The Second
January 13, 2025 10:06 PM   Subscribe

"In an alternate version of today’s world where dueling is still acceptable, Philip, a man of tradition, must perform the role of “Second” on the day of his only son’s duel."

"“The Second,” starring Paul Sun-Hyung Lee (Kim’s Convenience, The Mandalorian, Avatar: The Last Airbender) and Ethan Hwang (Riceboy Sleeps, Umbrella Academy) is the first live-action narrative short written & directed by Taylor Ramos and Tony Zhou. It premiered at Fantasia in 2024."

Descriptions pulled from the film's description on YouTube, where it appeared on Every Frame a Painting's channel today. There is also a playlist with some short essays about making the film, one of which was subject to a post here not long ago.
posted by maxwelton (6 comments total) 10 users marked this as a favorite
 
I watched this yesterday and found it both suspenseful and moving.
posted by Archer25 at 6:48 AM on January 14


Like other good short works, hints at the depth of the world without belaboring the point. Beautifully done. As a commenter on the YouTube page noted there is a moment at around 10:22 with the lighting and the officiant's face that was either a brilliant accident or a perfectly executed stylistic grace note.
posted by Wretch729 at 10:56 AM on January 14 [1 favorite]


The differing contents of the boxes made for a nice bit of backstory.
posted by mittens at 12:03 PM on January 14


MOST DISPUTES DIE AND NO-ONE SHOOTS

sorry, someone had to do it
posted by Sebmojo at 12:55 PM on January 14 [2 favorites]


It's three hours later and I keep thinking about it.
posted by mochapickle at 5:27 PM on January 14


A relatively small sum of money (given what we can see of Philip's wealth) would have solved the problem, as perhaps would having had a conversation with his son about his own experience dueling (at least at some point other than a few seconds before handing over the weapon).
posted by maxwelton at 6:54 PM on January 14


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