Moonlight

9

DirigiblePulpDec 14, 2016

A singular and personal vision. An expression of a feeling, a mood, a time and place that together form empathy, understanding, and art. It's a film of moments, moments weighted with the unseen and the deeply felt with the help of threeA singular and personal vision. An expression of a feeling, a mood, a time and place that together form empathy, understanding, and art. It's a film of moments, moments weighted with the unseen and the deeply felt with the help of three different superb actors at different times, having to convey all that's changed and unchanged without any exposition.

The soundtrack is gorgeous, capturing the sublime and the superficial, the life and the atmosphere of the piece.

I want to nitpick the ending but it's not yet time for that. Maybe I just wanted more, but that doesn't necessarily mean the film is at fault. I would simply ask, "What's the message here, if any? It gets better...eventually and kinda randomly?"… Expand

2 of 11 users found this helpful29

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10

KeyWestFilmStarDec 12, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I can only say this movie held me in it's grip and left me thinking about it weeks after seeing it. Not a single misstep or flaw and characters that turned stereotypes on their heads. The three acts of the man's difficult life, Little, Chiron, and Black, were stunningly portrayed by actors who made me care about this character in a way I have not felt for a long time. I was literally holding my breath at the end, and when I released it, I felt as if I was letting a real person go with the hope that there would be more kindness and love in store for a beautifully dimensional, wonderfully portrayed depiction of a young man coming to realize that he was not only lovable but worthy of love.… Expand

1 of 11 users found this helpful110

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10

TobyFlendersonDec 6, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm Gay. And Black...Black Gay.… Expand

4 of 16 users found this helpful412

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9

dti79Dec 5, 2016

Such a beautifully made movie. The acting, the story, the evolution of the characters all make for an arresting experience. Me and my girlfriend were thinking and talking about the movie for days.

2 of 11 users found this helpful29

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10

Seymour_MoviesNov 27, 2016

Absolutely phenomenal movie. The directing, editing, and sound were spot on. The performances throughout the movie were excellent, although I suspect the directing and editing carried that. I can't wait to see what movies come next from thisAbsolutely phenomenal movie. The directing, editing, and sound were spot on. The performances throughout the movie were excellent, although I suspect the directing and editing carried that. I can't wait to see what movies come next from this director. Easily in my top 3 this year.… Expand

4 of 16 users found this helpful412

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1

DOUGKNov 27, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Terrible movie, no reason to watch. It is depressing and unrealistic in many ways. Unbelievable that so many critics and people here are giving this movie favorable reviews. Nothing good about it. "real" "sensitive" Please!!! It is some idiots idea of a realistic movie with stereotypical characters and a nonsensical plot. Save your time and money.… Expand

21 of 49 users found this helpful2128

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10

ScarlettMiNov 25, 2016

Going into this movie, I'd expected a good character-based drama and it definitely was that. I hadn't been anticipating how beautifully directed and shot it would be. Barry Jenkins' direction and James Laxton's cinematography is somethingGoing into this movie, I'd expected a good character-based drama and it definitely was that. I hadn't been anticipating how beautifully directed and shot it would be. Barry Jenkins' direction and James Laxton's cinematography is something really special here. There's such poetry and artistry in this movie in its performances, its script, and the visuals. It was a beautiful movie and one of the best I've seen all year.… Expand

4 of 18 users found this helpful414

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9

MattBrady99Nov 19, 2016

People told me this was amazing. Actually a lot of people. But wow, nobody warned me this was going to be emotionally striking. Praising this movie for being powerful is just an understatement.

Moonlight is one of best character study moviesPeople told me this was amazing. Actually a lot of people. But wow, nobody warned me this was going to be emotionally striking. Praising this movie for being powerful is just an understatement.

Moonlight is one of best character study movies I've seen this year. The directing, the writing, score, and especially the acting is what this movie so freaking brilliant.

Director Barry Jenkins shot this movie in a very different and unique way. And I say "unique" as how this movie was filmed in a shallow depth that made the whole thing pretty intriguing. I wouldn't say he's directing is complete perfectionist, as there's plenty of room for improvement. Even if you don't like the choices he picked for a scene, but keep in mind that this doesn't equal bad directing. Lets not go that far. You can see that there's talent and he got a lot out of fantastic performances from all the actors.

Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes all did a phenomenal job playing Chiron (the main character). Each of the actors builds on their character that the previous actor did. Despite the changes and the transformation, not once did you see a different person. There was never a moment where I didn't believe in a actor was giving a 100% their all or wasn't invested in the role. In my "A Monster Calls" review I said how great child actors are very rare in big budget movies, but not in indie. Several kid and teenage actors were all pretty fantastic in this, which is quite the accomplishment.

