Read User Reviews and Submit your own for CODA (2021)

6

livinmediocreNov 17, 2021

I really wanted to love this. And I like it, I do. But it’s just too… Disney Channel for me. Not that that’s a bad thing. I **** with some Disney Channel movies, especially the older ones which this feels like.

I don’t know it just feelsI really wanted to love this. And I like it, I do. But it’s just too… Disney Channel for me. Not that that’s a bad thing. I **** with some Disney Channel movies, especially the older ones which this feels like.

I don’t know it just feels like a normal movie, just with the deaf twist. Which I thought would be amazing. But I wish we were in the perspective of the family more than Ruby. We only really get a couple moments of that. The concert and in the end. I would have loved a more Sound of Metal approach to the family perspective. I feel like it would have helped that little bit more.

Overall I think this is a good movie that takes tropes from movies like it, but embraces and builds on them. It’s just not for me, and that’s ok. Pretty sure Apple bought this, so when it comes out on Apple TV+, you should check it out. I do still recommend it!… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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10

JaviersrateAug 13, 2021

That really touched my heart too many times, many laughs too and I cried few times too. I have not laughed this much in a long time because of a movie. And I mean many laughs. The best deaf movie I’ve seen and I’m glad that I able to witnessThat really touched my heart too many times, many laughs too and I cried few times too. I have not laughed this much in a long time because of a movie. And I mean many laughs. The best deaf movie I’ve seen and I’m glad that I able to witness this in my lifetime, yes!… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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9

TVJerryAug 14, 2021

The title is an abbreviation for “Child of Deaf Adults.” In this case, a teen (Emilia Jones) lives with her parents and brother, all of whom are deaf. She’s often been their go-between with the hearing world and faced scorn from herThe title is an abbreviation for “Child of Deaf Adults.” In this case, a teen (Emilia Jones) lives with her parents and brother, all of whom are deaf. She’s often been their go-between with the hearing world and faced scorn from her classmates, but her talent for singing presents issues on several levels. The ensemble is excellent. Of course, Marlee Matlin (the mom) is an Oscar-winning presence, but Troy Kotsur (the father) is certainly headed for acclaim for his raucous and sensitive portrayal (the scene where his daughter sings just for him is award worthy alone). The family relationships are beautifully portrayed and it helps that there are genuinely funny moments peppered throughout. Even though the plot points are predictable, the writing never resorts to gooey sentimentality. It’s truly a heart-warming experience and a well-crafted film. One snag: The boyfriend doesn’t possess the singing talent of Ruby.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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10

LumdogAug 29, 2021

A captivating and heart-warming coming of age story, with a perfect, powerful and earnest performance from Emilia Jones. It does a fantastic job of expressing its themes of family and chasing your dreams, whilst balancing it with someA captivating and heart-warming coming of age story, with a perfect, powerful and earnest performance from Emilia Jones. It does a fantastic job of expressing its themes of family and chasing your dreams, whilst balancing it with some hilarious comedic moments. A definitely must see.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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8

HerickDienerAug 23, 2021

"CODA" mostra na prática o que é ter um sonho sem ninguém ao seu redor entendê-lo. Marlee Matlin continua incrível desde "Children of a Lesser God" e Emilia Jones foi uma ótima escolha para o papel principal. Seria ótimo ver ambas na próxima"CODA" mostra na prática o que é ter um sonho sem ninguém ao seu redor entendê-lo. Marlee Matlin continua incrível desde "Children of a Lesser God" e Emilia Jones foi uma ótima escolha para o papel principal. Seria ótimo ver ambas na próxima temporada de premiações. Alô, Oscar!… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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10

robertluisgeAug 14, 2021

This movie is so touching and heartfelt that I can't even put into words what I felt when I was watching. I've cried many time over certain scenes; more than with your regular movie where you cry once, at the end and that's it. The message isThis movie is so touching and heartfelt that I can't even put into words what I felt when I was watching. I've cried many time over certain scenes; more than with your regular movie where you cry once, at the end and that's it. The message is incredible and even though you might not be going through something similar, you will feel it in your core. More attention needs to be placed in this community because this is not the only family going though hardships.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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9

ItsmayaOct 22, 2021

This film made me cry so f**king hard! In such a good, wonderful and spectacular way!
The acting is beyond marvelous from all the actors who participate in the movie.
The story is moving and will make you emotional invested in it. I can'tThis film made me cry so f**king hard! In such a good, wonderful and spectacular way!
The acting is beyond marvelous from all the actors who participate in the movie.
The story is moving and will make you emotional invested in it.
I can't recommend this film enough! Watch it!… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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9

dmtalkiesAug 14, 2021

Director Sian Heder knits an emotional yet amusing journey that will take viewers through a rollercoaster of emotions.

