Thoughful, shy, but quirky and interesting I am new here and who knows what i will write or discover...
Thoughful, shy, but quirky and interesting I am new here and who knows what i will write or discover!
Member since:03.03.2005
Reviews:4
This film couldn't be less mediocre hollywood trash if it tried. For all those who seek an antidote to mindless cliched thrillers and tired comedies then this film demands a little detour down an unfamiliar path.
The main character is vertically challenged (to use a horrible politically correct term), in other words he just isn't very tall, in fact he is tiny, and feels tiny and out of place in our "ordinary" world. When his fellow train enthusiast and co-worker dies he is left a surprising inheritance, a disused railway station in indolent New Jersey which becomes his home and the unlikely setting for a deceptively simple tale of characters caught at an uncertain junction in their lives where the one thing that gives them meaning and fulfilment is the surprise of each other's friendship.
This film is so brilliant because it is so random. A little man in an old shack and a full-of-himself refreshment stand attendant start up an unlikely friendship. Why the stall is outside a disused railway shack and hardly ever seems to serve any customers is never made clear. Besides the lack of business allows them to chase trains, walk the old rights of way, skim stones across the river. In this meeting of new friends both gain something from the other, Joe the attendant begins to enjoy reading, and Fin gradually finds himself at ease with others and even passes on some of his love for trains.
The female interest is provided by a bereft forty-something artist who is almost as shy as Fin, as well as the local librarian who sees Fin as the one interesting event in her sleepy boring backwater town that she feels trapped in. Closeted away in her riverside house it is the artisti's new friendship with Fin and Joe that save her from depression and suicide, and give her something new, people who care for her and to spend time with.
If you appreciate the simple things, quirky details, friendship; if the unlikely event and randomness of life appeals to you then this is a short film that you will long remember.
The ending says it all, Joe, the artist (Olivia), and Fin sit watching the video Fin and Joe made chasing a mail train. This after a meal together. The film concludes with what none of them had in the beginning, friendship and a new sense of themselves.
The station agent appealed to my sense of thoughtfulness, to my empathy for the power in the random conenctions that life throws up, as well as sympathy for those caught in a web of loneliness, grief or uncertainty. Many things in the film seem unlikely, even possibly contrived. But it is just so different, so original, that it really is a must-see film for all thoughtful film-seekers who like to engage their mind as well as have their senses overwhelmed by special effects.
It is the simplicity and randomness of the film that is so uplifting. Trains are not for everybody (not for me) but if you seek your cinema kicks down unlikely routes then this may be one for you. I loved it: it did what most good films do, it touched my soul and made me feel and think in equal measure.
Just a short film about a short guy and a few unlikely friends....but i discovered plenty to please me and so will you!
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Miramax Home Entertainment presents the critically acclaimed THE STATION AGENT, winner of ... more
numerous awards including the Audience Award for Best Drama at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival. Fin McBride (Peter Dinklage), a loner with a passion for trains, i...
Fin McBride (Dinklage) a loner with a passion for trains inherits an abandoned train ... more
station in the middle of nowhere - a place that suits him just fine because all he wants is to be alone. Soon after moving in he discovers his isolated depot is mor...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Advantages: Some of the characters, it might make you think, it gets more interesting near the end Disadvantages: The start of the movie, the story just isn't quite clear enough IMO, the main character
IzzyS 26.04.2009 (26.04.2009)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of The Station Agent (DVD)
Advantages: A truly wonderful film that is heart-warming whilst having real depth and humour Disadvantages: Peter Dinklage hasn't had nearly enough work come his way for such a good actor
Advantages: A truly wonderful film that is heart-warming whilst having real depth and humour Disadvantages: Peter Dinklage hasn't had nearly enough work come his way for such a good actor
Advantages: Some of the characters, it might make you think, it gets more interesting near the end Disadvantages: The start of the movie, the story just isn't quite clear enough IMO, the main character
IzzyS 26.04.2009 (26.04.2009)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of The Station Agent (DVD)
![The Station Agent [DVD] [2004]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78503010.jpg "The Station Agent [DVD] [2004]")
Mar 3rd, 2005
very helpful by (100%):
