yet again... you reviews are my "go-to" for upcoming cinema exploration. Your rich and multi-faceted accounts (without giving plot spoilers-thank you!) provide not only anticipation for upcoming offerings- but also provide further depth whilst in my viewing experience. This film was everything I wanted. Tragically gorgeous! Can't wait to watch Red Rocket later this afternoon!
In some ways this is a reverse of Red Rocket and I think Baker got the tone just right here. The chaos of the screwball comedy section comes out of the situation, it is not imposed on the film. And it also has the familiar contrast between the gutter and the stars, messy reality versus impossible dreams and, as that is embodied in Anora's character, the film is anchored by the stunning performance of Mikey Madison. Not since Brie Larson in Room has such a young star delivered a performance of such maturity. The Florida Project is my favourite of Baker's movies and this is up there with it.
Great review. LOVED this movie. Saw it at a packed AMC Prime theater in Times Square and the audience ate it up- the middle section alone is the funniest comedy of the year. With three outstanding performances by the actors playing the “enforcers”. The performances overall are exceptional, especially Baker’s use of first time actors. Do yourself a favor and go see it in a theater- not just funny but sexy, moving, gorgeous to look at with terrific music and sound.
My first Sean Baker film. I felt he painted with broad brush strokes he couldn't always control. Reminded me a little of David O. Russell. Both filmmakers seem intent on marrying comedy and drama as equals, and sometimes the slope gets slippery. You nailed it when you described the middle section as screwball. That was my favorite part initially, and then the film stagnated there, and it became my least favorite part. It went on too long, and the characters started to feel like they weren't being explored. It felt as though in order to draw out his characters, Baker treats them like fish out of water. He likes to watch them flop and gasp while they try to survive in alien environments. But for that middle section, the environment really didn't change for twenty or thirty minutes while they searched for Anora's disappearing husband. They were traveling to different locations in New York City but the joke got stale and the characters just went around yelling at each other. I wished Anora had quit acting like she still believed in her marriage sooner. She's still acting like she believes in their love in the middle of the court room, and it's false. She's false. She's a survivor who's sold all her love away, and it's heartbreaking, and the audience knows it, but the movie couldn't seem to stop the screwball antics. 9/10 Then it finally did. Devastating. Agreed.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood keeps on giving: Austin Butler, Sydney Sweeney, Maya Hawke, Margaret Qualley, Mikey Madison, Samantha Robinson, Julia Butters…
@nalday Agree 100%. As a Tarantino fan, it is by far his worst movie. Leo bitching throughout the movie was more irritating than funny to me. So many scenes dragged on without any pay off or meaning. Brad Pitt was the only good part of the movie.
You did great, your opinions are valued, thanks for sharing! I too wished for more emotional insights into the main character...in a similar vein, I felt "My Own Private Idaho" was more emotionally involving throughout...but yes, the ending of "Anora" is devastating. I also really agree with you about some of his earlier works threading a balance between comedy and drama more vitally. But "Anora" is an important work, and I'm very glad to see Sean Baker finally getting a critical and hopefully commercial breakthrough in his remarkable career.
Sean Baker is America's neoralist and one of our best independent filmmakers. I'm glad he's breaking through into some mainstream recognition with Anora
I just got out of the theater from seeing a matinee show, with maybe 20 other people in the auditorium. The scene where Ivanya's handlers first meet Annie had the audience laughing hysterically. I really enjoyed the storytelling and the acting. The actress playing Annie was astonishingly good, as well. I haven't seen much of Sean Baker's previous work, but I will be seeking it out now.
I love how Sean bakers films his characters NEVER verbally have a conversation of how shitty or about to fall apart their lives are UNTIL the final minute and it’s all done NON VERBAL with just facial expressions. In red rocket, deep down inside Mikey knows what he’s doing is wrong but it’s filmed so authentically in real life u never sit there and say OH MY GOD WHAT HAVE I DONE? I JUST LET THIS GUY TAKE THE HIT FOR A 10 CAR CRASH THAT I CAUSED! No he just sits there frozen. And In tangerine , the only moment of clarity they have is at the very end where they hold hands and about to cry and film CUTS. And here anora has the same thing where throughout the film the reality of her life that she refuses to accept is slowly creeping in until final minute of film when she shows a LITTLE bit of emotional clarity the film ENDS. Perfection . Let the audience figure out how she’s feeling
@@ronthorn3 She’s definitely harder to please than your average critic. …and I’m sure there are hundreds of men, at the very least, who watch her reviews just to droll over her every word lol
I'm SO glad to see you're not only a big Sean Baker fan, but also appreciate Red Rocket to the same degree I do (I recently commented on that). I wanna say it's a shame it's so underrated, but at the same time it's one of those films I'm happy to cherish with a select few. I'm certain I will feel the same about Anora, however, sadly it won't be released until end of Feb, 2025 here in Japan.☹ I love that you can give such deep contextualized reviews without giving away spoilers, but I really wish you would find a partner to have discussions with and deep dive into the actual stories. I think we all want to hear your thoughts on particular scenes, themes, characters, etc. Please consider it!
