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February 12, 2015
MOVIE | The 'Face of the Earth' Captured by a Pioneer of Extreme Sports: 'Last Paradise'
MOVIE | The Face of Earth Captured by an Extreme Sports Pioneer
‘Last Paradise’ by Director Clive Neeson
Director Clive Neeson, a pioneer in numerous extreme sports and a scientist, presents ‘Last Paradise,’ a documentary weaving together footage of majestic nature he has captured over 45 years, viewed through his unique lens of “exciting adventures.” The film will begin its nationwide release on Saturday, February 14th, at Cinemaart Shinjuku, Cinemaart Shinsaibashi, and other theaters.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
An Invitation to Adventure Through an “Exciting Adventure” Approach
Director Clive Neeson is a truly unique individual. He spent his childhood in East Africa, living alongside wild animals like elephants and lions, before moving to New Zealand. In an environment rich only in nature, he and his friends ingeniously challenged themselves with various games and adventures, and he became known as a pioneer of extreme sports. Meanwhile, in academia, he earned a doctorate in physics and is also known for developing the world's first weather monitoring device and digital camera.
‘Last Paradise’ confronts us with critical environmental issues that demand immediate attention. By witnessing the changes in the footage Neeson has captured over 45 years, we come to understand how the Earth, once in its natural state, has drastically transformed within a single generation.
However, there is no preachiness whatsoever. Through the unique approach of “exciting adventures” enjoyed by Director Neeson and his friends—including AJ Hackett, the originator of bungee jumping, and Jeff Campbell, a pioneer of backcountry skiing and hang gliding—the film makes us feel as if we too are on a journey, embarking on an adventure.
How to Protect Nature Through Ingenuity
Young Neeson spent his boyhood in East Africa, living alongside elephants and lions. Even after moving to New Zealand, he and his friends built their own play equipment and lived creatively alongside nature.
Eventually, they took up surfing. As boisterous youths, they pushed the boundaries of fun, and their focus shifted from the sea to the mountains. Sleeping in cars and forests, they began what they called “mountain surfing,” which evolved into modern snowboarding.
Then, the youths set off on a journey in search of paradise. With surfboards in hand, they traveled through Mexico, Spain, Indonesia, and Australia. Upon returning to their native New Zealand, they realized the magnificence of their homeland. And then, one after another, they created new extreme sports.
Their dream, born from playing with nature, was to pass on this joy to the next generation. But this dream is turning into a nightmare. Deforestation and agricultural development are destroying the natural landscapes that were their playgrounds.
Director Neeson and his friends, who created their games through various forms of ingenuity. How will they use this same ingenuity to protect the abundant nature that remains? Through captivating action and adventure scenes, we will be reminded of the “wonderful nature” that only Director Neeson and his friends knew, and which no longer exists, and the immense scale of what has been lost.
Last Paradise
Opening Saturday, February 14th, at Cinemaart Shinjuku, Cinemaart Shinsaibashi, and nationwide thereafter.
Directed, Written, Photographed, and Produced by Clive Neeson
Starring: AJ Hackett, Barry Green, Jeff Campbell, Alan Byrne, Dave Smothers
Distributed by Laid-Back Corporation
2013 / New Zealand / 100 min
http://www.laidback.co.jp/lastparadise/