the way he looks
2015 review number 50:
The Way He Looks: (Drama/Romance): 84 out of 100: It's a shame that some people refuse to see subtitled movies because this is a terrific movie. It has all the ingredients to make an engaging drama...excellent story, script, direction and acting. I haven't seen many Brazilian movies so if this is just one example of Brazilian excellence, I should check out more.
Lobo stars as Leonardo, a blind teenager searching for independence. He feels that his parents are too caring. His best friend is Giovana (Amorim) who has been best friends with him since they were little. She sits next to him in class every day and walks home with him. One day a new student named Gabriel (Audi) enrols in their class, changing the dynamics of his relationship with Giovana.
The film is stimulating, allowing the viewer to sense how the blind teenager must be feeling. It makes you appreciate how much you should value your sight. The scenes where Leonardo is attempting to 'see' what others see are genuinely moving and touching. There's also splashes of humour to ensure that the story does not become bogged down in too much melodrama.
All the principal actors do a fantastic job in conveying the angst shown by children during the teenage years. They actually look older than the characters they portray so that is only one minor fault with the casting. If you ignore their physical appearance, you can just picture yourself with the anxieties that a teenager experiences.
The movie has been beautifully written with excellent direction to ensure that the characters are well-drawn out. There's many layers to the characters and you find yourself engrossed in how they handle their respective situations. You can actually place yourself in some of the scenes and experience what the characters experience.
There's also the soundtrack to compliment. There are some enchanting classical pieces that are essential to the main character's development. His outlook on having fun changes when he hears the music that his new friend likes to listen to. These songs are boppy pop music which will have you tapping along.
"The Way He Looks" would have been a deserved nominee for Best Foreign Film at this year's Oscars. Even if you don't like films with subtitles, you should check it out as it's better than a lot of Hollywood films with the similar theme of teenage angst.
Starring Ghilherme Lobo, Fabio Audi and Tess Amorim
(96 minutes)
Parental advice: Adult themes, sex scenes and nudity
Additional scene during or after credits: No
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ardyebDVYw (Movie trailer)
(Reviewed on Tuesday 7th April, 2015)
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