Breath

Breath, a 2017 movie directed by Simon Baker, brings to life the poignant coming-of-age novel by Tim Winton. Set amidst the picturesque coastal town of Western Australia during the 70s, Breath is a tale centered on surfing, friendship and the fragility of youth. Inspired by Winton's own experiences as a teenager, the movie gently explores the theme of adolescent awakening through the eyes of two young boys, Pikelet (Samson Coulter) and Loonie (Ben Spence), who form an intriguing bond with a mysterious older surfer, Sando (Simon Baker).

Breath begins by introducing us to Pikelet and Loonie, two childhood friends rooted in their humdrum town life, yearning for adventure. As a fascination for surfing blooms in them, they find themselves drawn towards the unpredictable yet alluring waves of the sea. In this magnetic attraction towards the ocean, they stumble upon Sando, a former professional surfer and an enigmatic mentor. Sando imparts lessons to the boys that transcend the realm of surfing and gently nudges them towards a larger spectrum of life.

Simon Baker, besides directing and co-writing the screenplay, delivers a compelling performance as Sando. His character is complex - both magnetic and enigmatic, guiding and secretive. He evokes intrigue and adds depth to the narrative. As an actor, Baker fully embraces the dichotomy of this complex character with a performance that strikes the balance between friendly guidance and aloof mystery.

The young actors, Samson Coulter and Ben Spence, in their debut roles, brilliantly portray the characters of Pikelet and Loonie. Their performances embody the perfectly contrasting personalities - Pikelet's cautious fragility is impeccably contrasted with Loonie's wild recklessness. Their nuances, the transformation from naive youngsters into surfers, their struggles to grasp realities harsher than they've ever encountered, are incredibly delivered, making their characters wonderfully relatable.

The captivating character development is silently backdropped by some of the most breathtaking visuals that wholly encapsulate the thrilling beauty of the Western Australia coastline. The cinematography is undeniably one of the cinematic triumphs of Breath. Rick Rifici, the director of underwater photography and also a veteran of surf photography, captures some astounding shots, each frame painting an eloquent picture of life along the shoreline.

The surfing scenes, which play a pivotal role in the narrative, are beautifully orchestrated. They are not merely physical activities but are steeply drenched in metaphorical implications, signaling towards deeper, philosophical meanings. Here, the ocean is more than just a playground—it's a teacher, an adversary, a sanctuary, and a revealer of hidden layers.

Breath also boasts a magnificent sound design that contributes significantly to the narrative. The thundering roar of the waves, the tranquil silence of the underwater sequences, and the quaint, soft sounds of the town's quiet life create a sonic landscape that furthers the dramatic and visual storytelling of the film.

Furthermore, the screenplay, co-written by Gerard Lee of 'Top of the Lake' fame alongside Simon Baker and Tim Winton, beautifully translates Winton's evocative narrative into a captivating cinematic story. Throughout the movie, there's a commendable balance between dialogue and visual storytelling, which is quite appealing.

Simon Baker's directorial debut is impressive and indicative of a mature and thoughtful approach to filmmaking. His eye for details, evident in the quiet moments between the characters, the fascinating dynamics between mentor and mentee, the ebbs and flows of friendship and the troubling, tricky navigation towards adulthood, breathes life into Breath.

In conclusion, Breath is an evocative coming-of-age drama that skillfully intertwines the thrill of surfing with the tumultuous journey of adolescence. It is an exploration of friendship, mentorship, and an undercurrent of deeper, more challenging life lessons. The movie is a poetic, visually stunning cinematic experience that beautifully resonates with the viewer long after the credits roll. Filled with passionate performances and atmospheric storytelling, Breath is definitely worth a watch for those who appreciate nuanced and contemplative cinema.