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10

7007SummerNov 8, 2021

Love love this movie. Such a talented cast!! I cannot belibe the actress learned sign language and had no previous experience singing. What a great talent!

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6

bertobellamySep 23, 2021

This is better than what I expected, but still far from what I would call an award-winning film. There's an inspiring story here about family union and breaking the bubble to go see the world — not conforming with what you get —, but it allThis is better than what I expected, but still far from what I would call an award-winning film. There's an inspiring story here about family union and breaking the bubble to go see the world — not conforming with what you get —, but it all feels very generic and too happy for my taste. A film about a teenage girl who has to decide if she goes to pursue her dreams or if she stays at home to look for her deaf family ends just the way you'll expect; if you're looking for risks, you'll have to go somewhere else.

Sure, the deaf parents/hearing daughter has plenty of comedic and emotional moments, but none that'll truly connect with you. Acting is good, though — except for Derbez, who's totally in another tone here —; it's the screenplay and its clichés that don't work for me.

The Disney-esque plot is redundant, and sometimes it'll make you feel like you're watching a more grown-up version of 'High School Musical.' If only director Sian Heder explored more of the struggles of deaf people, like those scenes when the father and the brother got themselves in trouble with the authorities, this would've turned a little more interesting. I get it, this film gravitates more towards dramedy, but a more somber tone wouldn't have hurt.

'CODA' is not terrible; actually, is very entertaining, but it all fades away when you stop watching. If you're looking for a more engaging music-themed coming-of-age movie, go see 'Sing Street.' Fact: the little boy from that film appears here all grown up!… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

saulodouradoAug 31, 2021

Touching story, very human. It gives the viewers a hint on what being deaf feels like. But, the best parts are when the movie intertwines the "hearing" and the deaf worlds together, creating wonderful emotional moments.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

gracjanskiJan 23, 2022

the beginning is a bit annoying and feminist. But later on the heartbreaking family conflicts and the beautiful voice are fortunately taking over. The funny moments are also great, but the audition in the end is very touching.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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6

Brent_MarchantDec 29, 2021

“CODA,” an acronym for “Child Of Deaf Adults,” is the kind of film that’s designed to make viewers feel bad if they speak ill of it. However, after screening it, I can’t help but say that this manipulative, cloying, cliché-ridden,“CODA,” an acronym for “Child Of Deaf Adults,” is the kind of film that’s designed to make viewers feel bad if they speak ill of it. However, after screening it, I can’t help but say that this manipulative, cloying, cliché-ridden, saccharin-encrusted offering lives up to every one of those guilt-inducing traps. Writer-director Siân Heder’s second feature outing tells the story of a Gloucester, Massachusetts high school senior who’s the only hearing member of a family of deaf individuals. She’s torn between pursuing her passion for singing and staying with her parents and brother to help them sort out the family’s troubled fishing business. At its heart, it’s narrative terrain that’s been covered a number of times before, albeit with different particulars. That in itself would be fine if it weren’t for the trite way in which the material is presented here, a production laden with the aforementioned calculated, derivative qualities that make it ordinary instead of outstanding. The picture also suffers from a screenplay and direction riddled inconsistent character development, left-field plot twists, underdeveloped story threads and over-the-top quirks, making this an often-frustrating watch. Admittedly, the film has some genuinely heartwarming moments, such as a number of heart-to-heart conversations between the protagonist and her family members, as well as fine performances by Emilia Jones and Marlee Matlin, but those attributes are hardly enough to give this one a ringing endorsement. This might not be an awful film, but its premise certainly lends itself to a more engaging treatment than is present here.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

MattBrady99Feb 24, 2022

While a bit cliched at times, but man what an emotional movie with plenty of heart to go around.

All the cast were stellar. Really cool that the deaf family in the movie are actually deaf in real life (apart from Emilia Jones) and all themWhile a bit cliched at times, but man what an emotional movie with plenty of heart to go around.

