Watch Kids' Reviews of
LETTER TO MARIE

I really enjoyed Letter to Marie; every aspect of it is brilliantly executed. The sound design, the music, the cinematography all create a transcendent cinematic experience in just a few minutes. A wonderful life lesson is learned by the protagonist and audience; all of these elements make Letter to Marie worth the watch. This short film follows a young adult cleaning her family's garden to prepare it for selling. Along the way she finds a letter from her great grandfather and discovers a lesson she had once struggled to see - the importance of family.

I enjoyed the storyline a great deal and how the story is propelled forward by the written letter. It creates an emphasis on the words of the writer and allows the audience to fully hear the lessons being taught.

The cinematography is absolutely what sold me on this short film. From the first shot, the beautiful stills are completely compelling. The garden was a perfect location for the film. The small pond connecting perfectly to the section in the letter about water, and the true connections to nature are evident by the beautiful scenery. The background music and sound effects are excellent. I love how the music is louder through the headphones when we are in the protagonist perspective, and quieter when we are not. My favorite part of the film is how the music and sound design are executed.

The writer/director Ralf Giesecke had an extraordinary vision for this film and executes it exceptionally well. The writing of the letter perfectly conveys the theme in a way that isn't too obvious, and the direction beautifully relays that that theme. I felt as if I knew the grandfather by the time the film ends.

The film shows the beautiful cycle of family being one, like nature, and one that is unbreakable.

I give Letter to Marie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 10 to 18, plus adults. It has great production quality, is engaging, and has a wonderful theme. One of my favorite of this season! Reviewed by Erin M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

I really enjoyed Letter to Marie; every aspect of it is brilliantly executed. The sound design, the music, the cinematography all create a transcendent cinematic experience in just a few minutes. A wonderful life lesson is learned by the protagonist and audience; all of these elements make Letter to Marie worth the watch. This short film follows a young adult cleaning her family's garden to prepare it for selling. Along the way she finds a letter from her great grandfather and discovers a lesson she had once struggled to see - the importance of family.

I enjoyed the storyline a great deal and how the story is propelled forward by the written letter. It creates an emphasis on the words of the writer and allows the audience to fully hear the lessons being taught.

The cinematography is absolutely what sold me on this short film. From the first shot, the beautiful stills are completely compelling. The garden was a perfect location for the film. The small pond connecting perfectly to the section in the letter about water, and the true connections to nature are evident by the beautiful scenery. The background music and sound effects are excellent. I love how the music is louder through the headphones when we are in the protagonist perspective, and quieter when we are not. My favorite part of the film is how the music and sound design are executed.

The writer/director Ralf Giesecke had an extraordinary vision for this film and executes it exceptionally well. The writing of the letter perfectly conveys the theme in a way that isn't too obvious, and the direction beautifully relays that that theme. I felt as if I knew the grandfather by the time the film ends.

The film shows the beautiful cycle of family being one, like nature, and one that is unbreakable.

I give Letter to Marie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 10 to 18, plus adults. It has great production quality, is engaging, and has a wonderful theme. One of my favorite of this season! Reviewed by Erin M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

Sometimes important words of the past find a way to you. And sometimes they change your future.