When Life Was Good

DIRECTOR TERRY MILES IN PERSON | First-time feature director Terry Miles impresses with this intimate, atmospheric comedy-drama about the romantic and professional travails of young urban hipsters. Would-be actress Brooklyn flies home to surprise boyfriend Ben on his birthday, then leaves him for reasons she can’t fully explain. Meanwhile, Brooklyn’s friends Faith, an aspiring dancer, and Casey, a budding screenwriter, are crazy in love with each other — and just as obviously headed for the rocks. With its improvisational style and affection for its characters, When Life Was Good "feels like a Cassavetes movie minus the rancour...[It] signals the arrival of a distinctive new voice in Canadian cinema" (Toronto I.F.F.) "A film of quiet power and sharp acuity" (Vancouver I.F.F.). Colour, 35mm. 86 mins.