All the cast were stellar. Really cool that the deaf family in the movie are actually deaf in real life (apart from Emilia Jones) and all them were great!… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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5

garmonboziaAug 31, 2021

It is a heartfelt family movie. But at the same time it is so generic and calculated in its approach. The whole music career thing has been done in hundreds of other teen comedies and dramas. The new thing here is that it is used as aIt is a heartfelt family movie. But at the same time it is so generic and calculated in its approach. The whole music career thing has been done in hundreds of other teen comedies and dramas. The new thing here is that it is used as a metaphor for any decision people make and are misunderstood by their loved ones. Ruby's family can't here her voice so literally they don't know what's her passion is all about. It is touching at times, but also almost too sweet and cheesy. The audition to Berklee College is such an emotionally manipulative fake scene. I don't know why people praise this movie so much. It is an OK film. Is it about inclusion of deaf actors in the production? Yes, they were great, but if we want to be honest and equal - this kind of storytelling in a different movie would make everybody roll their eyes and describe it as a Hallmark movie.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

ahmedaiman1999Aug 19, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ever since premiering at Sundance film festival to rave reviews, I've been looking forward to CODA but have always kept my expectations in check. CODA is a coming-of-age story sees Ruby (played by Emilia Jones in one of the best performances this year), a girl with a penchant for singing, grappling with chasing her dreams while helping her deaf family which she happens to be the only hearing member in. The story is nothing special, and the film itself is anything but groundbreaking. Rather, it's one that thrives off of its simplicity from which it yields enriching subtlety.

For starters, the family dynamic is priceless. Whether they're squabbling or having a laugh, their interactions with each other are like quickfire repartees that have you transfixed while at play, and are sunk in as soon as they end. The humour in this movie originally generates either from how crude and blunt Ruby's family is (more on that later) or from the complexity of non-verbal communication. Yet, the movie never looks down at deaf people or even regards them patronizingly, and each time we spend some moments with the family makes this more and more evident. Does the same go for the family itself and each member of it? And are they perfectly imperfect as they seem? Not really.

As the family has its own identity, each character has its own individual personality and unique mannerisms, too. And it's here where we get to see through the cracks in each one of them. Ruby is the one who communicates with them and the sign-language interpreter and mediator between them and the townspeople. Ironically, none of her family members is able to properly communicate their feelings to Ruby herself, the thing that made her dilemma more and more perplexing and befuddling.

Ruby's brother, Leo, grows tired of people regarding him and his parents as 'disabled'. He feels that he's seen as helpless and "freak" — as one once called him before getting into a bar brawl. That feeling is further amplified when he realises how much they rely on his sister to be their connection to the outside world. As a consequence, he puts the blame on Ruby because he feels that he lives under her sister's shadow, let alone she's his younger sibling. In his heart, however, he loves his sister dearly. And after knowing of her talent, he becomes worried her potential might go to waste as a result of staying with them forever instead of pursuing her passion.

As for the mother, Jackie, things are much more complicated. She bans Ruby from listening to music while they're at the table because that's 'rude' since it's not something "[they] all can do together," and she's frustrated at learning she joined the school choir. Later on, she's desperate to do anything to stop her from heading off to the music school because that way they'd lose their only 'interpreter' they can't afford to keep their fishing business afloat. Thus, her actions and intentions seem to be solely based on the family's business' interests with a total disregard to Ruby's. She comes across as exploitative, and also as someone who clearly sees deafness as a deficiency that the whole family must suffer from. That said, it's revealed that all that has something to do with her past, which I'm not going to spoil but it shows how much Jackie's actually concerned about her relationship with her daughter.

However, it's not only about her family, as Ruby herself has her own internal conflict and restrictions that she's built for herself — unwillingly, of course. On the face of it, she's ashamed of her family because of how shamelessly frank they are, especially her father, who legitimately got Ruby in some awkwardly embarrassing situations. On closer inspection, though, we see she's learned to adopt a new persona at school over the years because 'sounding like a deaf person' made her classmates make fun of her. Unfortunately, she learned to be normal by being different, only to become diffident. The whole thing about her inspiring, eccentric music teacher telling her that her problem is that she's "holding her voice" in the choir and at another occasion as though she's suppressing it, is a metaphor for her true self and identity she's been nearly stripped of unconsciously, whether because she's confined to her family's obligations or to avoid feelings of inadequacy and mortification.