Great review. I impulsively saw this at the cinema Sunday- more a reason to leave the house. Never heard of Sean Baker before. Ive become a superfan and binging through his films. Each seems like a rollercoaster ride through mixed emotions- culminating in earnest self reflecting endings. Amazing stuff..
Now is the time for Sean Baker to finally win his Oscar. He is fearless and knows how to film true to life moments throughout film. Im so excited for him. It actually may be his best work so far!!
Great review, I saw this in cinema last night and thought it was awesome. I've been watching a lot of reviews to see what other people think and I gotta say this is one of the most detailed and well thought out reviews I've come across, keep up the good work, earnt a new sub 🙌
Hey I love you & I'm so jealous I haven't see this film yet. Thanks for all your hard work and well thoughtful reviews on here.have an amazing rest of your year
Nice review! For once that I got to see a new release before your review was posted. This is a masterpiece of a film. A perfect time capsule into how dangerous it is for the working class to dream and how easy it is for the wealthy to get their way. The ending also ruined me.
Loved the first half. The middle part was good but got a little exhausting with everyone just screaming at each other. lol. The ending was excellent, though. The final scene was pretty amazing. I loved the way they ended it just the windshield wipers going and then silence.
Ending was excellent. Just enough shown/implied that she is not coping with life as well as she seems to be. Most dramas like this would lay on the 'depressed sex-worker' thing too hard.
Ah yes from the gentleman who wrote/directed Tangerine, The Florida Project, Red Rocket. Anora’s plot sounds overly familiar, but as Red Rocket showed Baker takes a seemingly lightweight story idea and turns it into intense and striking dramatic material, squeamishly awkward as adult situations often turn into.
Never seeing any of his other films, i just got back from watching Anora. I absolutely adored it, and if it's a step down from Red Rocket - I can not wait to see that one. The ending of Anora was one of the best film conclusions my memory is able to recall
Always love your reviews but I was really disappointed in this. I feel like Anora’s entire character was dependent on the men around her. She’s just following men around the entire movie and being complacent. Anora also wasn’t a fleshed out character at all…she didn’t fel like a real person, she felt like a sexualized stereotype. I couldn’t tell you anything more about Anora other than she’s a feisty exotic dancer. That hour in the middle dragged so badly because we got the point so fast. I also don’t think Anora makes choices that the Anora we were introduced to would make, and it’s not like we have depth to her to see that she would make those choices. The craft of the film is amazing and the acting that Sean Baker always brings out of his characters is authentic gold but this story had me wanting SO much more from Anora, the woman the filmed is named after. I didn’t feel this was an actually good perspective of a sex worker.
Felt. Disappointment is the word. This film cannabilizes woman like Anora and pretends it is saying something about them. It frankly felt like an excuse to get Mikey Madison naked on screen.
Caught this one at a VIFF and cant wait to see it again. Sean Baker really pulled it off. As the movie went as much as I really loved the shift, I kept getting worried that he wouldnt stick the landing emotionally, but damn was I wrong. Go see this one yall!
The Italian analogy is pretty strong : Despite all the tragedy and the satire, I basically couldn't stop laughing through all the second half The conclusion is very moving though
Always enjoy your reviews. You provide sufficient information without divulging too many plot details and spoilers. And you do not inject any political agenda or biases.
Wow. She is amazing. Really interesting, thoughtful. I would have never thought to describe him as a "gutter poet" as she does but that is brilliant. You should be working for Washington Post, NYTimes, or someplace similar as the arts critic.
Maggie, your unique and articulate way of analysing and critiquing each film is what separates you from the rest of the 'movie reviewer' pack... A true 'critic', in every sense of the word.
Great review, you articulate my thoughts about the last shot. But it took much too long to get there. Emotionless sex, wealth I could not relate to, characters that some times reassemble bad maffia film. Luckily the end shot was there to give some answers. Thanks
I was hoping for so much more from this. The first third of the film was fine but sadly, I just couldn't get to the end of it and left when the shouting got too much, in the apartment. Unfortunately, I may have missed the touching end to the tale but I just couldn't put up with it, as I had started twitching fairly early on into the run time. Oh well. Maybe, there are other SB works I may connect with more
Maggie, you’re a legend. When you inevitably become really famous and make tons of money and move into a home please do us a solid and green screen this iconic apartment background for those future videos - for nostalgic sake. Amen 🙏
I was hoping that the film would explore the title character more, I agree. It revealed quite a lot, but the ending didn't land all that hard for me. Couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing from Ani's part.
