Moonlight
A24 | Release Date: October 21, 2016
7.1
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Generally favorable reviews based on 1820 Ratings
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Mixed:
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Negative:
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User scoreBy dateMost helpful
7
hesinbergFeb 15, 2019
great music and very beautiful cinematography , the story sometimes gets very dull and boring but ok
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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7
BrunoVn00Apr 15, 2019
Moonlight is...a good movie. I'm going to talk about the best of this movie first and I'll begin with a big praise towards its WONDERFUL cinematrogtaphy and directing. All the shots in this movie are beautiful and the color palette adds toMoonlight is...a good movie. I'm going to talk about the best of this movie first and I'll begin with a big praise towards its WONDERFUL cinematrogtaphy and directing. All the shots in this movie are beautiful and the color palette adds to the intended mood of what the audience is watching. This is one of the most visually stunning movies I've seen in recent memory, I swear I could only rewatch it too see the beautiful shots this movie has. The performances are great and add to the realism this movie tries to give.

What this movie, for me at least, doesn't do that great, is everything else. The plot wasn't that great or interesting. The movie failed to make me care about the characters and the plot, because it wasn't too interesting. There's a huge plot hole between Chiron's adolescence and its adulthood, I don't know, maybe some more minutes of runtime to see what happened to him during that time gap, I think that could've added to his character, and most of the movie felt pretty standard and forgettable, nothing too bad, but anything great.

However the ending is so heartbreaking and perfect when you stop and think about it, the last shot of the movie is one of my favorites in recent memory, I think that the ending was what redeemed this movie.

This isn't my favorite movie of 2016 and it's not a great movie, it's good, the cinematography, acting, directing and the ending is what gives this movie a lot of points. It's a pretty bland and forgettable movie for the most part but those aspects I just mentioned are what save this movie from being bad.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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10
JadarriusJul 1, 2019
Moonlight is a diversity movie and it shows how African American man have to go through to be their selves. And it shows how he felt through his eyes and they why he lived! It opened my eyes as a person and I love this movie. It made me who IMoonlight is a diversity movie and it shows how African American man have to go through to be their selves. And it shows how he felt through his eyes and they why he lived! It opened my eyes as a person and I love this movie. It made me who I am today! It played a big role in my life and to forgive all the people who hurting me. And not change who I am today. I love this movie and I believe it impacted how I look at life now. I just wish there was a part 2 because it left open questions at the end of the movie which most viewers are dying to know!… Expand
0 of 4 users found this helpful04
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10
weszcsSep 7, 2019
Um dos melhores filmes que eu ja vi na minha vida, simplesmente ICÔNICO E REPRESENTATIVO !!!!
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
ThatoneguywholoSep 1, 2019
Good movie. Not the best from 2016 for me, but still good. I really Liked the performances.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
LucasTSSep 23, 2019
Summary: Moonlight is the tender, heartbreaking story of a young man’s struggle to find himself, told across three defining chapters in his life as he experiences the ecstasy, pain, and beauty of falling in love, while grappling with his ownSummary: Moonlight is the tender, heartbreaking story of a young man’s struggle to find himself, told across three defining chapters in his life as he experiences the ecstasy, pain, and beauty of falling in love, while grappling with his own sexuality.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
TheEventsOf1989Dec 29, 2019
Films with subtlety always have people saying it was to boring to understand, or to safe to merit a voice. If there's any lesson to be learned, it's that Moonlight's subtlety enhances its message and themes, and they don't play it safe, whichFilms with subtlety always have people saying it was to boring to understand, or to safe to merit a voice. If there's any lesson to be learned, it's that Moonlight's subtlety enhances its message and themes, and they don't play it safe, which is fairly hard in a social atmosphere that wouldn't praise its message. What I love about this film is that it isn't afraid to show the reality for its protagonist. Homosexuality in his community is a rough subject that isn't received well and is sadly filled with prejudice. There are some story hiccups, but the visuals are well suited for its nuanced theme.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
DouglasspompeuJun 11, 2020
Moonlight shows a very realistic story, it's heartbreaking. Containing exceptional actings, but a not so precise directing and some not so satisfying dialogues.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
MiguelAngel78Mar 7, 2020
Such a powerful interaction amoung characters that are unique and humane. Very good
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
mnemosyneMay 22, 2020
At school, he wanted to be close to his classmates, but he was laughed at and teased repeatedly. At home, his mother with a violent drug addiction attacked him badly, but when the "normal" mother wanted to take care of him, he still lookedAt school, he wanted to be close to his classmates, but he was laughed at and teased repeatedly. At home, his mother with a violent drug addiction attacked him badly, but when the "normal" mother wanted to take care of him, he still looked like a little sheep. Snuggling in her arms, it seems that she has forgotten the violent past, yes, children seem to be like this, because they want to get love, so they will not resent, but his particularity is that it seems that he only wants to love this world, only wants to love this People only want this. Any resistance in this world to him, in addition to being silent, is to obey.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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8
AndrewHordMay 29, 2020
This is nice film.But it is definitely not deserves 99 out of 100.Sorry for fans,but this film is not that great to has same rate as Chaplin`s City Light or Kurosawa`s Rashomon.It is just good film,but not masterpiece.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
bfoore90Mar 17, 2021
Powerful, simple but effective. Moonlight highlights the struggles that come with being an African American LGBTQ youth in a tough community
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
kyle20ellisMar 18, 2022
Wanted to see as many 2016 films as possible, especially those that won or were nominated for the big awards. Took me a while to see 'Moonlight', with the controversy it garnered when it was announced for the Best Picture Oscar and the amountWanted to see as many 2016 films as possible, especially those that won or were nominated for the big awards. Took me a while to see 'Moonlight', with the controversy it garnered when it was announced for the Best Picture Oscar and the amount of hate it's got here part of me was wary.

