A different way of telling a story

Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

I didn't have any high expectations for this film, because I knew absolutely zero about it at the time. I had no idea what to expect, but it caught my interest right away with the beginning scene. I loved how at the beginning when you don't know what's going on at all, but you slowly learn more and more as you keep watching. This is one of those movies that has numerous layers to it, and the way it goes about telling the story is expertly done.For a film that's about simple, everyday life, it was very climatic at the end, and very realistic. You'll never see another film like it. It's breathtaking. Not in the way you would think either, but that's partly what is most unique about it.

It's not a bad film. The acting is very good and the characters are moving. But, jeez, man, the pacing, the pacing is so slow! I lost my concentration several times viewing this film.Extremely good performances by the actors that play Ed, Flower and Garnet. Ed is so emotionally constipated that he could not give of himself to his children. He lives in a state of constant anger and sorrow because his wife passed away in childbirth. His cold and disinterested behavior affects his teenage daughter and young son. I felt angry enough to want to reach into the film and punch out Ed because of how he treats his children with indifference and being stupid enough to go buy his young son a BB gun. His son, Garnet is such a lonely child who plays by himself constantly. His only connection to anyone is with his beautiful teenage sister, Flower. Flower, who is pretty much belligerent towards Ed because he is a crappy dad, gets pregnant and leave the house. Now Garnet is alone and he tries to bond with his father who has deep emotional problems of his own. Lately, Garnet has been going around shooting at animals with his gun.........I was creeped out to see a young child shooting a gun. With all the crap about kids going into schools and shooting up the place, well, it just made me feel ill. Can Ed reach his son before it's too late? This movie is too slow. I blame the director. However, I feel the climax (towards the very end of the movie) almost makes it well worth watching this long, long film. Mr. Callum Keith Rennie (who plays Ed) is mesmerizing to watch and his little emotional breakdown is very, very moving.After seeing this film, there will be no way in heck I'd want to go live in a small town in Canada. I'd get cabin fever real fast! It's an okay film. Nothing too special.

This film is getting a lot of press in Vancouver. This is not only because it is locally made, but also because it is very well executed. I was tempted to dismiss it as just another Canadian slice-of-life film. It is that, but it is a superb example of the genre. The characters grew on me and a lot is communicated from the looks on their faces. This film is worth seeing, even if you're not Canadian.

Flower and Garnet is a gritty movie that, I think, captures aspects of small town Canadian life perfectly. That is not to say that every Canadian family is as dysfunctional as Ed's family. But this movie is an engaging drama. It holds itself unique than other family melodrama's in that it does not suck. Granted, the movie is very sublime and there is not much in the way of action or direct conflict but the turmoil of Ed's family is expertly conveyed through stunning performances of the lead actors. Callum Keith Rennie is great, as par for his career, Jane Macgregor, who plays Flower, turns in a solid performance. However the person who really shines through is Colin Roberts in the role of Garnet. The story centers around and is seen through the eyes of eight-year old Garnet. Colin carries the movie effortlessly on his shoulders, never once betraying a false moment. If you need one reason to see this film, it would be to watch this kid struggle through confusion and loss as he tries desperately to cope with his family dynamics.