I think the portrait of the chase after American Dream in Anora is compelling, but what makes this movie truly significant is its subtext.
This is a story about a strong character with a post-Soviet heritage who fights for herself against stronger, often aggressive foes - who are literally Russians. Anora is stripped of her agency and, at times, even her honor (symbolized by her name). Yet she uses every tool at her disposal - her intelligence, wits, even the system she exists within, to push back. The idea of Russians attempting to strip a person of their agency and honor can be interpreted as highly metaphorical in 2024. Sean Baker is far too intelligent and politically aware as a filmmaker for it to be mere coincidence that he chose to tell this story, with these characters at this particular moment.
I think Baker’s message, particularly in Anora, is incredibly socially important, especially now. These characters very much exist in real life and deserve way more than they currently get. So it’s a very good thing that he’s trying to be more accessible.
I couldn't help but dislike the ending and it's hard for me to really describe why. I think it went downhill for me from the time she agreed to get on the plane, but maybe that's just because it's a tragedy. I really disliked the last scene even though I know a lot of people really liked it. I just felt like Anora was my girl and I didn't understand what they were doing with her.
You were absolutely right about the ending! It definitely hit home with me although i sont think it had the same effect for other audience members. Some people were laughing which i thought was callous and strange.
Ya, that's pretty weird people would laugh at it. The player got played but that final was done so well, I actually felt bad for her. I loved how it ended with just windshield wipers going and then fade to silent credits.
Hey Maggie even you don't review this I highly recommend you watch "The Wild Robot". I guarantee that it will be on your top five list for movies this year!
Couidn't agree more - finally saw this last night and as someone that has had exposure to a lot of the world represented in this film its highly accurate.
Special movie. Good review. The movie feels to me like a simpler sort of MAGNOLIA. The neorealism observation is right on. As is the discussion of Baker's casting. I love the neorealist idea that EVERYONE WAS BORN TO PLAY ONE ROLE AND THAT ROLE IS THEMSELVES. Baker gets that too.
omg there was a family in the movie theater, i feel like they were misinformed by the trailer? It was like a dad, mom and their three kids. Omg, this is not a movie for a family night out 😅
@@mnight6938 I didn't try to peek, at least grown up teenagers I'd say so old enough. Yes they stayed through the entire movie 🙃. It's a really nice movie theater so they didn't probably think much of it, saw the movie poster and thought it looked cute? Like they even took pictures before, they were so excited about the movie . I felt so bad for them, omg. Like the ending is so bad(in a sense of heartbreaking, shocking), you don't want to watch that with your parents. oomph
Strange Darling still best ending this year imho. Or Challengers. Anora was cool. Not enough character study for my taste and for a 20-minute stretch it felt like a manic screaming episode. Everyone was just yelling, and it felt like it wouldn't end... Lots of sex, which If I wasn't next to my mother on a Sunday Afternoon may have hit different. 8/10 from me, with solid performances and interesting story and supporting characters. The main Love interest was very odd to me at times with his acting choices, but I think he did a great job playing a 19-24 year-old Young man. But the movie is unclear as to his actual age. He just seemed like a teenager... Anora herself was cool. The ending is pretty good. I didn't fully understand her choices, but I guess she was into it the whole time...
Baker operates his films the way Bukowski wrote poetry. Red Rocket was my fav Baker till now (haven't seen his pre- Tangerine films), excited for Anora.
I saw ads on Instagram for this film and saw it won the Palme d'Or and got solid reviews so I was confused since the characters came off so vapid and the plot seemed generic enough leaving out execution of course. So when I saw you're review come up just now I was like "Ok finally an opinion I respect" lol.
Found it very disappointing, except for the actress' magnetic performance. Without her, the film has no solid ground to stand on. It's underwritten to the point that it doesn't have any real dialogue, except grunts. I've seen this type of film done better by Asians (Filipino, South Korean, even Romanians) made to be grittier, better written, more devastating. I'm with Richard Brody of the New Yorker on this one who didn't like it either. The film tries for authenticity but only comes out shallow, with telegraphed laughs. Watch Aronofsky's The Wrestler instead. Anora simply lacks the complexity needed for a compelling narrative. I'd rate it a 2 out 5. Maybe the first time I've disagreed with you, Maggie. (I'd like to know what you think of Emilia Perez.)
This movie was excellent. Loved it so much. Felt very bad for Anora. But at the same time it felt a bit like a just desert. Sex workers show fake affection as part of the transaction they have with men; to be fair, it's generally understood by both parties that this is nothing more than a capitalist transaction. But early on we see her luring men to the back rooms so she could get more out of them. Yet she was the one who ultimately got lured by this kid of a wealthy oligarch. The money he tossed at her meant nothing; his words were hollow, and it was all as fake as the affection she showed to men in the strip club. He wasn’t serious, but her desire for the high life made her blind to it. The player became the played.
