"Mint Tea" is a visually stunning and emotionally captivating film that takes us on a journey inspired by the incredible true story of a compassionate man's mission to save lives. Set against the backdrop of a breathtaking cliff overlooking the sea, this cinematic masterpiece will unfold with a dreamlike aesthetic, reminiscent of Wes Anderson's palette of faded pastel turquoise, blue and green colors.

 

Our protagonist, Felix, is a kind-hearted individual who has (by happenstance) dedicated his life to saving individuals in moments of pure despair near a treacherous cliff. Armed with a cup of soothing mint tea and a gift for heartfelt conversations, Felix has become a beacon of hope for those on the edge of darkness. The film, however, holds a secret that unravels as the story progresses.

 

We begin with Felix (70) and his morning routine - boiling some water and sitting in front of 2 screens. One with Jeopardy and the other seems to be a security camera pointed at the edge of a cliff. As he (poorly) answers all the questions of the talk show, a figure appears on the security footage. After seeing this, Felix rushes to a kitchen counter with endless amounts of mugs with tea bags already placed in them, quickly pours the hot water in two of them and rushes over to the man on the edge. 

 

The way he approaches this mysterious figure feels familiar, as if he’s done this many times. And yet this particular individual, known as Tom, is not responding well to the approach Felix has mastered. As the narrative unfolds, He is forced to tell the tales of the people he has saved in the past in order to try and convince Tom to stay amongst the living. 

 

Throughout "Mint Tea," Felix's colorful memories come to life, showcasing his relentless efforts to save lives. We experience the triumphs and heartaches, as Felix reflects on the lives he has touched, having saved approximately 160 individuals from the brink of despair and the ones he failed to. These encounters have taken their toll on Felix, pushing him to the brink of his own mortality.

 

Amidst the unfolding drama, the film poses profound questions about the boundaries of human suffering and the complexities of life's purpose. As Felix battles his own grief of his past he reveals he is battling an incurable illness, the story takes on a new dimension. The color palette shifts, reflecting the somber tones of Felix's internal struggle, while still maintaining the film's distinctive visual style.

 

It is not until the film's climactic moments that the true nature of Tom is revealed first, as he has Felix's owns face and then morphs into all the faces of the people he saved, and the people he failed to and we understand he is the personification of Death, masquerading as someone in need of saving. The encounter forces Felix to confront the ultimate test of his life's good deeds and grapple with the question of when suicide may be seen as a justifiable choice.

 

With its mesmerizing visuals, deeply moving performances, and thought-provoking themes, "Mint Tea" transcends the boundaries of a traditional narrative. This poignant and introspective film promises to captivate audiences worldwide, inviting them to contemplate the fragility of life, the power of human connection, and the ultimate mysteries that lie beyond our reach.

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LINK TO STORY

(  https://www.cbsnews.com/news/australian-angel-saves-lives-at-suicide-spot/  )