Moonlight reviewed by Mark Kermode
Vložit
- čas přidán 16. 02. 2017
- Mark Kermode reviews Moonlight. Drama following the impact of a young man's upbringing, relationships and surroundings across three periods of his life.
Please tell us what you think of the film -- or Mark’s review of the film - below. We love to include your views on the show every Friday.
www.bbc.co.uk/5live
Fridays at 2pm on BBC 5 live. - Krátké a kreslené filmy
Just impressed by the fact it's a well told story about people who's stories rarely get told
What I liked the most about it was that you could feel Chiron's heart through the whole thing-- he was a gentle and tender soul. And the entire movie seems to soak that up, even when some of the characters are being horrible to him. It's never bitter or cruel. In fact, most of it is trying to *hide* how kind it is. Such a refreshing change from all the dumbshit revenge porn we get nowadays.
the third act of this film is so magnificent. the introduction of 'black' is so bold and unexpected i was so blown away by it.
Why exactly? I saw nothing special about this film at all. Act 2 was the only interesting bit that I could see.
dooovde I never in a million years could have guessed where the character was going. In a typical movie, Chiron would have been the same as an adult as he was in his teenage years and childhood. Then suddenly you see 'black' and it's this completely different persona. He looks different and talks different to the point I thought it wasn't the same character. But as you keep watching, it is just Chiron, everything about his choices and personality in the third act make perfect sense to the story that was told before and it's consistent to the character. The bit at the end where you see that he still has vulnerable 'little' inside him was so incredible for me.
I think the movie is about trying to understand this character and relating to him, and to me he always felt so interesting and real.
dooovde It is really a great character study. Some people are frustrated by how passive Chiron is, but it is his way of protecting himself from the world. The mood and how Chiron views the world is expressed in the lighting, editing, and music choices.
I didn't care for the third act as much as the first two.
chaosmos24 really? what made you like the other two more? i also really liked them but the ending was my favorite part.
I agree. Now that I´ve watched it: it is one of the most perfectly made films ever. A deserving and outstanding 99 out of 100 in Metacritic says it all. I never thought it was going to be this flawless, simple and complex, easy, pleasant. Grows after it ends. More and more. Everything just flows and the feelings are so relatable and perfectly shown... 10/10.
So disappointed this is getting a limited release here in the U.K.
Tommy Wiseau that sux. you gotta watch it where ever you find a cinema playing it.
They had an unlimited screening at Cineworld like last month!
So annoying. You're tearing me apart Lisa!
Oh hiii Jason
***** ?
For the people saying they couldnt connect...I mean I can see what you mean as I personally didn't "connect" completely either, since I am white, straight and didn't grow up in a ghetto...but that doesn't mean I can't feel for the character and feel for them.
And for the people saying its overrated...I've been seeing this said a lot about this, manchester by the sea, and la la land as well. This just happens, everyone LOVES these movies, so they ARE talking them up, but that turns people off and when they go to see them, they either have this hardened sense of not wanting to like it, or they have their bar set too high and can't accept it for how good it is....
There are literally reviewers on rotten tomatoes talking about how la la land doesnt have good music and the dancing was boring...like really...stop, haha.
IMO, a good movie should do exactly that, connect and help people empathize for the characters when they're completely disconnected with you irl. Like if I'm the exact kind of people the film is portraying, then it wouldn't take much for me to get invested in the first place.
Moonlight absolutely took my breath away. A massive regret that I never saw it on a big screen.
I really do think it should win the oscar for best picture over La La Land. I say that as someone who really loved La La Land.
Dr Matt Phillips have you seen "Paterson"?
Dr Matt Phillips in 10 years nobody will be talking about Moonlight it's nothing that special
Noremac98 Sure they Will, and probably Will say it was Very important to a new style of filmaking
Ricardo Correia Before this becomes a silly debate I actually like Moonlight, but I disagree that it will spawn a new style of filmmaking, and if it does I won't care for it particularly
... It is hard to say because it is too soon
But it think is gonna be that influential
Saw this film last night, it really is very powerful. Amazing performances by all the actors. It pulls you in and doesn't let you go. The real vulnerability of the main teenage character, I've simply never seen portrayed before on screen. So often, I was reminded of situations I've experienced in real life.
