MOVIE REVIEW
paSSive poWer
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Genre: Experimental, Short
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 10m
Director(s): J.B. Ghuman Jr.
Writer(s): J.B. Ghuman Jr.
Cast: J.B. Ghuman Jr.
Where To Watch: TBA

RAVING REVIEW: JB Ghuman Jr.'s PASSIVE POWERS is a unique breeze through the often tumultuous storytelling landscape. This film breaks from conventional cinema, charting a course through the quieter yet profoundly significant aspects of human connections. With the technologically advanced Insta360 TITAN camera, Ghuman crafts a visual journey that dives deep into the essence of empathy and patience—traits seldom highlighted amid overt human expressions.

Ghuman, known for his directorial flair and eclectic persona, elevates PASSIVE POWERS beyond the norms of traditional filmmaking. The film is a blast of color exploring human emotions captured in stunning 8K 3D 360-degree VR, enveloping viewers in a narrative that celebrates the power of the unspoken and overlooked energies that bind us.

Central to PASSIVE POWERS is the concept of "paSSive poWers"—qualities such as empathy and patience, which, though often undervalued, are pivotal in shaping authentic human connections. This film invites its audience to embrace these quieter strengths, presenting them as forces as potent as the more visible and celebrated ones.

Ghuman’s narrative is infused with his diverse background—from his Miami Beach roots to his dynamic careers in poetry and breakdancing. This rich life experience brings a unique, culturally infused perspective to PASSIVE POWERS, echoing his previous works like SPORK and The ART OF BEING and weaving a story that engages viewers on multiple emotional and intellectual levels.

The visuals in PASSIVE POWERS are a critical element of its storytelling magic. Scenes transition from vibrant moments to serene stillness, with a protagonist in a white-lined bodysuit acting as the thread connecting these contrasting themes. This visual storytelling is seen and felt, highlighting the coexistence of silence and noise as equally vital cinematic elements.

PASSIVE POWERS pushes boundaries and sets new benchmarks in film technology using the Insta360 TITAN camera. This advancement provides a textured, immersive experience, drawing viewers into a meticulously crafted reality. However, the reliance on VR technology could pose accessibility challenges, sparking discussions about expanding the film's reach through more accessible formats. Viewing this on YouTube just didn’t entirely give the experience I’m sure the filmmaker was hoping to pass along.

The film’s structure deviates from traditional narratives, offering instead a participatory experience that demands viewers engage with the film’s experience. This method may not cater to all tastes. Still, for those attuned to its rhythm, PASSIVE POWERS promises a journey that lingers, prompting introspection and appreciation for the understated aspects of life.

Despite its brief runtime of just 10 minutes, PASSIVE POWERS packs a substantial punch. Although its unique style and depth may only cater to some tastes, it presents a compelling invitation to explore an artistically rich and intriguing experience. For those open to its avant-garde approach, this short film is undeniably worth the brief time commitment it demands.

PASSIVE POWERS is an ode to the subtle forces that shape our interactions and internal landscapes, by focusing on the quiet powers, Ghuman challenges cinematic norms and highlights how film can be a profound medium for exploring the depths of human strength and vulnerability.

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[photo courtesy of DREAM OF SPACE PRODUCTIONS]

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