Hmmm this an interesting take. I think I agree with it somewhat. Only issue is that Baker and the film isn’t judgmental about sex workers. Igor is the “good guy” cuz he treats Ani like a person. All the other characters dismiss her as an escort. I think it’s more about workers getting exploited than it is about Ani getting a taste of her own medicine. After all the henchmen act smug towards Ani but are brushed off by rich family just like her.
@@shinycheeto5779 Fair but remember the only reason Anora wanted to marry the russian kid is because he was rich. If it wasn't for the money she would have never agreed to the marriage because she even tells him you have to buy me an expensive ring if I'm going to marry you. So she was not innocent. He had a critical eye on both things: The poor who will chase anything to be rich and the rich who exploit the poor and how they feed off each other to create the tragedy of this film.
@@shinycheeto5779 You also mention Igor as the "good guy." But he's not really the good guy. While he does show more sympathy towards Anora's plight, he also assaults her and helps kidnap her. And he does it for money. He's obviously getting paid by these rich russians to do it. Igor represents the same problem as Anora. Someone who is desperate for money and will do anything to obtain it. On one hand yes he's being exploited by the rich but on the other hand he's allowing himself to be exploited by playing their game.
@@StevenE-l9y yeah I agree with that and I think it’s one of the failures of the film. It’s obvious that Ani loves the lifestyle the money provides but the movie seems to insist that there’s genuine love between them. At least with Anora wanting to stay with Vanya. I put good guy in quotations cuz the movie wants you to view him that way. I agree he only slightly better than the other guys. He’s only a little nicer about it but the script makes it out like that’s enough for him to be good.
The ending scene, the whole car scene, is just everything, not many lines, but it hits me real deep that no other movies have ever done on me
Really appreciate how you are able to give us a sense of the movie without giving away any of the plot!!
yet again... you reviews are my "go-to" for upcoming cinema exploration. Your rich and multi-faceted accounts (without giving plot spoilers-thank you!) provide not only anticipation for upcoming offerings- but also provide further depth whilst in my viewing experience. This film was everything I wanted. Tragically gorgeous! Can't wait to watch Red Rocket later this afternoon!
Most movies coming out are mediocre but the acting can really bring it up!!!
The ending scene was worth admission alone.
In some ways this is a reverse of Red Rocket and I think Baker got the tone just right here. The chaos of the screwball comedy section comes out of the situation, it is not imposed on the film. And it also has the familiar contrast between the gutter and the stars, messy reality versus impossible dreams and, as that is embodied in Anora's character, the film is anchored by the stunning performance of Mikey Madison. Not since Brie Larson in Room has such a young star delivered a performance of such maturity. The Florida Project is my favourite of Baker's movies and this is up there with it.
Great review. LOVED this movie. Saw it at a packed AMC Prime theater in Times Square and the audience ate it up- the middle section alone is the funniest comedy of the year. With three outstanding performances by the actors playing the “enforcers”. The performances overall are exceptional, especially Baker’s use of first time actors. Do yourself a favor and go see it in a theater- not just funny but sexy, moving, gorgeous to look at with terrific music and sound.
Of course it was a packed theatre in Manhattan😂
My first Sean Baker film. I felt he painted with broad brush strokes he couldn't always control. Reminded me a little of David O. Russell. Both filmmakers seem intent on marrying comedy and drama as equals, and sometimes the slope gets slippery.
You nailed it when you described the middle section as screwball. That was my favorite part initially, and then the film stagnated there, and it became my least favorite part. It went on too long, and the characters started to feel like they weren't being explored. It felt as though in order to draw out his characters, Baker treats them like fish out of water. He likes to watch them flop and gasp while they try to survive in alien environments. But for that middle section, the environment really didn't change for twenty or thirty minutes while they searched for Anora's disappearing husband. They were traveling to different locations in New York City but the joke got stale and the characters just went around yelling at each other. I wished Anora had quit acting like she still believed in her marriage sooner. She's still acting like she believes in their love in the middle of the court room, and it's false. She's false. She's a survivor who's sold all her love away, and it's heartbreaking, and the audience knows it, but the movie couldn't seem to stop the screwball antics.
9/10
Then it finally did. Devastating. Agreed.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood keeps on giving: Austin Butler, Sydney Sweeney, Maya Hawke, Margaret Qualley, Mikey Madison, Samantha Robinson, Julia Butters…
Still a garbage movie and always will be
grows on me year by year
@@nalday2534 not al all
@nalday Agree 100%. As a Tarantino fan, it is by far his worst movie. Leo bitching throughout the movie was more irritating than funny to me. So many scenes dragged on without any pay off or meaning. Brad Pitt was the only good part of the movie.