The second half of CODA is undeniably the weakest. As I mentioned earlier, the story itself is pretty formulaic, with its ups and downs, romantic storyline that slipped into cliché territory before even we're halfway through, and 'too-good-to-be-true' moments by the end. Nevertheless, CODA overflows with emotional beats that are bound to melt even the stony hearts, which the second half, in particular, is replete with. I mean, I almost teared up in three scenes! If that doesn't eclipse its shortcomings I don't know what does. Sweet, tender and earnest, CODA is a crowd-pleaser and one of the biggest surprises of the year.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

NghiaaaAug 17, 2021

such a great movie for the quarantine, this helped me more to understand and fall in love with the deaf society.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

AJ_13Mar 3, 2022

CODA, despite its simplicity and, at times, archetypicality, manages to stand out for its warmth and, above all, for its magnificent cast. A touching story that fulfills everything that could be expected from the film. Emilia Jones and TroyCODA, despite its simplicity and, at times, archetypicality, manages to stand out for its warmth and, above all, for its magnificent cast. A touching story that fulfills everything that could be expected from the film. Emilia Jones and Troy Kotsur give wonderful performances and after watching it I have no doubt that the SAG Award for Best Cast is totally deserved.… Expand

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8

HaskettFamilyAug 14, 2021

A feel-good movie that actually feels good. Well acted and a story line that proceeds through the movie.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

omnicriticAug 16, 2021

Reach your goal but do not sacrifice your dear ones, and you will get rewarded.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

mohammadMKASep 20, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love this move and In the last scene, he took the world of the deaf very, very well… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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9

ryanoliveira3Sep 29, 2021

It’s very charming, endearing and funny. Cute movie.

It’s feel good and predictable but it’s fun and endearing. Really enjoyed it. Damn “Leo did get hot” A comedy with romance and drama that voids any pretentiousness. Pure soul and heart.It’s very charming, endearing and funny. Cute movie.

It’s feel good and predictable but it’s fun and endearing. Really enjoyed it. Damn “Leo did get hot”

A comedy with romance and drama that voids any pretentiousness. Pure soul and heart. I unashamedly happy cried. And sad cried.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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9

beno1998Dec 30, 2021

It's an absolutely fantastic story of a girl trying to live with a family that does not see the things the same way as her. A story of a girl trying to survive her adolescence and come out afloat and unscathed. Fantastic story accompanied byIt's an absolutely fantastic story of a girl trying to live with a family that does not see the things the same way as her. A story of a girl trying to survive her adolescence and come out afloat and unscathed. Fantastic story accompanied by fantastic acting. Highly recommend this movie.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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9

benjanzenNov 25, 2021

CODA is one of those films that you get lost in, where you simply forget that you’re watching a movie. The well developed characters, smart humour, great music, and emotionally fulfilling climax left my heart smiling by the end. Nothing we’veCODA is one of those films that you get lost in, where you simply forget that you’re watching a movie. The well developed characters, smart humour, great music, and emotionally fulfilling climax left my heart smiling by the end. Nothing we’ve never seen before, but done extremely well. One of my favourites of the year!… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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9

CLAYTAYLOR21Jan 1, 2022

Coda is a simple yet beautiful film about a family of deaf people with one daughter who doesn't share their condition.. This daughter, Ruby, is blessed with a beautiful singing voice that her family can't appreciate. The highlight of the filmCoda is a simple yet beautiful film about a family of deaf people with one daughter who doesn't share their condition.. This daughter, Ruby, is blessed with a beautiful singing voice that her family can't appreciate. The highlight of the film is the emotional chords it strikes in the third act. I constantly cried for the last thirty minutes because of the powerful screenplay and the perfect performances that demonstrated familial love perfectly. Emilia Jones and Troy Kotsur were the two standouts and both are deserving of award nominations for their tremendous turns. The movie is also extremely funny with the writers leveraging the story's concept to create a lot of laugh out loud moments in the film's first act. My only real problems with CODA are that it has an extremely predictable plot and one character whose inclusion felt unnecessary in Ruby's boyfriend Miles. Fortunately, these problems don't take anything away from the strong emotional beats, so this film made an extremely strong impact on me and will have me thinking about it for days to come.… Expand

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9

ChanekeCholoDec 20, 2021

The main theme is not the inclusivity that in some way a lot of people have classified it as a problem in this kind of film, but it is empathy. This film is the refined representation about belong to one community just, regardless of theThe main theme is not the inclusivity that in some way a lot of people have classified it as a problem in this kind of film, but it is empathy. This film is the refined representation about belong to one community just, regardless of the problems that arise in everyday life, we all deserve our place here.
The script is its strongest aspect, it shows very genuine moments that will remain reflected in your mind for a long time and knows how to play with our feelings to make us realize that the sign language its maybe the second idiom most important below your mother language. Nevertheless, it has some moments that doesn't have any development, the scenes has impact, but they are in someway unimportant. But that is not an impediment to get an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
The ensemble is one of the best of the 2021, everyone give the best of themselves, but Emilia Jones is excellent in her performance, I would like to see her nominated in this awards season.… Expand

