Their performing arts school risks closure. Realizing they need ten thousand dollars to keep the school open, they decide to find a solution. Putting aside their differences, they decide to work together. To save their school, they decide to put on a concert. However, before they succeed, they are faced with different challenges. In the end, it was about character and not about talent. Working as a team and learning to count on each other was all they needed to make it work.
This coming-of-age humorous film captures what it means to have a passion for something. The cast, Bill Bogner (Mr. Smith), Tiany Jin (Ava Star), Avison Kate Aust (Dana Savage), Daniel Cobden (Chaz Man), Franklin Sui (Frankie Tong), Kyra Crandell (Beth Stilling), Margarita Latyk (Patrica Scott), Lucy Shin (Tiffiny Pink), Adele & Adela Wang (Weasel & Dweezil), Hadrian Tong (Bam Bam), and Romeo Duan (Blake Royal), complemented the film’s direction. With quirky behaviours and hilarious dialogues, the cast have a bright future ahead of them. Enacting this film and delivering an entertaining performance, they deserve to be applauded. Their chemistry brings so much authenticity to the film’s emotional and comedic moments. While some supporting characters are underdeveloped, the ensemble’s energy helps maintain the audience’s attention.
One of the film’s strongest moments is when they realize they can’t hold the concert at the park. However, when they realize they can use social media, it becomes a synchronized wave of execution. It becomes the film’s central message that success depends on collaboration and not only individual achievement.
Director and producer C.G. Ryche manages to deliver a nostalgic coming-of-age story with Saving Cedar. Inspired by John Hughes’ work, Ryche follows in the same footsteps, creating a film that is hilarious, imperfect, and has personality. Similar to Hughes’ films, Saving Cedar uses young characters to explore belonging and friendship. This film feels realistic, as the characters act like children do. Full of curiosity, passion, and a need to help, it features different characters, creating a beautiful blend of chaos. This film also shows how technology can be used in a creative way while also celebrating artistic and creative works.
The camera work is used as an additional instrument in this film. To mirror the chaotic energy of the students, the videographer uses tracking shots to complement the film’s direction.
While its story follows familiar coming-of-age conventions, Saving Cedar overcomes its predictability through strong performances, heartfelt humour and an uplifting message about faith, perseverance and teamwork.