Mark you were totally wrong here: it did NOT need a second viewing to reduce me to a river. Rest of the review is 100% correct though.
Underrated scene in the movie was when he went back to his mum when in the black part of the film and she says to him “I love you and I know I didn’t love you back then but I love you now, you don’t have to love me that’s fine but just know I love” genuinely had to hold back tears
Had me crying. Wish my mom had that kind of clarity about her drug addiction.
why hold them back? :)
My favorite movie of 2016 for sure
It's very close between Toni Erdmann, Manchester by the Sea and Moonlight for my film of 2016. I love it when a film lives up to my high expectations, and then some. Very, very good indeed.
All are great but Manchester is my favourite. The most moved I have been by a film for a long time - Casey Affleck will be the most deserving best actor winner for a long time assuming he wins.
Saw the film this morning at 11:05 in Birmingham, U.K. I was the only one in there. I know it's a odd time for most people to go the cinema, but how tragic that people won't give the time of day for adventurous films like this.
Pm?
when Mark gets this animated.....you just know don't you.
I was struck by the mums silhouette scenes, alarming and honest.
I loved this film. Jenkins execution of the story was masterful.
such mastery of the cinematic art form. seamless, original blending of music, cinematography, editing, aesthetic style, experimentation, acting and story. I can't fault it, one of the most technically, creatively and emotionally strong films in years in my opinion. that final shot when little turns to face the camera by the sea shocked me into my seat like a sonic boom.
The To Pimp a Butterfly reference was an absolute masterstroke
Moonlight is an absolute masterpiece 💙👌 brilliant piece of human drama
This movie is fantastic!
I see you out here in the comments Talia. The Price is definitely right
Moonlight is heartbreakingly beautiful...
you described everything that i've felt for this movie. i couldn't find the words to express how raw and authentic this masterpiece was, but you've put it beautifully.
Was really surprised how the same character could be seen in all the different characters, even though they might have looked so different, great acting.
Great film a film for the ages so glad it won best picture
Thought it was a bit boring if I'm honest
Me too. It is an interesting idea for a film but it wasn't told in an interesting or insightful way. The actor who played the adult version of the main character was brilliant and in places the music was wonderful and you could see very brief glimpses of this being a masterpiece (as this is being called) but overall it was not very interesting.
neil adlington Well the best has that that it doesn't need to come with a guide. Like, you don't need a guide to feel something deep when listening to Chopin, The Beatles or Nirvana, watching (some) Shakespeare play or a Spielberg movie or reading a Virginia Woolf novel. It might require a little effort or attention, but the minute you cannot enjoy a work of art if you don't have the right reference, it becomes a lesser work of art...
Amazing film. Every actor was great and it's beautifully shot. I hope it picks up plenty of oscars.
I'm interested in watching this very much. Have been for a while but I wanted that Kermodian confirmation.
I can see why ‘Moonlight’ is getting all the praise that it is. It’s intelligent and has very high ideals, but I had one problem with it that brought the whole thing down to Earth: I couldn’t get on with the director’s style. The film isn’t terribly long, but it is incredibly slow paced. I imagine that this is by design to add to the weight of the narrative, but when combined with a lead character that says and does very little, I found that my focus kept drifting off and I became disengaged with the whole thing. Maybe I should take a second look. 2/5
Andy G how can you say Little does very little
This is Mark at his best one his best ever reviews
There are currently no screenings of Moonlight anywhere in Cornwall :( I think I would have to travel to Bristol to see it.
great review Kermode!
2016 gave us some incredible films
The cast delivers one of their best roles in this masterfully crafted, masterfully directed, original & stylish drama that’s A nominee for one of 2016’s best films. (96%) (5/5 stars) (positive)
I actually felt I was missing some special quality whilst watching the film - but within an hour of having finished it, I found myself in increasing enrapture with the film's stealthy profundity and I began seeing the world around me differently, in a much more compassionate and thoughtful way. It's a stunning film. But then again when I consider my favourite films, on an unconscious level I really am a sucker for films with lots of water-based imagery.
Seen it twice, once last year at the LFF and again last night. It really is brilliant. Gorgeous, emotional, and subtly uplifting. With time it's going to become one of my very favourite films.
