“The Way He Looks” (2014)
Leonardo (Ghilherme Lobo) is your typical high-school student with one exception; he is blind. He has a best friend in Gia but is made fun of by some of his other classmates. One classmate dislikes Leonardo so much that he has made it his mission in high school to continually harass and tease Leonardo. Leonardo’s other problem is that his family, especially his mother, are overly protective of him, to the point that he has to immediately call his mother anytime he arrives at a destination other than his home. He keeps mostly to himself or hanging with Gia (Tess Amorim), often discussing which classmates are cute or jerks. Leonardo’s life is pretty routine, hanging with Gia, visiting his grandmother on Wednesdays, spending dinnertime with his parents.
Photo courtesy of Strand Releasing
Leonardo’s world changes when Gabriel (Fabio Audi) moves into the area and starts attending school. He sits in the seat that no one wants to sit in, the seat right behind Leonardo. When the two are paired up to work on a school project, they soon learn that not only do they have a lot of the same interests but that they really get along. In fact, they get along so well that Gia starts feeling a little left out and jealous. And it turns out that her instincts are correct because there seems to be a connection between Gabriel and Leonardo that just might be a little deeper than just friendship. Leonardo maybe having feelings for Gabriel; the question now does Gabriel feel the same way?
“The Way He Looks” is a wonderful coming of age film from Brazil that has a new take on exploring the world of growing up a teenager. Leonardo is determined to live his life as normal as possible, even if it means that he has to rebel against his parents’ wishes from time to time. Writer / director Daniel Ribeiro has created a full and vibrant film that treats his characters with warmth and understanding. It’s a film that slowly lets us discover its characters and really delight in their growth. The film has a nice pace to it, never lagging. We get to discover Leonardo’s feelings for Gabriel almost in real time, making the film feel rooted in reality. The camera often lingers on scenes, letting the scene unfold in a slow, deliberate way. The soundtrack of the film gives us a nice mix of American and Brazilian pop songs, just the kind of music that a teenager in San Paulo would listen to.
Photo courtesy of Strand Releasing
Ghilherme Lobo, who plays Leonardo, is the right combination of boyish charm and sweet innocence. He brings likeability to the screen that is so important to this film. We need to bond instantly with his character and root for his success, and Lobo lets us do that almost right from the start of the film. His chemistry with both Fabio Audi, who plays Gabriel and Tess Amorim, who plays Gia, is very evident on screen and lets us believe his friendship with both characters. Audi shines as the more mature, self-assured Gabriel. You can see why not only are the girls are attracted to him but Leonardo as well. Amorim is perfect in the role of Gia, a girl who is a little flighty but is a good friend to Leonardo.
I thoroughly enjoyed this film. Its treats its characters as real teenagers, with real problems, never trivializing their feelings or thoughts. It’s a rare film that can deal with the issue of teenage love and put a new spin on it and this movie succeeds on every level. My Rating: Full Price
My movie rating system from Best to Worst: 1). I Would Pay to See it Again 2). Full Price 3). Bargain Matinee 4). Cable 5). You Would Have to Pay Me to See it Again
“The Way He Looks” Facebook page
“The Way He Looks” is playing exclusively at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.