User Reviews

Most (aka The Bridge) is a short film that runs for only 29 minutes, but will rank among the most powerful and moving films you'll ever watch. Set in Czech Republic, it concerns a single father working at a railroad bridge, and his eight-year-old son whom he dearly loves. It's hard to talk about the plot without giving away anything, but let's just say a tragedy occurs. Through the highly emotional and heartbreaking performances, you are invited to dwell deeply on the issue of ethical dilemmas and ultimately, the goodness of mankind. Obvious Christian references are made, and causes you to once again deeply meditate on God's love. Is there hope left in our bleak world? After watching this, I would say yes, there is.

I just returned from an "Entertainment and Media Summit" in Nashville and it was there that I first learned of this film. Two people in the entertainment business whose opinions I respect had nothing but praise for "Most," a movie which came up in our conversation because Bill Zabka, one of the writers, was scheduled to be at the summit. (Unfortunately, he had to cancel at the last minute.) But I did discover an opportunity there to purchase a DVD from one of the other attendees, a young man whose own life was so changed by this movie that he buys multiple copies directly from the publisher and sells them at his cost wherever he goes "just so more lives can be touched." That was an even better recommendation than that of my friends and I quickly handed over the money.

Having now watched the movie I am tempted to join that young man in carrying copies with me. I have given away many books but have never (other than as a present for some occasion) given away a movie. This is one I will. The acting is outstanding, especially by the lead but also by the young man who plays the role of the son of the lead character. The production values are extraordinarily high for an independent film (for any film, actually), the music is simple but not simplistic, and that the film is in Czech makes it even better.

But of course the best thing is the story telling. The story is, I think, always the the thing, and while this story is not new it is told so powerfully, so beautifully, so movingly, that you become part of it.

Most is Czech for bridge, but after watching this movie both words mean so much more. This is an incredible movie which is entertaining and rewarding. See it if you can.

I first saw this short at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival and it blew me away. It was better than most of the 22 full length feature films that I screened! The other comments here are truly right-on as to the description on the film and the skill in which it was made. There wasn't a dry eye in the house when the lights went up! Truly amazing for a 29 minute film to elicit such an arc of emotions. It should have won an award at Sundance. Instead, it is nominated in the Best Live Action Short category for the 2004 Academy Awards! My quest will be to see it once again (not easy for shorts!) and to own a copy.

This film is perhaps the most powerful and brilliant piece of film making I have seen in recent memory. I attended a film makers panel at the Maui Film Festival where Garabedian, Director/Writer & Zabka, Producer/Writer shared their experiences in getting the film made. Their stories were captivating, inspiring and ultimately bold. I was astonished to learn that this brilliant, European, Czech language film was made by two young filmmakers from LA!

MOST was awarded Best Short Film - Best Newcomer - and also the Audience Award.

Saw this film at Sundance 2003. I felt as though I were watching a feature length film...has all the qualities. From the opening scene you are drawn into a beautiful but edgy, visually captivating story that touches your heart. It was filmed in Prague with incredible Czech actors (English Subtitles) and the production value is first class. Not to be missed if you have a chance to see it.

By my unofficial tally, speaking in a theater lobby with many attendees, at The Heartland Film Festival (October, 2003) this short, MOST (The Bridge), was the favorite, and most discussed, among all of its various films. The plot may become familiar as you watch the piece. It's from a story that was once passed along at summer camps, and now circulates the internet. No matter - it has been transformed into both an instantly captivating work of its own, and the best possible presentation of this tale. Intense care was taken in the film's details, from story to cinematography to sound. The latter was clearly edited on the emotion, which plays amazingly. As such, MOST lends itself to scrutiny, if you want to do that. Deeper meanings are there to be plumbed, but, like the best of all such cinema, it also works intuitively. Effort isn't necessary - you can just let it wash over you. In that way it approaches, if not meets, the singular style and quality of WINGS OF DESIRE.

I've allowed a few months pass, just to let it settle with me, and I'm now reasonably sure that MOST can be called a masterpiece. Really - it's that good.