Naomie Harris and Mahershala Ali were both outstanding in this movie. It's one of performances I've seen from them. Even through their screen time is shot as Hopkins was in "Silence of the Limbs". And that's kinda impressive. Both manages to give anything in a small matter of time. It's really mind blowing and a real challenge.

But what really surprised me the most was Nicolas Battelle beautiful violin score. Why this took me by surprise is because who's expecting a score like that from a movie that takes place in a gangster ghetto setting. This movie is more of a personal film of are main characters experience than anything else. So music like this fits perfectly and I'm glad it didn't go for a terrible R&B song for once.

The writing is just top-notch and if you're an inspired writer, you should take notes from this. This is how you write great characters. Nothing cartoonist or anything that's one-dimensional. All the character's feel fleshed out and so natural to the point I forgot it was acting. And the best thing I can say about the film is that isn't predicable. I honestly didn't know where the story was going.

When I called this a "character study film", that's because of the arks the main character goes through that leads to the next scene. It starts off with Chiron as a shy child living in a crime ridden neighborhood in Miami with his crack addict mother. This leads to him meeting Juan (Mahershala Ali), which leads to him taking a lot from him (appearance wise) when an adult. Him being bulled at school leads to him being buffed, strong, and confident so none can pick on him ever again. But at the same time, he's hiding himself even more by being something that he's not. He acts gangster and talks in a American slang that I bet he doesn't fully understand. You can say different arguments to this, but how I see it, he's just getting better at hiding of who he really is. It's are journey through life that defines us as human beings. Same goes to the rest of the characters. I don't know about you, but that's pretty upsetting.

You know, for awhile I was pretty close of giving "Moonlight" the perfect rating that I never thought would happen. But what stopped me is the little flaws. Some of the editing choices didn't really hit at times and lucky it didn't happen too often. I also notice some sound errors in a few parts, but it's only tiny.

Overall rating: "Moonlight" is an original film that stays away from following a predicable path. I thought this was absolutely mesmerizing and was quite the experience that I didn't expect.… Expand

2 of 15 users found this helpful213

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9

foxgroveNov 18, 2016

A beautifully written story delineating the burgeoning sexuality of Chiron from boy to man told via three different time periods. Beautifully acted by its entire cast and directed with confident restraint by Barry Jenkins. Add to this theA beautifully written story delineating the burgeoning sexuality of Chiron from boy to man told via three different time periods. Beautifully acted by its entire cast and directed with confident restraint by Barry Jenkins. Add to this the gorgeous glow the cinematography exudes and you have a major masterpiece in a minor key. It's every bit as impressive as was 'Brokeback Mountain' eleven years ago.… Expand

3 of 13 users found this helpful310

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10

LamontRaymondNov 16, 2016

Just a beautiful film. There's not a ton of action to it, but it's an elegantly told story, and the acting is pitch perfect. Kudos to the director and to all three actors playing Little/Black.

3 of 15 users found this helpful312

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9

moviemitch96Nov 16, 2016

A rather subtle yet raw, honest, and unflinching film. This is without a doubt the most genuine-feeling film I've seen all year. Many times the film isn't too dialogue-heavy, but that isn't a problem as the characters in the film often timesA rather subtle yet raw, honest, and unflinching film. This is without a doubt the most genuine-feeling film I've seen all year. Many times the film isn't too dialogue-heavy, but that isn't a problem as the characters in the film often times say so much without saying anything at all. The emount of emotional communication in the film is huge and really speaks volumes and went a long way for me. The actors brought each of their characters to life so well that they felt so real and I forgot that they were acting the whole time while watching the film. Needless to say that this is easily the best character study of the year as well. Director Barry Jenkins really knew what he was doing with this film. Huge props to him for handling the film and its characters and subject matter with so much maturity and love. Overall, my only minor note is that the film is told a little too straightforward and conventional sometimes, but other than that, this really was a near-perfectly crafted and executed film!… Expand

5 of 17 users found this helpful512

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9

TVJerryNov 15, 2016

The lead character is called by 3 names, each for different time in his life. Three actors play him as a boy, a teen and a man and they're all exceptional, finding the character's soul with few words and expressive eyes. Our heart breaks asThe lead character is called by 3 names, each for different time in his life. Three actors play him as a boy, a teen and a man and they're all exceptional, finding the character's soul with few words and expressive eyes. Our heart breaks as he struggles with his addicted mother, bullying classmates and his own sexuality. First time writer/director Barry Jenkins let's every scene play out with compelling quiet: Simple and underplayed, but with an underlying intensity that's achingly bittersweet. This is a somber, poetic film experience with tender, yet powerful performances . An unexpected drama from an insightful and gifted director.… Expand

