Cast
View All
Kristine Cofsky
as Brooklyn
Casey Manderson
as Casey
Kacie Hart
as Faith
Rob Carpenter
as Mischa
Ryan Haneman
as Chuck
Brody Harms
as Alex
Kristen Hovet
as Miranda
Rob Leickner
as Sven Olfanssen
Duncan MacLellan
as Ben
Brenda Matthews
as Faith's Mother
John Paul McGlynn
as Johnny
Michelle Miazga
as Chloe
Tijana Popovic
as Tina
Dan Richardson
as Andrew
Randi Wood
as Eva
Crew
Director
- Terry Miles
Writer
- Terry Miles
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, When Life Was Good examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Terry Miles brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2008, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of When Life Was Good took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 86 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 141 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 60 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2008, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While When Life Was Good shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Honey, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, When Life Was Good subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Get Rich or Die Tryin' and Tag explore similar territory, When Life Was Good stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 6, 2008
- Runtime: 1h 26m