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2

antoinedoinelMar 27, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ok, well I watched the Oscar favorite so you don’t have to: CODA…grade C-. I’d go lower but the problem with this movie is how utterly bland it is. As for a film about the struggles of being deaf, it has NOTHING on THE SOUND OF METAL, which was also formula but WAYYYYYY better. This has the predictable lack of subtext where everyone says what they are thinking and the struggling family that needs their hearing daughter to keep the business afloat just ups and sacrifices everything to send her to music school. It’s so predictable, so lacking in genuine conflict so utterly TV movie of the week that I’m shocked it’s the favorite for best picture of the year. And I know Oscar goes to the dullest movies, but this isn’t even cinematic. No wonder apple bought it…it feels like it’s shot so all the images can fit nicely on a phone if you’re watching it that way. NOT CINEMA, …even GLEE would be better…but I can’t give it any other grade because that’s exactly what’s wrong with it: it’s AVERAGE to a FAULT.… Expand

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5

JLuis_001Aug 15, 2021

Yesterday, I read on Indiewire, that CODA could potentially turn out to be an Academy Award contender, and I couldn't help but laugh.
I just couldn't believe it, because the film has nothing especial. It's well made, but Oscar material? HellYesterday, I read on Indiewire, that CODA could potentially turn out to be an Academy Award contender, and I couldn't help but laugh.
I just couldn't believe it, because the film has nothing especial. It's well made, but Oscar material? Hell no.

If you read other reviews, and bypass the inclusion theme, you will realize The Bélier Family, the film of which CODA is a remake, seems to be ignored or looked down upon.
Also if you see the difference in rankings on Rotten Tomatoes, you will realize The Bélier Family, has lower ratings. Even though it's the same thing.

This movie is basically 90% the same stuff. The changes are slight, and don't matter in the overall concept, so I'm surprised, I'm really surprised that it's being so praised and recognized for something the original film already did.
I mean, The Bélier Family was released barely seven years ago, it's not that old, and it was very successful, so I don't get why CODA all of the sudden is a better film.

It's incredible too see that the story of a triumphant but inconsequential French film ended up becoming for the US press, an academy award contender once the Americans remade it. I'm baffled.

I just can remember the words the great Bong Joon-Ho said: "Once you get past the subtitle barrier, you will see much more amazing movies."
Especially the original ones.… Expand

6 of 9 users found this helpful63

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1

Carlos077Sep 23, 2021

La verdad es una película que copió literalmente. La familia Belier y estando Derbez su sola precencia hace que la película sea horrenda

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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10

PanchogulMar 16, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. CODA es de esas películas que transmiten de todo, tiene momentos de mucha dicha, situaciones muy hilarantes y diversas oportunidades para derramar un río de lágrimas, la historia es muy bonita y las actuaciones de la familia son increíbles, puedes disfrutar los momentos alegres de Ruby y su familia como si fueras parte de ella y hay ocasiones muy puntuales donde te hacen sentir en carne propia el silencio absoluto que su padre en particular siente al ver a su hija derrochando talento y la frustración de no poder disfrutar el momento como si pueden hacerlo el resto de las personas, simplemente desalentador.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

All_ButTrU4Mar 29, 2022

Coda is an accomplishment beyond the obvious differences it presents. It's a movie about people we rarely get to see spotlighted and given on my reading on it's reception that it's conflicted. That despite providing grounded portrayals butCoda is an accomplishment beyond the obvious differences it presents. It's a movie about people we rarely get to see spotlighted and given on my reading on it's reception that it's conflicted. That despite providing grounded portrayals but also handicaps deaf people in everyday life which I can see where the point would be made despite being ill equipped on commenting on it. But on what I can comment it's a heart warming coming of age story with a huge conundrum in that it's lead must deal with how her independence might affect this family dynamic which upholds many parts of their lives. It's complex when it wants to be which unfortunately isn't always often which isn't so much a problem than it is a comfort. One I'll revisit many more times to come.… Expand

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0

DamigamermxusJul 2, 2023

This movie is soooo Overrated and didn't deserved the Oscar. It's just another generic teen movie but it only won because it has ''diversity'' with mute people. And Eugenio Derbez makes it worse and doesn't save the movie

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6

MetacriticOnurSep 6, 2021

admirable
[ ad-mer-uh-buhl ]

adjective
worthy of admiration; inspiring approval, reverence, or affection.

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9

katezoeMar 14, 2022

Heartwarming and feel good movie. Wonderful acting by the entire cast. Well earned Oscar nomination for supporting actor.