Finally getting round to seeing 'Moonlight', it turned out that it was more than well worth the while and that the wariness was not needed. 'Moonlight' is not a perfect film and may not have been my personal pick for the Best Picture award (for me that was 'La La Land' though that is not a popular opinion it seems). Truly admired what it set out to do and found it a brave and powerful film, despite what the detractors say there is far more to 'Moonlight's' appeal than politics, sexuality and race (clearly trying to find conspiracy theories and reasons for why a film they dislike is loved by others, without taking into account that the film simply just connected to and resonated with those who liked it).

'Moonlight' does end on an anti-climactic note, some of the last act is a bit rushed. A longer length would have helped as a result, it also would have helped make a couple of events in the first act a little clearer and not so choppy.

It may not say much new, despite the ground-breaking concept on paper with the exploration of lives rarely seen on film, and doesn't always have subtlety. Then again it is tackling far from subtle themes and a heavy subject, so that sort of was going to be inevitable.

However, 'Moonlight' is an exceptionally well made film. The cinematography and editing are some of the most eye-pleasing and best of that year, and can't find anything to fault the expertly handled direction. The music is cleverly mixed and has haunting power and fluidity.

Regarding the writing, it is not perfect, at times as said a little heavy-handed and vague in parts, but it is thought-provoking and handles very ambitious, relevant, important themes with power, truth and (mostly) delicacy. The story makes the most of the three act structure, it's handled simply but not simplistically and also handled cleverly and with passion, honesty and intelligence. Found myself relating quite a lot to and being moved significantly by the story and found the film handled a heavy and sensitive subject matter with a lot of relevance and importance today more than admirably.

Can't fault the acting, doing wonders with compellingly real characters and strongly defined character relationships (especially the central one). Much has been made of Maharshala Ali and Naomie Harris and deservedly with two of the best performances that year, Ali especially is extraordinary. It is easy though to overlook Alex R. Hibbert, Trevante Rhodes and Ashton Sanders and one shouldn't, as they are just as worthy (particularly Sanders).

Overall, didn't completely blow me away but very well done and with a lot to admire. 8/10 Bethany Cox… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
princefan1999Jul 3, 2021
Moonlight

Poignant is, main character, Chiron’s alienation from his peers and through the world of a child, you have to work out why he is different. Meanwhile the score excellently captures the many different moods of his internal journey,Moonlight

Poignant is, main character, Chiron’s alienation from his peers and through the world of a child, you have to work out why he is different.

Meanwhile the score excellently captures the many different moods of his internal journey, fear, love, torment, betrayal and reconciliation.

Chiron is perceived as a victim and bullied until one striking incident. His life is shown at 3 different stages in 3 acts and each offer the viewer something different.