If you have an opportunity to see this film take it. If you have an opportunity to listen to the filmmakers talk about this film drop everything to be there. The source material for this story has touched me for years. (Supposedly based on a true story that has now taken on the status of a spiritual legend.) This film takes this material and moves it beyond moral anecdote to an experience that is unprecedented in cinema. The cinematography is great, acting is great, music fits. Although the emotional impact is beyond intense, you are never forced into the emotion. You are presented with times of joy, humor, anguish, and hope in a way that your heart chooses to experience. You must watch it multiple times to catch all the imagery and savor the experience. This is the only film that I have a waiting list of friends wanting to borrow it after I showed it to them.

I want to address anyone who may be reluctant to watch this if they heard that it is a "Christian" film. Over the years that adjective in the arts has sadly (but in most cases justifiably) become synonymous with "of poor production quality" or "preachy". Neither of these descriptions apply to this film. 'Most' is a spiritual experience that does parallel themes in Chritianity but can be appreciated by anyone, no matter their spiritual journey. I have shown this film to people who follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and people who do not. Every person I have shown it to have had only good things to say about it. It is what the genre should be producing. Companies wanting to make religious films should take their cue from this one.

I saw this movie at a church family retreat. You can't describe the depth and meaning of this film, it HAS to be seen. I couldn't keep from thinking about it. It paralleled my life so much and I could truly relate. I went away actually bawling. This truly represents Gods love for his children. I had to go out and purchase the movie for myself. I am excited to share it with my Youth Group at church. I think this could make an impact on many youth because it hits so many areas of life. A must see for everyone. Kudo's to everyone involved with the production. I look forward to seeing more works from Bobby Garabedian and William Zabka.

This is one of those films that pulls you in and blows you away. Even though I knew the story ahead of time, I was amazed at the emotions it invoked upon seeing.

Everyone should see this film. If you fully understand the film, you cannot help but be changed by it.

I was amazed at how well one is drawn into the story, and the characters' lives. Even the secondary and tertiary characters bring the story alive and fill it beyond what you would expect from a film this short.

Do not be concerned about the subtitles. Personally, I think the subtitles give you just enough distance to keep you from losing the message, while drawing you into the film and making you a part of it (since you have to be an active (reading) participant).

My church showed this film this past Sunday in place of a sermon. Our minister is a fantastic speaker but nothing that he could have said could have delivered the message of the sacrifice that God made for us as powerfully as this film did. Several people had to get up and leave the church and everyone else was left in awe. Everyone should see this film...and hopefully then would understand and remember how much our God loves us. After viewing this story, I have decided to buy a copy for all of the people in my life that I love. What better message can I possibly give to my family than this. In a world where the focus is on "me", "mine", "more", I could only wish that MTV would broadcast this instead of the sad and vulgar videos that our children are exposed to...

I saw this for the first time years ago at a film fest and have never forgotten it. By far, it is the most beautiful and moving short film I've seen.

The story itself isn't that original; it's based on an old Christian campfire story that is itself a fairly non subtle metaphor.

Regardless, it's HOW the filmmakers shape that story into something that is complex an cinematic in all the best ways that is the genuine miracle here.

If you can find this film, your time and effort will be well-spent and rewarded. And then some.

Simply one of the greatest films I've ever seen. There's no epic plot, but it has all the plot any movie ever needs. It cuts to the core of the human experience and provides characters that we can all relate to. "Most" is by far my favorite short film and ranks in my top ten favorite movies of all time. I don't know if the film was intentionally allegorical but there are definitely some religious parallels here. Also, from a cinematographers perspective, the director made some beautiful choices in the composition. I love long lens lengths and slow focus pulls. I recommend this film to anyone, especially those questioning the meaning of life.

