teeny-bopper gingles gangling in the background, and then the camera light would catch a certain nuance in his face. It was like seeing a window opened. If you're a romantic, this one is worth renting.

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.

A drama directed by Charles Gormley that follows a young Alaskan woman named Kate, a champion dog musher, as she faces her biggest challenge yet: the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. The film is a stunning portrayal of the Alaskan landscape and the people who call it home. The cinematography is very good at capturing the vast expanses of snow-covered mountains and frozen lakes. The film's focus on the bond between Kate and her sled dogs is heartwarming and authentic. The cast, led by Marguerite Moreau, delivers strong performances that bring depth to the story.

While it may not be a blockbusting Hollywood production, On the Edge is a quietly beautiful film that's perfect for those who appreciate the rugged beauty of Alaska.

As someone who is ethnically half irish, and has lots of family in dublin i felt like it was very true to Irish culture and I really enjoyed it. Not a single bad actor and I felt the plot was really touching. The relationship of the patients was filled with struggle, love and acceptance and i feel this movie is underrated. It has a powerful message and I think it should be more recognised in both Irish and global movie culture. In summary, I really enjoyed it, felt it was true to Irish culture and representation, and it had a wholesome plot filled with twists, regret and love. Props to the director and actors. Loved it.

There doesn't seem to be enough good movies about the mental asylum anymore. While this film will inevitably be compared to Girl, Interrupted, it really shouldn't be. Girl, Interrupted focuses on girls going crazy, while this movie is mainly focused on three young adult characters trying to figure out how to deal with traumatic amounts of pain after losing a significant other.

The quick story is that a person named Jonathan cracks after his father passes away and attempts to kill himself by taking a stolen car and driving off cliff yet still manages to survive. He is sent to a place for the criminally insane to get rehabilitate. This movie tries to be both a love story & a coming of age story, but I don't know at times which its trying to be. The main plot is that Jonathan is attracted to a patient named Rachel who also has a thing with blood. Jonathan becomes a friend with Toby and they seem to become best friends. Whenever the two would be together, Toby would end up getting in trouble and Jonathan would have to bail him out. I found this subplot to be much stronger in the film and feel it should of been explored a lot further. Another turnoff was the relationship between Toby and Rachel that was barely scratched on yet was a major turning point (no spoiler here) during the film.

The main point of the film was Jonathan learning about himself, how he affects over people, and the changes of good & bad things happening to people. With a great soundtrack of music put in this film, this is recommended film to people who are 16-28 dealing with issues about life, death, losing someone important, and suicide. Just be sure not to bring a significant other, as this is not a date movie.