Anyone for a love of Cinema/Hollywood is going to love OUATIH. Anyone who doesn't not like it, is irrelevant to the Film itself and its excellence.
You did great, your opinions are valued, thanks for sharing! I too wished for more emotional insights into the main character...in a similar vein, I felt "My Own Private Idaho" was more emotionally involving throughout...but yes, the ending of "Anora" is devastating. I also really agree with you about some of his earlier works threading a balance between comedy and drama more vitally. But "Anora" is an important work, and I'm very glad to see Sean Baker finally getting a critical and hopefully commercial breakthrough in his remarkable career.
Sean Baker is America's neoralist and one of our best independent filmmakers. I'm glad he's breaking through into some mainstream recognition with Anora
Independent? What are you talking about
@nalday2534 Indie filmmakers aren't attached to any of the major American studios. Look it up
I just got out of the theater from seeing a matinee show, with maybe 20 other people in the auditorium. The scene where Ivanya's handlers first meet Annie had the audience laughing hysterically. I really enjoyed the storytelling and the acting. The actress playing Annie was astonishingly good, as well. I haven't seen much of Sean Baker's previous work, but I will be seeking it out now.
I love how Sean bakers films his characters NEVER verbally have a conversation of how shitty or about to fall apart their lives are UNTIL the final minute and it’s all done NON VERBAL with just facial expressions. In red rocket, deep down inside Mikey knows what he’s doing is wrong but it’s filmed so authentically in real life u never sit there and say OH MY GOD WHAT HAVE I DONE? I JUST LET THIS GUY TAKE THE HIT FOR A 10 CAR CRASH THAT I CAUSED! No he just sits there frozen. And In tangerine , the only moment of clarity they have is at the very end where they hold hands and about to cry and film CUTS. And here anora has the same thing where throughout the film the reality of her life that she refuses to accept is slowly creeping in until final minute of film when she shows a LITTLE bit of emotional clarity the film ENDS. Perfection . Let the audience figure out how she’s feeling
Nights of Cabiria!
That smile at the end just gets me everytime.
I love you, Maggie. You're the best film critic working today.
She’s literally taught me so much about life.
And the term 'critic' is totally earned - in every video.
She knows lol
She does a decent Job, but I don’t agree with her opinion very often.
@@ronthorn3 She’s definitely harder to please than your average critic.
…and I’m sure there are hundreds of men, at the very least, who watch her reviews just to droll over her every word lol
I'm SO glad to see you're not only a big Sean Baker fan, but also appreciate Red Rocket to the same degree I do (I recently commented on that).
I wanna say it's a shame it's so underrated, but at the same time it's one of those films I'm happy to cherish with a select few. I'm certain I will feel the same about Anora, however, sadly it won't be released until end of Feb, 2025 here in Japan.☹ I love that you can give such deep contextualized reviews without giving away spoilers, but I really wish you would find a partner to have discussions with and deep dive into the actual stories. I think we all want to hear your thoughts on particular scenes, themes, characters, etc. Please consider it!
Great review. I impulsively saw this at the cinema Sunday- more a reason to leave the house. Never heard of Sean Baker before. Ive become a superfan and binging through his films. Each seems like a rollercoaster ride through mixed emotions- culminating in earnest self reflecting endings. Amazing stuff..
Seeing tomorrow . Cannot wait. Huge fan of Red Rocket , and Florida Project too. Madison caught my eye in OUATIH.
Great review Maggie! Can't wait to see this one this weekend.
Been waiting for this review
Now is the time for Sean Baker to finally win his Oscar. He is fearless and knows how to film true to life moments throughout film. Im so excited for him. It actually may be his best work so far!!
Oscars don't like filmmakers like Sean Baker.
Oscars are not a standard for validation of artistic talent. Whoever has the best awards marketing campaign wins at the Oscars, it's a circlejerk
Fearless lmao watch more movies
@@nalday2534 He is fearless and original.
@JohnDoe-tm9wz yeah buddy Martin Scorsese is chickensh!t and Sean Baker the trumpie is most fearless guy on the planet
Great review, I saw this in cinema last night and thought it was awesome.
I've been watching a lot of reviews to see what other people think and I gotta say this is one of the most detailed and well thought out reviews I've come across, keep up the good work, earnt a new sub 🙌
Love that you mentioned Charli XCX! I'm definitely interested in checking this one out! I enjoyed Baker's other films and Mikey in Better Things!
I saw it last night. I really liked it. I’m still thinking about it. The performances were off the charts.
Hey I love you & I'm so jealous I haven't see this film yet. Thanks for all your hard work and well thoughtful reviews on here.have an amazing rest of your year
Nice review! For once that I got to see a new release before your review was posted. This is a masterpiece of a film. A perfect time capsule into how dangerous it is for the working class to dream and how easy it is for the wealthy to get their way. The ending also ruined me.
