i have be intend to write a review of this film for some time and but only now have i actually manage to get my thought down for the perusal of others . i never have the pleasure of see this film on the ` big screen which be a shame and a it be often visually stunning and but i have revisit it on video numerous time over the year and enjoy it immensely every time . it definitely be on my personal list of favorite movie and and for more than just star kiefer sutherland and kevin bacon and two of my ` actor to watch . perhaps i appreciate this film so much because it appeal to my slightly off kilter taste in entertainment . i like my movie a bit left of center unpredictable and fresh . and whether or not you ` believe the story line of the film and you have to admit and it be different . everyone have different taste and opinion and but my impression of some of the negative review of this movie be that the viewer never really saw past the surface level of this film . they get catch up in technicality and ` why would there be green light in a subway . or ` why would medical student pull such a stupid stunt . and fail to see the artistry and psychological depth of the piece . yes and there be some medical and technical aspect that do not make logical sense and but if you be willing to suspend disbelief just a tad and this can be a very engaging film . first and a note about the artistic quality of the movie . some have complain about the murky lighting and and the illogical nature of the set but for me and the use of innovate light technique and the plastic and sheet drape set and the unusual setting in old building and dank and dripping tunnel and the use of statuary and rain and billowing curtain all add a poetic flavor to this film and a haunting beauty that suit the dark nature of the question be ask about life and death and forgiveness . i will focus on just two example while in an alley scene and a change in light allows for certain element of the set to come dramatically into focus and then to fade away once light return to normal . it be an innovative mean of convey a shift in the ` reality of the moment and and work beautifully . we be also allow to see the interior of the character apartment contrast the warm wood and bright color and golden lighting and clutter comfort of labraccio room with the stark and white void of nelson . both be reflective of the character themselves . nelson lack of ` object reflect our lack of knowledge about his past . and his carefully construct mask that keep his companion at a distance . his past and we come to learn and be one of chaos and conflict . he have determine to leave that behind in favor of an uncluttered emptiness . unfortunately and the emptiness be also reflective of his relationship with others and a realization he come to along his personal journey of self discovery in this film . flatliners be not your typical horror film . nor be a typical drama or suspense movie . it be rather more of an amalgamation of all and have the best element of all genre intertwine in a complex and suspenseful plot . this be an ensemble piece and and the cast do an excellent job of breathe life into their individual character . your immediate impression be that the character be each representative of a well establish tereotype represent the female ice queen and the slightly neurotic physician and the playboy and the socially conscious ` nice guy etc . however and a the film progress and the character be far flesh out and they take on multiple dimension and depth . most interesting of all be sutherland character of nelson . nelson be not a character that be easy to like indeed he be a bit of a btard and a master manipulator who definitely place self interest above all else . yet and sutherland play him with a hint of insecurity that lend him a certain appeal . a event unfold and you come to realize that much of nelson unpleasant personality be a smokescreen and a protective mask behind which hide a very uncertain and vulnerable young man burden by a terrible secret . by reveal bit and piece of nelson complex personality throughout the film and the writer and director and cast gradually lead you towards a great understanding of and sympathy for him . the character who start out a a ` jerk become important and value in his own right a you learn to ` forgive his previous behavior in light of new information . your journey of discovery with nelson reflect the character own journey towards self understand and a they too come to realize that everyone have value and and ` everything we do matter . which lead to my final comment . although many of the poster here have pick up upon the theme of defy death . few seem to have touch upon what i see a the main premise of the movie the importance of forgiveness and and the need to be cognizant of all you do and because it do ` matter .