Are you a writer? You've perfect enunciation! The way you describe some of the sequences in the film while avoiding all spoilers is refreshing to hear. This is a film that moved me in a way that I've been thinking about making changes about who I am and who I'm choosing to be. It didn't feel like a movie. It felt real.
Moonlight was first written as a play called "In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue" by the playwright, Tarell Alvin McCraney. But it remained in written form and was never made into an actual play. The written play was presented to Director Barry Jenkins after being shelved for about 12 years. And the rest is history! We now have the visual masterpiece that is "MOONLIGHT". Excellent film.
Just some stray thoughts: I don't think cliches/stereotypes are inherently bad, it just depends on the quality and nuance of their utilization. I think the score was really good, though I did think it was a bit overdone in the football scene. I think we jumped into Chiron's life too late in the first third. I never felt like I saw a pure Chiron, so the impact felt less than it should have. I empathized, of course, but I never felt invested in him. It was definitely one of the best crafted movies of the year, and it very much felt like cohesively crafted experience. I just think that experience could have been tailored a bit better. That said, others don't feel that way, so maybe it is simply personal taste Great review as always. Really like the critical/analytical eye you take to films. It is hard to find that in movie reviews on youtube
I saw this movie yesterday. It was so refreshing to see an all black cast that isn't about slavery or isn't directed my Madea. Also the cinematography in this movie is so poetic. There are a lot of symbols and repetitions that make the transitions through the chapters so seamless.
wonderful review and what a lovely quote from ebert. saw the film twice now and still can't stop thinking about it. from even the subtlety and the silence, the film speaks so deeply.
creativeKnowledge Mike Ha ha! You damn sure fooled me! The only three comments you made so far are references to another dude's perceived sexual orientation which begs the question… Why would a dude be so obsessed with another dude's sexual orientation?
+deepfocuslens I just watched the movie two days before amazing review. I would like to know from you whose physical acting is best and whose emotional acting is best ?
I feel like I misread this movie, in that I didn't fully perceive the main two character's subtle feelings for each other. I felt an incredible emptiness from Chiron in the last scene, I don't know if it's meant to be sweet or for Kevin to interpret that positively. He smiles, nervously. And the last scene implies some sort of mutual feeling but I was always uneasy on how they felt for each other. They both beat around the bush so much I never truly felt their affection, I was never quite sure how real it was and if it had any sort of substance and wasn't just a physical attraction combined with place and time sort of thing. We never see enough between them to really understand how close they are. Sure they have an intimate moment but outside that it almost seems like they're just friendly acquaintances with a shared childhood. Obviously we can infer there's something more, but with the whole, "I have a son" moment I feel like I was constantly uneasy at the idea these people really knew or cared for each other. Because from what I'd seen Chiron in particular was always so distant, with everyone. To the point I can't imagine anyone ever getting to know and like him. A similar feeling came towards his mother, it's very bittersweet I guess. Her whole admission of guilt and love for her son after how terribly she treated him and how large of a part that had in his life. I hated her, I understood her. But I never felt that love, I'd say in her first scene where she appeared more sober than ever she seemed like a decent mother. Telling him to read a book instead of a tv, holding him and comforting him, etc. But she's so cold and cruel the rest of the time I felt nothing for her, only of how awful of a job she's done as a parent. There's tragedy within there but it didn't make me feel all that much. So while it's beautiful to look at, the performances are great, the soundtrack is great, the pacing is great and all the other technical praises you can give it. The way these characters talked, regardless how realistic left me cold. And the film was so divided in terms of it's editing so much needed to be understood without being seen. The death of Juan, the years of substance abuse and the effect it had on Chiron and Chiron and Kevin's friendship. So much is implied and left up to the viewer, so much needs to be understood without being said or seen that it just didn't reach me emotionally as much as I was hoping for. I also feel like I knew most of the moments, I'd seen the trailer so many times, I watched it a couple times a week for months, seen a million interviews and reviews. Even Juan's death was obvious, which I think it's meant to be when you see Chiron stay with his girlfriend/wife(?) without him there and the whole ending on his drug dealer lifestyle in act 1. But just, all the little moments, the car, the dream sequence with Kevin, the beach scene, the bully scenes, the bloodied face, the mom yelling at her son in front of that pink door, the diner, the ocean. I think the two scenes that I did not expect were the playing of the song in the diner and the ending scene. But even those I was already ready for the context for. I knew Chiron would end up as his place when he went to see him, I knew he'd take him in his car, etc. So I kinda spoiled it for myself. And because so much of it is internalizing Chiron's stoicism it felt more like a familiar journey due to how beautifully the trailer sets all that up. But if you've seen it enough times a lot of those moments aren't as fresh and satisfying as I would of liked. Which isn't the films fault, but my love for the trailer imo did negatively affect my enjoyment of the movie.