I'm with you on this one. I want to see it again. Red Rocket is currently my favourite amongst Baker's superb films.
Thank you for putting this movie on my radar. Great review.
I've been watching your reviews for quite some time now! Keep up the good work 👏 🙌 ❤
Loved the first half. The middle part was good but got a little exhausting with everyone just screaming at each other. lol. The ending was excellent, though. The final scene was pretty amazing. I loved the way they ended it just the windshield wipers going and then silence.
I feel the same! The middle bit is the only thing holding me back from giving 5 stars, it's otherwise perfect!
Ending was excellent. Just enough shown/implied that she is not coping with life as well as she seems to be. Most dramas like this would lay on the 'depressed sex-worker' thing too hard.
I think enjoyed the middle the most! Felt like I was on a trip with them and the humor was 💯
@@KatOD1992 Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed certain parts of the middle but the yelling/nobody listening to each other got tiring. At least for me.
I feel bad that Yall thought it was exhausting, shit had me laughing out loud when that guy threw up.
The ending alone took it from an A to an S for me. Great review!
I'm so excited to see this film this weekend. Baker has been great and people I trust are saying it's great. Thanks for the review.
I loved The Florida Project. Looking forward to Anora.
"His charli xcx moment" is the perfect way to describe this 😂
Ah yes from the gentleman who wrote/directed Tangerine, The Florida Project, Red Rocket.
Anora’s plot sounds overly familiar, but as Red Rocket showed Baker takes a seemingly lightweight story idea and turns it into intense and striking dramatic material, squeamishly awkward as adult situations often turn into.
This is my favourite film of the year next to Furiosa and Red Rooms
Better than Dune 2?
@@Gallard-002yes
check out The Sweet East too, think you would enjoy
Never seeing any of his other films, i just got back from watching Anora. I absolutely adored it, and if it's a step down from Red Rocket - I can not wait to see that one. The ending of Anora was one of the best film conclusions my memory is able to recall
Always love your reviews but I was really disappointed in this. I feel like Anora’s entire character was dependent on the men around her. She’s just following men around the entire movie and being complacent. Anora also wasn’t a fleshed out character at all…she didn’t fel like a real person, she felt like a sexualized stereotype. I couldn’t tell you anything more about Anora other than she’s a feisty exotic dancer.
That hour in the middle dragged so badly because we got the point so fast. I also don’t think Anora makes choices that the Anora we were introduced to would make, and it’s not like we have depth to her to see that she would make those choices.
The craft of the film is amazing and the acting that Sean Baker always brings out of his characters is authentic gold but this story had me wanting SO much more from Anora, the woman the filmed is named after. I didn’t feel this was an actually good perspective of a sex worker.
Felt. Disappointment is the word. This film cannabilizes woman like Anora and pretends it is saying something about them. It frankly felt like an excuse to get Mikey Madison naked on screen.
I agree with you. I don’t understand the point of this film being made.
No one ever mentions his movie Starlet, such an amazing piece of filmmaking & almist as goid as The Florida Project
Caught this one at a VIFF and cant wait to see it again. Sean Baker really pulled it off. As the movie went as much as I really loved the shift, I kept getting worried that he wouldnt stick the landing emotionally, but damn was I wrong. Go see this one yall!
The Italian analogy is pretty strong :
Despite all the tragedy and the satire, I basically couldn't stop laughing through all the second half
The conclusion is very moving though
Always enjoy your reviews. You provide sufficient information without divulging too many plot details and spoilers. And you do not inject any political agenda or biases.
Wow. She is amazing. Really interesting, thoughtful. I would have never thought to describe him as a "gutter poet" as she does but that is brilliant. You should be working for Washington Post, NYTimes, or someplace similar as the arts critic.
Thanks!
One of your better reviews imo
Can't wait to see this one!! Thnx for the gr8 review!!!
Great review, this was my favorite movie I've seen in a while! It was SO funny and I just can't stop reflecting on it
Maggie, your unique and articulate way of analysing and critiquing each film is what separates you from the rest of the 'movie reviewer' pack...
A true 'critic', in every sense of the word.
Great review, you articulate my thoughts about the last shot. But it took much too long to get there. Emotionless sex, wealth I could not relate to, characters that some times reassemble bad maffia film. Luckily the end shot was there to give some answers. Thanks
Another great review! I’m hoping you reach 100k subscribers soon
insant follow just from the first 30 seconds. the way you articulate and articulaTED this movie was beautiful.
I was hoping for so much more from this. The first third of the film was fine but sadly, I just couldn't get to the end of it and left when the shouting got too much, in the apartment. Unfortunately, I may have missed the touching end to the tale but I just couldn't put up with it, as I had started twitching fairly early on into the run time. Oh well. Maybe, there are other SB works I may connect with more
The middle is very loud but the first and third act make up for it. Sad you missed the end.