I saw this movie in the company of the directors Bobby Garabedian and William Zabka in a private screening of the movie. Needless to say, this movie was absolutely breathtaking. I can honestly say this is one of the best movies I have ever seen, the parallels in this movie to Biblical truth are staggering and the sheer art form it possesses is remarkable. If you have not seen it, or have even the slightest bit of remote interest in viewing it, I strongly urge you to. Please don't let the fact that the movie is in another language hinder you from watching, in fact, it makes it 1000 times better. This movie has changed my life and even several months after watching it, I am still amazed by it.

I just got back from my youth group where a guy came and showed the movie, and I have to say, it's really a very moving film. The guy used it as a parallel for the Gospel and it works very very well. The film really brings out some emotions that sort of puts a face on the Gospel and lets people actually see and feel what its all about rather than just having some guy telling them about it.

That aside though, it's a really well done film, the acting and camera work are both great. The characters are effective and the story is told well.

All in all, great movie, see it if you can.

I don't want to use to many words, as the average reviewer will tell you just how good this is! But let me simply say this: I have never seen the question of God's love as a Father depicted so powerfully as in this film. Its a quality film - no cheesy dialogue - fantastic acting and music - thoughtful - tearful - and full of good questions.

I would recommend that after you watch the film, you think through some of the poignant questions that may arise from its subject matter. Then you may be better prepared to discuss this with others once they have also seen the movie.

I highly recommend this film, and that you lend it to as many people as possible. Hey, if you can afford it - buy them a copy! - Rev. Simon Page, United Kingdom.

Talk about making the MOST out of a masterpiece, gem, a treasure! The cinematography was superb, the sound design and music amazing, the script so pertinent and concise for the images and faces told a thousand words and more. Everything about the film was excellent. Please pass on to all involved our kudos for a phenomenal film that, to us, was much too short. With the gibberish and garbage so prevalent in films today, that was a masterpiece. Not since The Passion of The Christ have we seen such vivid and symbolic images that are forever branded on the heart and mind, not to mention the soul. We're getting ready to watch it for a third time and each time I know we'll discover something new and poignant. The only disappointment was that the DVD didn't include some backgrounder and interviews with William Zabka, Bobby Garabedian and others on the inspiration for shooting this and how long it took. The casting was truly majestic for the actors seemed so natural and you cared for them right from the get-go. Lada (Ladislav Ondrej) and his father (Vladimir Javorsky) had charisma like few we've seen. You felt with Vladimir every single emotion, including his gut-wrenching pulling the lever that would doom his son. But he did so out of love and to save the MOST (literally). Not only that, but we felt as if we were on the train with MOST of the assembled entourage - not all, for Brad Heller's character was typical of the ugly American who really hasn't a clue of culture or charity and was well-captured in the loser who is, in reality, out of touch with reality. Reality poured through the celluloid tableau painted in such brilliant images from the reflections to the smoke; the starkness of a lost heart after the accident, and the impact of the child's impressions prompt the viewer to even feel for the poor guy in the slippers. The segues were brilliant. And the camera shots...Wow! We were also impressed with how steady the camera was because in films today so many seem to jiggle or blur. In MOST the blurs had purpose, the focus sharpening always on the soul. The shots of the rails, the passing images that always kept the subject steady and in view truly symbolic. In short, this short took the least of His brethren and made the MOST of the lesson of life, where the sacrifice of a son, in the same vein as Abraham's willing offering of Isaac and God the Father's gift of His Son and Mary's obedient fiat to cooperate with the ultimate sacrifice on the cross was subliminally conveyed so beautifully and proving our Lord's words in John 3: 16 and John 10: 10. MOST is a masterpiece that the narrow-minded politically correct Academy really missed. It is deserving of the awards it has accrued and deserving of greater rewards to come from above for this simple message that provides the MOST impact to the heart. Because of marketing, MOST won't be seen by MOST today, and that is the real tragedy presented by this magnificent film, which is a "Bridge" to excellence and the heart

I saw MOST at the Nashville Film Festival in May,2003. The film is about a single father and his son in modern day Poland. They seem to have only each other, and through the course of the film we see the nature and depth of their relationship. There are a set of secondary characters developed in the opening scenes and we are allowed to understand that the train these characters are getting on, is key to the story. We learn that the father is a railroad drawbridge operator when he takes his son to the work with him. The journey to the bridge is when the film sets the hook. It is among the most subtle and effective uses of foreshadowing and emotional participation I have ever seen. I will tell no more, but that the father must make the most difficult decision of any parent's life and the audience, now involved , must make the decision with him. It is masterful storytelling. If you have a chance to see it, please make it a priority. It is the kind of short film that raises the bar.