3 of 14 users found this helpful311

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8

SpangleNov 12, 2016

A beautifully moving film, Moonlight certainly bears resemblances to Boyhood, one of the best films of 2014. Both show a main character grow up and undergo otherwise mundane experiences, but those experiences are things that leave anA beautifully moving film, Moonlight certainly bears resemblances to Boyhood, one of the best films of 2014. Both show a main character grow up and undergo otherwise mundane experiences, but those experiences are things that leave an indelible mark on him for the rest of his life. Moonlight, however, is different in scope. It is a journey of self-discovery undertaken by a man who is decidedly "other". He is black and living in the inner city with a drug addict mother and a drug dealing man who looks after him a bit. He is - as he will discover - gay. This is tough as a whole, but especially in the hypermasculine environment in which he lives. For Chiron, life is a minefield and one he must navigate or simply be consumed by it, all while figuring out who he is and what he wants.

Barry Jenkins' film gracefully slides through Miami with Chiron and his life, while properly giving weight to each significant moment in his life. Jenkins let's the camera linger, while Chiron - never much of a talker - rarely ever says anything. This allows the moment to really land on the audience, which makes Moonlight a film that is entirely heartbreaking. From a bullied youngster who first experiences being called a **** to a teen who has his first gay experience while finally fighting back against the bullies to an adult who has become everything he once stood against, Moonlight is an enriching and tragic film.

However, Moonlight is equally a look at the black experience in America, particularly in the inner city. Chiron's father is gone. His mother, Paula (Naomie Harris), is a drug addict. The only people who show him any love are Juan (Mahershala Ali) and his girlfriend Teresa (Janelle Monae). However, Juan is a drug dealer and sells to Chiron's mother. Clearly, his life is far from neat. When introducing his sexuality, his relationship with Kevin is all the more complicated by both's need to display masculinity on the outside, which leads to them physically hurting one another often. There is a connection between them - highlighted by the brilliant acting of both's final version, Trevante Rhodes as Chiron and Andre Holland as Kevin - but it is not one that can be explored due to the barriers between them. The look Kevin gives Chiron reveals all you need to know about how they feel about one another. Yet, it is hardly an option for either due to the need to look tough.

In all areas, Jenkins' script is phenomenal. Truly nuanced character development, which allows all characters to show growth and a variety of dimensions and faces they show to the world. However, one of the greatest accomplishments is Juan. Mahershala Ali is being mentioned for an Oscar nomination and he certainly deserves one, but the writing is equally good. A sensitive, yet hard nosed drug dealer, Juan helps out Chiron whenever his mom kicks him out. He defends him and opens his home to him, while acting as a father figure for this lost child. Yet, he is a drug dealer. In reality, Juan is a foreshadowing of what Chiron will become. This is incredibly tragic and certainly something Chiron is aware of by the end. He knows his life is not built to last due to dealing drugs, but he is there because he never knew who he was and could never figure it out, because of his own thoughts on how a black man from the inner city should act. Juan reveals a lot of this, merely through his interactions with a young Chiron, especially his solemn regret when Chiron calls him out for selling drugs to Chiron's mother. The similarities between the two (the doo-rag, the poor relationship with their mother, drug dealing, etc.) are numerous and often quite subtle. However, it reveals their connection and why they were drawn to one another.

Moonlight is also beautifully shot, essentially relying upon the light of the moon to give sequences at night this sort of magical glow. Each scene at night is obviously quite dark, but the faces of the actors are glistened with this sort of hazy glow that really defines the look of this film. And what a look it is. Moonlight is a beautifully shot film with tremendous lighting and this beauty equally matches the beauty of its journey.

A tale of self-discovery and losing yourself to your environment, Moonlight is a moving and tragic film that will stick in your mind for weeks to come. All of the acting is tremendous and to pick a standout performance would be far too difficult. Every actor brought an authentic quality to their role, which is fantastic to see given the tremendously written characters.… Expand

5 of 14 users found this helpful59

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6

GreatMartinNov 12, 2016

Once again I think I fell for the hype and found myself disappointed in a movie when I actually saw it. “Moonlight” is not your ordinary movie in that it tackles the subject of a Gay, Black 9 year old kid/teenager/adult as he goes throughOnce again I think I fell for the hype and found myself disappointed in a movie when I actually saw it. “Moonlight” is not your ordinary movie in that it tackles the subject of a Gay, Black 9 year old kid/teenager/adult as he goes through discovering who he is. It is not a ‘Gay’ and/or ‘Black’movie meant only for a minority as it gets into the many feelings all human beings go through.