Maggie knows her stuff, sean just came out and said the film was heavily inspired by nights of cabiria
Maggie, you’re a legend. When you inevitably become really famous and make tons of money and move into a home please do us a solid and green screen this iconic apartment background for those future videos - for nostalgic sake.
Amen 🙏
I was hoping that the film would explore the title character more, I agree. It revealed quite a lot, but the ending didn't land all that hard for me. Couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing from Ani's part.
Hearing you say charli XCX made my day. Love your reviews!
especially because it often feels like we have no shared culture anymore, SAME
Right?
I think the portrait of the chase after American Dream in Anora is compelling, but what makes this movie truly significant is its subtext.
This is a story about a strong character with a post-Soviet heritage who fights for herself against stronger, often aggressive foes - who are literally Russians. Anora is stripped of her agency and, at times, even her honor (symbolized by her name). Yet she uses every tool at her disposal - her intelligence, wits, even the system she exists within, to push back.
The idea of Russians attempting to strip a person of their agency and honor can be interpreted as highly metaphorical in 2024. Sean Baker is far too intelligent and politically aware as a filmmaker for it to be mere coincidence that he chose to tell this story, with these characters at this particular moment.
"Anora". Tagline: No kissing.
I think Baker’s message, particularly in Anora, is incredibly socially important, especially now. These characters very much exist in real life and deserve way more than they currently get. So it’s a very good thing that he’s trying to be more accessible.
I couldn't help but dislike the ending and it's hard for me to really describe why. I think it went downhill for me from the time she agreed to get on the plane, but maybe that's just because it's a tragedy. I really disliked the last scene even though I know a lot of people really liked it. I just felt like Anora was my girl and I didn't understand what they were doing with her.
You were absolutely right about the ending! It definitely hit home with me although i sont think it had the same effect for other audience members. Some people were laughing which i thought was callous and strange.
Ya, that's pretty weird people would laugh at it. The player got played but that final was done so well, I actually felt bad for her. I loved how it ended with just windshield wipers going and then fade to silent credits.
Just saw it yesterday, and it was my first Sean Baker film, but I look forward to seeing his other movies now as this one was fantastic!
Sean Baker did the Florida project? Oh yeah, I am going to be bawling my eyes for this one
Holy cow girl! You have a way with words. Well done!
Thanks Maggie. Can't wait to see it.
What small child’s “American Dream” is to be a SW and marry a rich dude after meeting him for less than two weeks?
Hey Maggie even you don't review this I highly recommend you watch "The Wild Robot". I guarantee that it will be on your top five list for movies this year!
Couidn't agree more - finally saw this last night and as someone that has had exposure to a lot of the world represented in this film its highly accurate.
Thank you very much for your reviews, I’m 69 yo, and some of these films are ???. But I trust you and you are right 89.5 % (ha, ha). Keep going ahead.
Special movie. Good review. The movie feels to me like a simpler sort of MAGNOLIA. The neorealism observation is right on. As is the discussion of Baker's casting. I love the neorealist idea that EVERYONE WAS BORN TO PLAY ONE ROLE AND THAT ROLE IS THEMSELVES. Baker gets that too.
Magnolia is one of my all time favorites but I was disappointed with Anora
Imagine if Pauline Kael were hotter than Margot Robbie.
A great review, thanks for your thoughts
Cannot wait to see this
Excellent review as usual
Two GREAT movies are in the theater right now, ANORA and THE SUBSTANCE. Three, actually, with THE WILD ROBOT.
Movie of the year!!! (After the beast 🤫)
omg there was a family in the movie theater, i feel like they were misinformed by the trailer? It was like a dad, mom and their three kids. Omg, this is not a movie for a family night out 😅
Did they stay the entire movie? How old were the kids? lol
@@mnight6938 I didn't try to peek, at least grown up teenagers I'd say so old enough. Yes they stayed through the entire movie 🙃.
It's a really nice movie theater so they didn't probably think much of it, saw the movie poster and thought it looked cute? Like they even took pictures before, they were so excited about the movie . I felt so bad for them, omg. Like the ending is so bad(in a sense of heartbreaking, shocking), you don't want to watch that with your parents. oomph
Ending gutted me, too. I've been shaken by it all day today.
Strange Darling still best ending this year imho. Or Challengers. Anora was cool. Not enough character study for my taste and for a 20-minute stretch it felt like a manic screaming episode. Everyone was just yelling, and it felt like it wouldn't end... Lots of sex, which If I wasn't next to my mother on a Sunday Afternoon may have hit different. 8/10 from me, with solid performances and interesting story and supporting characters. The main Love interest was very odd to me at times with his acting choices, but I think he did a great job playing a 19-24 year-old Young man. But the movie is unclear as to his actual age. He just seemed like a teenager... Anora herself was cool. The ending is pretty good. I didn't fully understand her choices, but I guess she was into it the whole time...