A lot of thought is put behind the story and you can see the intelligence in the smaller details. It took me a second watch to fully enjoy and appreciate the depth behind this masterpiece.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
Jaredc324May 7, 2019
Magnetic filmmaking. I was peeled the whole time. The pacing, the editing, the acting and the smoothness of the whole story was purifying. I felt nourished and awoken at the same time. This is an example of simplicity isn't what wins, craftMagnetic filmmaking. I was peeled the whole time. The pacing, the editing, the acting and the smoothness of the whole story was purifying. I felt nourished and awoken at the same time. This is an example of simplicity isn't what wins, craft is the bed that a film lives or dies on. Here it's built to near perfection.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
LivingTribunalJul 11, 2020
When I only watched only LA LA LAND, I was so sad because I thought LA LA LAND was humiliated in Oscar. I still love LA LA LAND, which is still my second favorite movie of all time, but I still think Moonlight deserves Oscar for all theWhen I only watched only LA LA LAND, I was so sad because I thought LA LA LAND was humiliated in Oscar. I still love LA LA LAND, which is still my second favorite movie of all time, but I still think Moonlight deserves Oscar for all the questions that Moonlight brought. I want to ask, "Who is you, man?"… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
RaefAug 23, 2020
This movie and plot is amazing. I love cinematography and actings and The best character development I ever seen in a movie for a while....
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
garvitAug 31, 2020
One of the best films I have seen. People who like fast-paced movies may not like it, but this movie is perfect.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
BruterakeJul 15, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. O filme é estranho tem umas cenas desconfortáveis como quando ta ele com sl 9 anos de idade ai todo mundo mostra o p** um pro outro aquilo ali achei bizarro mas enfim. O filme é meio chatinho mas ai ele engrena bem dps dele matar o mano lá com a cadeirada, vi gente comentando que n gostou do diálogo final que é um ponto alto pra mim achei interessante toda a conversa e a tensão que cria vc acha q o Chiron vai matar o Kevin pq ele não fala nada ele é estranho, mesmo assim recomendo é um filme diferenciado.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
bradens584Dec 20, 2020
African American filmmaker Barry Jenkins brings the story of the life of a homosexual black boy named Chiron. The story is told from Chiron’s childhood, to his teenage years and then into adulthood. The cinematography, while personally notAfrican American filmmaker Barry Jenkins brings the story of the life of a homosexual black boy named Chiron. The story is told from Chiron’s childhood, to his teenage years and then into adulthood. The cinematography, while personally not for me, was still creative and fit well with the film. It also contains some great performances, Mahershala Ali really shows his range in this film, and Alex R. Hibbert is one of the best child actors I’ve seen recently. The writing is also good, and the plot flows nicely into an ambiguous ending, which leaves you to reflect upon the rest of the movie.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
MattKingsburyJun 19, 2020
Moonlight is beautifully shot, with music that really has an emotional impact. The second act is without question the highlight of the story, where there is a drive behind the plot: we see the beauty and the ugliness perfectly captured withinMoonlight is beautifully shot, with music that really has an emotional impact. The second act is without question the highlight of the story, where there is a drive behind the plot: we see the beauty and the ugliness perfectly captured within Chiron's life. The shots where the character's look into the camera are fantastic at drawing you into the feelings of the character. Sadly, the film lacks narrative depth and the plot is limited. Also, the first and third acts drag at moments. Yet after the credits rolled, I couldn't help but be charmed with the film I'd seen.… Expand
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7
PsychopathicTimJun 3, 2021
It was ok, slice of life movies are usually pretty good. But I wasn’t expecting the movie to be a story about the struggles of coming out. It’s fine for what it is, but I do wish there was more clear character development around this movie. IIt was ok, slice of life movies are usually pretty good. But I wasn’t expecting the movie to be a story about the struggles of coming out. It’s fine for what it is, but I do wish there was more clear character development around this movie. I will say the movies soundtrack and art direction is fantastic, and the lighting is very nice!… Expand
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10
campbellsouptmAug 13, 2020
This movie is art in it’s highest form. The acting is outstanding. The soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful. The cinematography is stunning. It hits you so hard because of how real it is; you can feel Chiron’s pain. Deserves all the accoladesThis movie is art in it’s highest form. The acting is outstanding. The soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful. The cinematography is stunning. It hits you so hard because of how real it is; you can feel Chiron’s pain. Deserves all the accolades and more.… Expand
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9
PulSyNov 13, 2020
It was such a discover. A magniloquent, yet restrained, piece of art and solitude.
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7
AJ_13Jan 11, 2021
Its a good movie. Neither great nor mediocre. Good acting, good script and good message. Just good.
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10
jjlmioMar 12, 2021
Heartwarming storytelling. The casting couldn't make a better job even if they wanted to
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8
shumatFeb 3, 2023
very good film i fully reccomend it for everybody who likes the action and who likes this kind of drama
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