MOST is about 30 minutes long and manages to tell a feature length story. It has a primarily Polish cast and is subtitled. The film was written by producer Billy Zabka( "Sweep the leg Johnny!") and director Bobby Garabedian. They are best known as a music video directing team(Sarah Evans, among others), but prove themselves capable of narrative storytelling in this medium.

I watched this in church and it has a strong correlation with the decision God must have had to make concerning his son Jesus. The choice that had to be made was by far the "most" anyone would have to make and the ultimate sacrifice was the outcome.

I recommend this to anyone of all ages. This brought the entire congregation this morning to tears. It was very moving. The sharp contrast between the muted colors and the color magenta was interesting. It gave you a feeling that while many things are clear and brilliant in your view some things are not so clear and are tough to make out hence the tough decision that needed to be made.

One of the most touching Christian movies ever made. Is a must to see it with your family to really understand John 3:16, the message about the sacrifice that God made for us sinners. You'll never forget it. If you want to build your library with movies with Christian message you have to include "Most", together with "Facing The Giants" "Flywheel" (the first movie from the creators of "Facing the Giants"), "The Time Changer" (excellent and very under-rated), "Fireproof", and of course, Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ". We just watched "Most" today Wednesday at my church (Church of Christ of West Orange) and many of our visitors left with tears on their eyes...

I've seen this movie once and loved it. I came across it accidentally because I was looking for a story my dad used to tell in the mid-70s (I was probably in second or third grade) at The Vine coffeehouse ministry he ran in Pitcairn, PA. My mom and two other ladies used to sing in a band named Ruth and they sang a song in the background while my dad told the story of a bridge operator and his son ... and this movie follows my dad's story in detail - but this movie was released 40+ years later. So where did the guys who wrote and directed this film get the story. I'm baffled!

I first saw this film in Odessa, Ukraine, in February 2009. One of the Executive Producers, Joseph Davis, whom is now a colleague and friend was sharing with me the project he was so fortunate to be a part of. The short film he gave me had an impact on me that I truly was not expecting. My travels require me to go to some of the darkest places on the planet and see the worst of human conditions and also the noblest of character and professionalism from those with whom I work. By some accounts, and my own confession, I would venture to say that I am rather hardened to emotion. I generally do not cry at movies. But...I am also a father of two beautiful boys who (along with their mother) are everything to me.

The story, told so beautifully by the cast and crew of this film is nothing short of epic. The cinematography was almost as much of a character as the cast members. The human cast members have mastered the skill of connecting with the audience. The chemistry and connection between the father and son impacted me deeply, as it allowed me reminisce and appreciate the connection I have with my sons. However, the most poignant connection is the unadulterated emotion that cascades from the father at the critical juncture of the film. The unrivaled despair expressed so purely in both action and context is overwhelming. Tears flowed openly, as the connection with this tormented character was so strong. Finally, the films final wellspring of hope and subdued reminder that, "life does continue" is truly inspiring. That was February 2009, and I have revisited this experience on two separate occasions with the same effect. Bravo, Joseph.

Did you understand the meaning of this movie?

This movie is a picture for what Jesus Christ did for us, as he sacrificed Himself on the cross. We can see God's love, shown in the movie as the father sacrificed his son for the sinners (people in the train). This is exactly the meaning of true love!

Jesus Christ did that also for you - so what is your reply to that???

To understand, what the movie is about, read in the bible => John 3:16

God is love !

It is time to wake up, and change your life !

God loves you !