This Movie had me reeling in a good way ! won't be surprised it takes BEST picture
So annoying that this isn't being shown in my local Vue Cinema. Thankfully the arts centre near me is showing it but that means I have to wait another month :(.
that blows, hope u get a chance to see it.
Adrian Mendoza Yeah, if all goes to plan the Arts Cinema near me will be showing it on May 10th-ish so hopefully I can see it then.
Wow saw it today. What an amazing film.
This film is one of the saddest films I have ever scene. The jukebox scene to the ending literally takes your breath away.
An exquisite movie loved every minute of it...my second favorite of that year A+. Great story great performances...wonderful...i didnt want it to end...my two parameters for a great movie or tv show is you do not want it to end and it lasts with you for several days afterwards and this movie did that for me...
One more thing: The music was excellent and totally unexpected for the type of movie it is."Little's Theme", which recurs throughout reminds me of "Lara's Theme" from Doctor Zhivago. Classical music that is simple and haunting and hummable. I loved the Caetano Veloso, (one of my favorite Brazillian singers since the 1980's) in Spanish. And the other music, which all fit perfectly
Watched it a few months ago in the US The film effected me deeply. Powerful movie and beautifully made. Loved it.
A very good film, definitely. And after seen it I can see why a lot of people say it's over-hyped. I'm glad I didn't watch this review before the movie, I think I probably would have gone in with too many high expectations. It sort of captures time like Boyhood did, but in a very sad way. It also has some elements that reminded me of Amores Perros.
It was a fine film but felt at times like it was Brokeback Mountain meets Boys in the Hood with a Steve McQueen style of direction. Couldn't help thinking there were better films for the Oscar.
just saw this last night - wonderful movie.... just one question though - has anyone ever met such sweet, thoughtful, nice, and polite drug dealers before?
beautiful review of a beautiful movie, thanks mark
Finally reviewed this movie! Better late then never. I really enjoyed this movie, I wish there was more of Mahershala Ali's character. I also thought Naomi Harris did a great job.
Amaury De Jesus People living in the U.K. (Like myself) only get to see these films at later dates.
I am very ungrateful. They have been showing it in the states since October(?). I only just saw it 2 week ago, after they started showing it AGAIN in theaters smh. Anazing movie.
Amaury De Jesus I managed to see this early at a special event my cinema (or theatre) had but it still was not early I saw this about a month ago and I wanted to see it again straight away but then to only find out it now has a limited release!
I know what you mean, right after I saw it I needed more. I wish I could've seen it twice. If you get the chance watch Nocturnal Animals too, that was another movie I took for granted.
A wonderful film. The look of Black in the third part is course course deliberate, and odd that some people don't seem to pick up on that. If people don't understand the reason he looks like he does, they shouldn't be paying money to watch films like this.
Great film but I actually found the final 20mins lost momentum and was slightly uncomfortable to watch.
The film is a masterpiece
Was it good then?
This is a good movie but I personally that the story has too many ellipses and I simply wanted to know more about the characters. I feel like Mahershala Ali's character is in the movie long enough. Same for Naomie Harris's, so much so that when the third part comes, it just feels like something about the character is missing, his relationship with his mother becomes really weird leading to the fact that, although the ending is touching, I've not been as touched by this movie as so many others.
Drink every time Mark says Blade Runner-y in a review.
Late to the party watching this and I loved it, not sure is the best film of the year, I still prefer La La Land over this and I don't even like musicals, also as much as I love Mahershala Ali I am certain the Oscar shouldn't be his, we've seen much better form him not to mention who he was up against and what they did in their movies, Michael Shannon was fantastic in Nocturnal Animals and so was Jeff Bridges in Hell or High Water, we barely see Mahershala Ali in this one and nothing extraordinary about his performance.
Phenomenal film! I've seen it twice already, gonna probably see it again some time next week. One of 2016's best. I'm still pulling for La La Land to win BP though. That's my #1 fave of 2016, my #1 fave of the decade, and probably my #1 fave of the century. lol
Best film of this decade
Hello Mark!
I really want to know how you style your hair everytime? Do you style it with pomade?
