Depending on your experience through life, your view on this film will be unique

Rating: 10/10 (6 December 2004)

I've always viewed projects like Garden State, Eternal Sunshine, and Better Luck Tomorrow as films, not movies.
Movies are a way to escape our lives and kill a few hours. Films, on the other hand, are designed to make us reflect on our life, where we have been, where we are going, and who we choose to take along with us on our unique ride.
Garden State, as a film, is unique, unusual, and very bitter sweet. It's Hollywood-esque ending is the only thing holding this film back from the top 50.
Braff's incredible, and very touching view on reality is second to none, his characters and the situations that he presents are well though out, well written, and wonderfully acted.
The soundtrack, which serves as an art piece to hoist the film into the realm of greatness, serves its purpose with much disregaurd of the modern rules of pop culture (with the exception of Coldplay, still VERY enjoyable).
It's hard to tell everyone that they will love this movie, as I can see why some people don't; they don't like Braff, or "the-day-my-life-changed" style of films. Some people don't enjoy films at all, and would rather waste their time on big budge movies, no talent, horrific movies.
I'm a fan of the indie style, and I don't enjoy it when people call films like this cliché just because the characters were in the same age bracket and do drugs in a couple of scenes, which are very well done by the way.
Overall, your view on this film will change dependent on your trek throughout life, what problems your going through, and your perception of reality. For me; I found this to be the most enjoyable film since Eternal Sunshine and Better Luck Tomorrow. It's a great year in film, and it's good to finally see an amazing new face in cinema. Braff, whether he knows it or not, is one of the most amazing of fledgling talent springing from the heart of Hollywood.
Don't pass this amazing film up, it changed my view of reality and will make your perception of your life and relationships alter in ways you never thought possible. 10/10 and I cannot believe Braff has gone unheard from for so long.