cdougallAug 20, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Moonlight takes the spot for my second favorite movie of all time. The concept/theme is interesting but the way it’s executed is out of this world and makes that concept/theme so much deeper and more engaging. The writing, directing and acting are all great and this is a movie that proves that you don’t need to have a total A-list cast to make a fantastic and Academy award winning movie; the only actor in this movie who I knew before seeing it was Mahershala Ali, who gave a phenomenal performance and deserved the Academy award that he won for his work in the movie. Chiron is a unique and complex character and it’s really engaging to watch how his personality affects him and his relationships with those he cares about as he grows up. The structure of this movie is also really cool, as it’s divided into 3 sections that each detail a part of Chiron’s life and how he changes as he goes from a boy to a teenager to an adult while still remaining the same in many ways. This is a film that showcases that no matter how old you get or how much mental development you go through, you’ll still be the same person in a lot of ways. The way that the movie flows and transitions through these 3 sections is great and doesn’t feel disruptive to it at all or cause any awkward or abrupt moments. Another thing that makes this movie more unique and complex than it may appear at first glance is how the movie is described in a google search. You’ll see it as “Gay & lesbian/Drama” or “Drama/LGBT” and a synopsis will talk about falling in love. I definitely agree with the drama, and it’s undeniable that Chiron is a gay character, but this movie isn’t about romance or LGBTQ related themes. It certainly includes them and makes sure we know about them, but Moonlight is really a coming of age story that’s rare and underrepresented in cinema and that’s part of what makes this movie as good as it is. I’m sure that there are people in the real world who have stories similar to that of Chiron and yet we never hear about any of them. Moonlight is a film about stories we don’t normally hear or care about. The struggle that Chiron goes through is a product of his upbringing and the environment that surrounds him throughout his life, and it’s a struggle that I’m sure so many other people will be able to relate to. This movie speaks to and for all of those people, and in that way it’s a fascinating work of art. Via all of this, Moonlight is incredibly realistic and accurate of real world situations, something I always appreciate in a film. This movie is a must-see for people who appreciate the genres that form it’s story and plot and well deserves the Academy award for Best Picture that it won.… Expand
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8
Gamzguy17Aug 21, 2021
Despite a few draggy scenes, "Moonlight" is heavy on the visual storytelling while gliding along like a paintbrush to a canvas. It delivers an effective story of a gay man's identity through his three crucial stages of life.
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9
ben1322Sep 4, 2021
The best way to describe Moonlight is a painting that is so realistic that it looks like a picture. The film tackles issues people may not have even crossed that average viewer's mind and does it brilliantly. It does not over dramatize, orThe best way to describe Moonlight is a painting that is so realistic that it looks like a picture. The film tackles issues people may not have even crossed that average viewer's mind and does it brilliantly. It does not over dramatize, or over romanticize any moment. Everything is exactly how it should be. It provides insight into all types of challenges mixed into one perspective. Camera work also makes the movie feel first person. Scenes where the camera is half submerged into the ocean invokes nostalgia of when you were young and could barely keep your head above water. Everytime the film leaps in time to a different point in Chiron’s life, the viewer has a lot of catching up to do. Chiron changes on the surface in a substantial manner. However, eventually, you realize that each and every Chiron is the same on the inside. The message of self identity in this film is hammered home. I go back to my point of the film being a realistic painting. Many directors aim for twists on their films to make it feel authentic to themselves, similar to how Picasso may skew his paintings to make it identifiable as “a Picasso” . Barry Jenkins' approach was to make this film authentic to the viewer. He focused on the truth of the matter at hand. He found success in making the matter relatable to viewers who may have never thought to relate to Chiron.… Expand
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10
LuissDtJun 24, 2022
It does not matter if Moonlight did not deserve that award for best movie, for me it is a masterpiece that manages to be so magical and heartbreaking in every way
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7
AgentLviJun 27, 2023
Decent movie. The story is so --so, scoring is great, visual is decent, and the voice is also great
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10
sugarniteApr 5, 2022
I love just about everything in this movie. It’s a heartbreaking, inspiring story told in three distinct segments. The music and beautiful cinematography elevate even the most mundane scene to excellent heights.

I’m writing this review toI love just about everything in this movie. It’s a heartbreaking, inspiring story told in three distinct segments. The music and beautiful cinematography elevate even the most mundane scene to excellent heights.

I’m writing this review to anybody who has not seen the film. Definitely go see it.… Expand
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9
EDOGGYTHEMOVIEMay 16, 2022
This movie is really good. This movie is really good. This movie is really good.
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10
siggi104Jul 8, 2022
Definitely deserved to win best picture. I would call it a must-watch. Love the music selection.
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8
Dominik08Aug 15, 2023
A refined production, with no obvious weaknesses based on rational empathy.
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