There have been a lot of movies that touched me in 2016, so many that to rank them in my head I've had to look for the flaws. Paterson, Moonlight, Notes on Blindness, Toni Erdmann and La La Land were flawless for me, each in their own way. Manchester... flawed only by the questionable use of the adagio, Daniel Blake variously flawed, but primarily in its editing and cinematography.
SOOOOOOOO TRUE
This film started really strongly as it continued it went downhill slowly & by the third act it fell of a cliff for me, TOO MUCH of the story I’d told off screen 😅
One of the best films ever
But did it take 12 years to make/
You mean like 4:28?
+Chris Devine haha good catch
mark can u review the movie tana..i tried looking up a review for this movie, but couldn't find one.nominated for best foreign language film oscars ..cheers
waynea hoodmister I've seen it. It's a very melodramatic take on Romeo and Juliet type of story set in an island by the coast of Australia. The cinematography is good though it looks like the the kind of picture you get when you use your digital zoom on a digital camera, very pixelated. The acting is great, considering those are not professional actors. Overall, a good movie if only a bit cheesy and too intent on delivering a message...
+spaceboy2095 Cheers 👍
waynea hoodmister My pleasure! You can quite easily download it (for free or not) on the internet... ;-)
Yeah, but the question is...did you like it?
i didn't realy like Moonlight that much. I think it is because of all the praise it was getting. I expected it to be amazing and it was going to blow me away. But oh well when you have super high expectations you can only be disapointed
same for me, I was expecting it to be more visceral with better pathos and more cathartic ending, think I'll have to see it in a few years again to fully SEE IT for what it is, because right now it's not even close to being the film of the year for me
joris de boris same here. I wish I'd not heard how good it was. tried to ignore the praise but it's hard to when it's won 'best pic' ,oscar
Well filmed, good editing/cinematography, but just couldn't connect with any of the characters except Juan, little dialogue is fine when you can show emotion through physicality, but I just couldn't enjoy the acting of any of the three main character progressions. If it was cut down a little and had a more written script I mighta enjoyed it more maybe.
ian lee I really don't think you should cut it, it'd rather have to be longer, especially in the first and the second acts...
I need more Moonlight, not less!
Saw it today such a powerful film, definitely going to see it again!!
how anyone at the Oscars could have believed LaLa Land which was a but of a very basic Musical in my opinion with no memerobale songs or dances, could have beat this makes me laugh every time I see them all up there on stage accepting the Oscar by mistake!
Might be the film of the decade so far.
I feel this is one of those films where people are "Afraid" to dislike it. I personally didn't enjoy it, found it boring towards the end.
I totally agree. The middle part was the most thrilling. I kind of felt let down at the end, like I was missing something.
Moonlight sucked donkey dicks......really lousy movie.
I just read a despicable, racist review of this film from a creature called Camilla Long who works for the Times UK. Its refreshing to know a great reviewer like Kermode offers a knowledgeable and appreciative perspective.
I thought it was great, but I also think Mark is using a bit of hyperbole here.
And I noticed the shot at the beginning. It made me feel nauseous.
I didn't take to it.. I understand why people would say this is a good film but it was like a romantic film about two gay guys and it was lost on lost me...
Moonlight has been overpraised!
It's a perfectly fine piece of work, but people are going on about it like it's the second coming. It's not. Not even close.
UlrichUlrich Art is subjective; to some people it is the "second coming". Saying anything is overrated in and of itself is kind of pretentious.
I agree actually.
What I should've said was: "I find it overpraised".
Having said that, I still think that some of the gushing comments on here are bordering on hyperbole.
one time watch!
Awesome rave
First time I saw it, I thought it was ok.
Second time I thought it was great.
Now I think it’s possibly the greatest film of the past decade.
It is the absolute definition of a film that rewards multiple viewings.
A masterpiece ❤️
Somehow manages to never mention that the characters are Black, homosexual (main character, anyway), American, live in Miami, Florida. And that it totally escapes all the cliches that come with that. What are you avoiding, Mark?
Yes. Moonlight is MAGNIFICENT. The kind of film that leaves you lingering over the story and the characters. Such rich characters with incredibly defining obstacles. AMAZING!
I don't get why Moonlight is supposed to be good.
It's just dreamy. And stylistic. And I don't get how they know the kids gay just because he's sensitive.
Best film of 2016 by a mile. And a film that kept getting better.
