Just perfect...

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

There's a more than satisfactory amount of boom-boom in the movie's trim running time.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

Surfing as a modern day pastime is complex. There are all kinds of Surfers; professionals, weekend warriors, local legends, beginners, and veterans. Many companies sell the surf image via clothing and accessories, for some that is the closest they will ever get to riding a wave or understanding the sport.I am lucky, I get to surf and I am grateful. That being said, how is it for other surfers around the world...what does it mean to them? We all dream of that perfect place where we can be one with nature, but what if you lived in that place...what would it be like? Would the rules that we live by still apply? Splinter's offers the movie goer an up close and personal glimpse into island life and all that it has to offer. There is beauty, there is grit and sometimes violence. The director does an excellent job of capturing the complexities of each character, this includes triumph, hope and at times defeat.For me, Surfing in this film transports you into the characters lives and it transports them beyond their village into the outside world, our world. Regardless if you are a man or woman, It's up to each character to ride their wave however and wherever they want. How far they go is up to them.

This film was not at all what I was expecting. It's a surf movie, yes, in the sense that it's about surfing. But its the intimate look into the lives of the surfers themselves that propels the story and turns it into something exceptional. Well, that, and the music. The score is very well done. It sounds kind of Sigur Ros-ish and really creates a cool tone for the film. I just happened to go to a screening the other night without knowing much about the film and it blew me away. The story twists and turns in ways I doubt the film makers even predicted when they started shooting it. I Highly recommend this to anyone who likes documentaries, surfing, or just great story-telling.

With the democratization of filmmaking, almost anyone with access to filmmaking technology can generate a film. So when I learned Director Adam Pesce moved to Papua New Guinea, learned pigeon English and started shooting, I knew this was not just another surfer's stab at self-aggrandizing You Tube stardom. Plus, the film's website is a platform for all sorts of awards and acknowledgments from the film festival circuit, so I have some back up on this stance.This documentary is extremely well done. Both aesthetically and narratively.And subjectively, I say that by taking in to account the distinct dynamic native to Papua New Guinea, the dialogue & story which unfolds on the screen and the circumstances I learned later via researching the film about the bouts of malaria endured by the Director, etc. Briefly, the film showcases the universal struggles one engages in when practical needs conflict with dreams and ideals of a better life. Surfing is the conduit of hope and also the bittersweet weapon of control and revenge. Watch the film to figure out how and why.

My wife and I enjoyed "Splinters" at O Cinema in Miami, FL. The documentary is fascinating because it is rich in layers of story telling. The protagonists' passion for Surfing and their social relationships are covered very well. I was able to learn about surfing and the people Papua New Guinea (their culture and social changes). The movie has an emotional impact of the viewer because it is ultimately about people wanting to reach a dream and be great. This is an feeling that is universal. The movie captivated me the entire time and even gave me the desire to know even more about the future of each character. Is is great to see how similar people are even when separated by thousands of miles. Don't miss this perfect combination of history and entertainment.