The connection with Peter Weir's "Fearless" is obvious at least as far the beginning is concerned. Surviving a disaster (a plane wreck in "fearless" ,an avalanche in "New Year's day" is not an easy thing to do. The scene with the two boys on the cliff recalls more Jeff Bridges on the top of the building than James Dean and his pack in "rebel without a cause" .
Whereas Weir's hero tries to live again,the two youngsters of the English film are no longer able to find a reason to carry on. So they draw up a list of things to do before jumping into the void. Some are horrible,some are very common:but Bridge's behavior did not make much sense either. The movie is not thoroughly convincing though because the director hesitates between realism and fantasy.
Besides ,the parents' attitude is irresponsible:after their boys set their school on fire ,why don't they think of a serious therapy? Their characters are too sketchy: and one of them is played by none other than Jacqueline Bisset.
Whereas Weir's hero tries to live again,the two youngsters of the English film are no longer able to find a reason to carry on. So they draw up a list of things to do before jumping into the void. Some are horrible,some are very common:but Bridge's behavior did not make much sense either. The movie is not thoroughly convincing though because the director hesitates between realism and fantasy.
Besides ,the parents' attitude is irresponsible:after their boys set their school on fire ,why don't they think of a serious therapy? Their characters are too sketchy: and one of them is played by none other than Jacqueline Bisset.