He explicitly states that he’s 21 years old and she responds that she’s 23. It’s after the first time they sleep together.
@@Garrett1240 Yeah they are sitting on the bed and he says she acts 25. thanks for the Memory Jog. I forgot.
Your hair looks marvellous
Great movie but don’t know why it got the Palm D’or
Baker operates his films the way Bukowski wrote poetry. Red Rocket was my fav Baker till now (haven't seen his pre- Tangerine films), excited for Anora.
Now that's a rave! I'll try and get to this one.
This movie is phenomenal! Mikey Madison gives the only performance this century that is an all time performance for me!
Thanks, great review!!
in love with this review by the 2:15 mark💗
Oh great....I am really looking forward to this and was hesitant to click on this review in case you hated it.
same🤣
I enjoyed the characters but found the story to be very simple but the ending is powerful
Loved this film. Love Sean Baker.
From your bookshelf, it appears that your video was rendered backwards.
What’s a good way to get into Sean Baker’s filmography
By watching his films.
The amount of graphic sex scenes was straight up obscene 😂
I saw ads on Instagram for this film and saw it won the Palme d'Or and got solid reviews so I was confused since the characters came off so vapid and the plot seemed generic enough leaving out execution of course. So when I saw you're review come up just now I was like "Ok finally an opinion I respect" lol.
I couldn’t agree more I LOVE red rocket
This reminded me of Uncut Gems
Never heard of this until now. Thanks for the review.
You got great taste
Found it very disappointing, except for the actress' magnetic performance. Without her, the film has no solid ground to stand on. It's underwritten to the point that it doesn't have any real dialogue, except grunts. I've seen this type of film done better by Asians (Filipino, South Korean, even Romanians) made to be grittier, better written, more devastating. I'm with Richard Brody of the New Yorker on this one who didn't like it either. The film tries for authenticity but only comes out shallow, with telegraphed laughs. Watch Aronofsky's The Wrestler instead. Anora simply lacks the complexity needed for a compelling narrative. I'd rate it a 2 out 5. Maybe the first time I've disagreed with you, Maggie. (I'd like to know what you think of Emilia Perez.)
Anora will be the third film to win at Cannes and The Academy Awards also Bonhoeffer getting great You Tube reviews but thought it mediocre!!!
It reminded me of Nights of Cabiria too!
This movie was excellent. Loved it so much. Felt very bad for Anora. But at the same time it felt a bit like a just desert. Sex workers show fake affection as part of the transaction they have with men; to be fair, it's generally understood by both parties that this is nothing more than a capitalist transaction. But early on we see her luring men to the back rooms so she could get more out of them. Yet she was the one who ultimately got lured by this kid of a wealthy oligarch. The money he tossed at her meant nothing; his words were hollow, and it was all as fake as the affection she showed to men in the strip club. He wasn’t serious, but her desire for the high life made her blind to it. The player became the played.
Yep, she really only wanted the high life and got played. I do admit, the last scene got to me, though. It was done fantastic.
Hmmm this an interesting take. I think I agree with it somewhat. Only issue is that Baker and the film isn’t judgmental about sex workers. Igor is the “good guy” cuz he treats Ani like a person. All the other characters dismiss her as an escort.
I think it’s more about workers getting exploited than it is about Ani getting a taste of her own medicine. After all the henchmen act smug towards Ani but are brushed off by rich family just like her.
@@shinycheeto5779 Fair but remember the only reason Anora wanted to marry the russian kid is because he was rich. If it wasn't for the money she would have never agreed to the marriage because she even tells him you have to buy me an expensive ring if I'm going to marry you. So she was not innocent. He had a critical eye on both things: The poor who will chase anything to be rich and the rich who exploit the poor and how they feed off each other to create the tragedy of this film.
@@shinycheeto5779 You also mention Igor as the "good guy." But he's not really the good guy. While he does show more sympathy towards Anora's plight, he also assaults her and helps kidnap her. And he does it for money. He's obviously getting paid by these rich russians to do it. Igor represents the same problem as Anora. Someone who is desperate for money and will do anything to obtain it. On one hand yes he's being exploited by the rich but on the other hand he's allowing himself to be exploited by playing their game.
@@StevenE-l9y yeah I agree with that and I think it’s one of the failures of the film. It’s obvious that Ani loves the lifestyle the money provides but the movie seems to insist that there’s genuine love between them. At least with Anora wanting to stay with Vanya.
I put good guy in quotations cuz the movie wants you to view him that way. I agree he only slightly better than the other guys. He’s only a little nicer about it but the script makes it out like that’s enough for him to be good.