Considering this is about a boy growing up into a man and its similarity to Boyhood, it reminds me of The Apu Trilogy too. Have you seen the Apu Trilogy by Satyajit Ray?
deepfocuslens I'm not sure I expressed it correctly. It's kinda like you've got a secret. ; ) Thanks for the review as always. This one wasn't on my radar at all. I've been distracted by the horrorshow election we're witnessing.
Myanameis Beestingz Ugh don't remind me. I am getting baked as fuck tomorrow so that I don't feel the stress. hahaha Thanks. I've got many secrets. That's my tease showing. ;)
Handmaiden and The Wailing are the only movies from this year that are truly great... truly truly great... havent heard of Moonlight sounds cool... Wilderpeople was pretty tight tooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo;;;;;;;;;; My fuhrer is on the ballot tomorrow, dont forget to vote in them swing states my nerda(s) an 8 year reich? scary.
That movie was real when comes to everyday hood life in the 80's and 90's. I don't know about the gay stuff, but the movie was really about how life in America takes an innocent child and turns him into a monster and the guy became a drug dealer while his ex drug using mother served white people for the rest of her life. Today, somethings are the same but now these kids that get bullied just commit suicide. Some 8 year old black boy hung himself last week because of bullying. These schools and the adults that work for these schools see it happening but were there is poverty, trouble is not too far behind.
Are you a writer? You've perfect enunciation! The way you describe some of the sequences in the film while avoiding all spoilers is refreshing to hear. This is a film that moved me in a way that I've been thinking about making changes about who I am and who I'm choosing to be. It didn't feel like a movie. It felt real.
Thank you! Yes, I am a writer. :)
Moonlight was first written as a play called "In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue" by the playwright, Tarell Alvin McCraney. But it remained in written form and was never made into an actual play. The written play was presented to Director Barry Jenkins after being shelved for about 12 years. And the rest is history! We now have the visual masterpiece that is "MOONLIGHT". Excellent film.
M
Just some stray thoughts:
I don't think cliches/stereotypes are inherently bad, it just depends on the quality and nuance of their utilization.
I think the score was really good, though I did think it was a bit overdone in the football scene.
I think we jumped into Chiron's life too late in the first third. I never felt like I saw a pure Chiron, so the impact felt less than it should have. I empathized, of course, but I never felt invested in him.
It was definitely one of the best crafted movies of the year, and it very much felt like cohesively crafted experience. I just think that experience could have been tailored a bit better. That said, others don't feel that way, so maybe it is simply personal taste
Great review as always. Really like the critical/analytical eye you take to films. It is hard to find that in movie reviews on youtube
I saw this movie yesterday. It was so refreshing to see an all black cast that isn't about slavery or isn't directed my Madea. Also the cinematography in this movie is so poetic. There are a lot of symbols and repetitions that make the transitions through the chapters so seamless.
buy gay ness right lmao...
What a silly comment. You must not watch many Black films if you think that's all there is.
Lmfaoo, good ol' Madea
wonderful review and what a lovely quote from ebert. saw the film twice now and still can't stop thinking about it. from even the subtlety and the silence, the film speaks so deeply.
My favourite review of yours. I think you really captured the essence of what makes this film great. Thank you.
I just saw this movie tonight. I was stunned leaving the theatre. Great review.
gay guy #2
creativeKnowledge Mike Dumbass
creativeKnowledge Mike Damn, dude! You're really obsessed with this gay thing, aren't you? I wonder why …
don't think too much about it.
creativeKnowledge Mike Ha ha! You damn sure fooled me! The only three comments you made so far are references to another dude's perceived sexual orientation which begs the question… Why would a dude be so obsessed with another dude's sexual orientation?
Great review! I'm glad I stumbled upon your channel. You have great content. Subbed!
I love your dress
Thanks. I do too. :)
i finally saw Moonlight loved it devastated by it very moving
I was waiting for this review!! Awesome one
YES. Shoutout to the Tree of Life reference. You're amazing!!
+deepfocuslens I just watched the movie two days before amazing review. I would like to know from you whose physical acting is best and whose emotional acting is best ?
Great review. It's an amazing movie just saw few weeks before. I would like to know why Daniel day Lewis is your favourite actor of all time?
fantastic review. subbed
Maggie you predicted the Oscar win. Kudos to you.
I feel like I misread this movie, in that I didn't fully perceive the main two character's subtle feelings for each other. I felt an incredible emptiness from Chiron in the last scene, I don't know if it's meant to be sweet or for Kevin to interpret that positively. He smiles, nervously. And the last scene implies some sort of mutual feeling but I was always uneasy on how they felt for each other. They both beat around the bush so much I never truly felt their affection, I was never quite sure how real it was and if it had any sort of substance and wasn't just a physical attraction combined with place and time sort of thing. We never see enough between them to really understand how close they are. Sure they have an intimate moment but outside that it almost seems like they're just friendly acquaintances with a shared childhood. Obviously we can infer there's something more, but with the whole, "I have a son" moment I feel like I was constantly uneasy at the idea these people really knew or cared for each other. Because from what I'd seen Chiron in particular was always so distant, with everyone. To the point I can't imagine anyone ever getting to know and like him.