A visually pleasing film ,but the story and dialogue are sloppy and badly paced, and the most frustrating part is the actual sound mix ! The dialogue is barely audible at times ,This film was awarded an Oscar for its subject matter, not for its delivery of it !
Boys in the Hood meets Boyhood. Didn't really get the hype.
Stunning film. La La Land was great but this is something else. A modern masterpiece
La La Land is a musical masterpiece.
okay
Linda Lam
With bad songs, bad singing and bad dancing. Best thing about it is the outstanding set design and eye-popping cinematography that jumps off the screen.
Linda Lam
Really? I dare anyone to sing the melody or words to ANY of the songs 10 minutes after seeing it.
@@jaysonbiggs8979 I downloaded the whole soundtrack seconds after leaving the theatre. Stop.
*drool*
Best director is where it's at, anyway. That's why we have auteurs. Best pictures may get boggled down w/ the sociopolitical climate of the time. One can't help suspect that the #OscarsSoWhite controversy helped elevated Moonlight to best picture, where in any other year it would be a good indie film, at best. Moonlight won over La La Land b/c of its 'important' subject matter, more than anything. Just like the inferior Crash defeated the far superior Brokeback Mountain b/c its subject matter (racism) was deemed more important at the time. www.filminquiry.com/moonlight-2016-review-2/
Moonlight was marred by the third and final act. Not only w/ the miscast of the very hardened and butch "Black," I didn't believe his celibacy for a minute. His muted sexuality is more poetic than authentic. And just when I thought the film was going somewhere, it ended. The ending was abrupt, unsatisfying, and very anticlimactic. Like its protagonist, it really has nothing much to say, which makes it not profound for a supposed important film about societal blights--and what it means to be black, poor, and gay. Moonlight, I'm afraid, was more ideologically awarded/applauded by people--vs. La La Land--for its 'important' subject matter b/c of its 'challenging' theme than say, just a fluffy musical's ode to Old Hollywood. Unlike La La Land, which is a musical masterpiece hitting all the right notes, Moonlight is quite flawed and less compelling than it tried to be. With that said, however, Moonlight was still a very good Indie film, but not great.
I expected more from this movie. Of course it's beautiful, well acted, and extremely important, but it never moved me emotionally or intellectually. I think this film needed more dialogue and less colors. Overrated, but I'm just glad films like this are finally being made.
Personally, I think the lack of dialogue is what made the film beautiful and allowed me to connect. You were able to pick up on the subtleties in the acting which I believe was done masterfully by all three of Chiron's actors. You're entitled to your opinion, and I'm sorry that you couldn't see the movie in an environment in which people weren't hyping it up so much (that tends to ruin the experience for anyone), but honestly it was definitely my #1 pick for movies in 2016.
and the movie of the week is John Wick 2 lol
i thought it was boring
Incredible movie about self-imposed prisons, intersectionality of being poor, black and gay Masterpiece. It gets better and better after each viewing.
Not particularly my favorite movie and there are about 10-15 movies I prefer from that year alone but it’s definitely a well made movie
Can you list those 10-15 movies better than Moonlight released in 2016 please? I'd love to see them
so much hype over this mediocre film. both this and la la land.
Moonlight is a fine 7/10 movie. but best picture? 2016 was toni erdmann, son of saul, things to come, arrival, manchester by the sea.
Let's be honest here : Manchester by the Sea is the best US movie for 2016. It should get the Oscar!
not really bruh
Robin Drake Yes, Really!
Moonlight is way better
Absolut Veidt No, it is not!
The problem here is that Moonligth is more melodramatic than MBTS.
Of course, Manchester is a very sad story but it also have a lot of humor, than moonligth doesnt have.
Its hard to say which one is better, i feel like Manchester was more refreshing but the problem that i have with this movie is that it could have being even more to remember if they had exploited the feelings of sadness that transmitted the film.
I cant choose one, sorry (:
thought it was ok but nothing special - seems timely for a black/sexuality film to get rewards
meh. Much preferred Knight of Cups :)
If la la land wins best picture over this, there will be riots.
One of the greaste movies l ever seen
Silence was a much better movie than Moonlight.
Moonlight is a desperate film. Why does Kevin change ethnicity at the end of the film.