A similar feeling came towards his mother, it's very bittersweet I guess. Her whole admission of guilt and love for her son after how terribly she treated him and how large of a part that had in his life. I hated her, I understood her. But I never felt that love, I'd say in her first scene where she appeared more sober than ever she seemed like a decent mother. Telling him to read a book instead of a tv, holding him and comforting him, etc. But she's so cold and cruel the rest of the time I felt nothing for her, only of how awful of a job she's done as a parent. There's tragedy within there but it didn't make me feel all that much.
So while it's beautiful to look at, the performances are great, the soundtrack is great, the pacing is great and all the other technical praises you can give it. The way these characters talked, regardless how realistic left me cold. And the film was so divided in terms of it's editing so much needed to be understood without being seen. The death of Juan, the years of substance abuse and the effect it had on Chiron and Chiron and Kevin's friendship. So much is implied and left up to the viewer, so much needs to be understood without being said or seen that it just didn't reach me emotionally as much as I was hoping for.
I also feel like I knew most of the moments, I'd seen the trailer so many times, I watched it a couple times a week for months, seen a million interviews and reviews. Even Juan's death was obvious, which I think it's meant to be when you see Chiron stay with his girlfriend/wife(?) without him there and the whole ending on his drug dealer lifestyle in act 1. But just, all the little moments, the car, the dream sequence with Kevin, the beach scene, the bully scenes, the bloodied face, the mom yelling at her son in front of that pink door, the diner, the ocean. I think the two scenes that I did not expect were the playing of the song in the diner and the ending scene. But even those I was already ready for the context for. I knew Chiron would end up as his place when he went to see him, I knew he'd take him in his car, etc. So I kinda spoiled it for myself. And because so much of it is internalizing Chiron's stoicism it felt more like a familiar journey due to how beautifully the trailer sets all that up. But if you've seen it enough times a lot of those moments aren't as fresh and satisfying as I would of liked. Which isn't the films fault, but my love for the trailer imo did negatively affect my enjoyment of the movie.
In my humble opinion this is one of the best films of the century
Great review! :)
Great review!!!
Considering this is about a boy growing up into a man and its similarity to Boyhood, it reminds me of The Apu Trilogy too. Have you seen the Apu Trilogy by Satyajit Ray?
No, I haven't but I've always wanted to.
Do watch those three films if you get the chance. The best way to describe them will be 'Poetic Neo-realism'.
Wonderful review of an extraordinary film.
I really want to see this film. Great review
Go ASAP! You won't be disappointed.
great review nice outfit
Drug addicted mother is a cliche? Pretty sure it is just a very common problem in many people’s lives and specifically with people like Chiron.
hugs & more hugs.
You have such a Cheshire cat smile. In a good way. ; )
haha Thanks. Never heard that one before. :)
deepfocuslens I'm not sure I expressed it correctly. It's kinda like you've got a secret. ; )
Thanks for the review as always. This one wasn't on my radar at all. I've been distracted by the horrorshow election we're witnessing.
Myanameis Beestingz Ugh don't remind me. I am getting baked as fuck tomorrow so that I don't feel the stress. hahaha
Thanks. I've got many secrets. That's my tease showing. ;)
deepfocuslens No psychedelics. That would be too much. ; )
We may need them later for PTSD therapy though.
Myanameis Beestingz Nahhh not tomorrow. I could, but I'll save that for a better day.
You're so beautiful & your reviews are great.
Thank you! :)
Handmaiden and The Wailing are the only movies from this year that are truly great... truly truly great... havent heard of Moonlight sounds cool... Wilderpeople was pretty tight tooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo;;;;;;;;;; My fuhrer is on the ballot tomorrow, dont forget to vote in them swing states my nerda(s) an 8 year reich? scary.
That movie was real when comes to everyday hood life in the 80's and 90's.
I don't know about the gay stuff, but the movie was really about how life in America takes an innocent child and turns him into a monster and the guy became a drug dealer while his ex drug using mother served white people for the rest of her life. Today, somethings are the same but now these kids that get bullied just commit suicide. Some 8 year old black boy hung himself last week because of bullying. These schools and the adults that work for these schools see it happening but were there is poverty, trouble is not too far behind.
Review silence!!!
Ur beautiful
Thank you. :)
Found the movie boring. Nothing actually happens. The main character barely spoke.Acting was very good.
Bryce Oxley it's more a character study rather than a plot driven story
Rarely see an African american at the forefront of a film? Pfffft…
This movie sucked.... in many ways