Chiron (Alex Hibbart as the 9 year old, Ashton Sanders, the teenager and Trevante Rhodes as the adult) goes from being an alienated, bullied boy to a muscled drug dealer who nobody fools with and in a way has followed the path of his mentor and surrogate father, Juan (Mahershala Ali), who taught the kid how to swim and discover himself.

We also meet his friend Kevin (played at the three same stages as Chiron by Jadin Piner, Jharrel Jerome and Andre Holland), his mother (Naomie Harris) and Juan’s girlfriend (Janelle Monae) who offers Chiron a place to stay whenever he needs one.

Chiron, as many gay kids, of any color, becomes a loner, is beaten up by schoolmates and accepts whatever kindness he receives. It was interesting following his path and where it goes. The scene in the diner is a love story unto itself though nothing is said about love except for a record playing on the jukebox.

The film failed me in that certain sections the jargon, vernacular, made it difficult for me to hear what was being said though I understood what was being done just as I didn’t quite understand the relationship between Juan and Chiron and how it became about and took the turn it did. Also a few very interesting characters just disappear from the film. I wasn’t aware the N word was used so much between Blacks as it is here at a certain level.

All 3 actors playing Chiron are outstanding as is the oldest Kevin. The arch of Chiron’s life holds your interest though at times moves too slowly. Ali’s Juan is an imposing figure and the two women, Harris and Monae, especially the former are strong in their portrayals. The direction and screenplay by Barry Jenkins, based on his life, tackles a rarely told story in the movies but it is also about loneliness and trying to answer the question “Who am I?” Some scenes are held too long, others don’t finish the thoughts being expressed. There are two powerful scenes I don’t think I will forget though they may go over the heads of others.

I do recommend “Moonlight” but don’t go in with high expectations as I did and approach it as going to see a good film with a new story.… Expand

11 of 24 users found this helpful1113

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10

darkyogaNov 4, 2016

Brilliant film. Incredibly moving, lovingly shot, a masterpiece. I think A.O Scott's review explains it best. Definitely a film that should be seen by any lover of film.

7 of 22 users found this helpful715

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8

BHBarryOct 31, 2016

“Moonlight” is a film written and directed by Barry Jenkins based on a play written by Tarell McCraney. It tells the story of an African American boy highlighting three distinct chapters in his life as he navigates his way on the road from“Moonlight” is a film written and directed by Barry Jenkins based on a play written by Tarell McCraney. It tells the story of an African American boy highlighting three distinct chapters in his life as he navigates his way on the road from pre-teen to manhood experiencing all of life’s obstacles and difficulties one might expect there to be growing up in a lower class South Florida neighborhood. The film stars Alex R. Hibbert, Andre Holland ("Selma" "The Knick) and Ashton Sanders and a cast of supporting actors that do their best to try to make the film equal to the rave reviews it has received. Unfortunately, for this reviewer at least, the film, as good as it is, is not the great American film entry of 2016 as so many more noted critics have labelled it. I found that the film was too long and draggy and the scenes and chapters did not flow or segue from one to the other in an easy manner. Casting also became an issue but one would have to actually see the film to understand this comment. Make no mistake, this is a powerful and important film showing the plight that so many lower class youths experience and how their intra-cultural encounters so often shape their low expectancy lives. Mr. Jenkins, as writer and director, has I fear bitten off a bit more than he can chew. However, with all that being said, he has given us an interesting and thought provoking product. I give the film an 8 rating although I must admit that I had difficulty believing that the film I saw on the screen was the same one about which the critics unamimously praised.… Expand

3 of 17 users found this helpful314

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10

Brent_MarchantOct 28, 2016

A powerful, sensitive look at the "conflicted" views of the gay lifestyle within the African-American community, as told through the coming of age story of a young man in Miami. The picture's phenomenal ensemble cast (featuring manyA powerful, sensitive look at the "conflicted" views of the gay lifestyle within the African-American community, as told through the coming of age story of a young man in Miami. The picture's phenomenal ensemble cast (featuring many first-time performers), incisive writing and creative camera work make a potent, impactful combination that breathes life into a well-told, deftly handled story. This is an important film, one well deserving of all the accolades it has received -- and of the awards it's worthy of winning.… Expand

8 of 26 users found this helpful818

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10

cwongxOct 22, 2016

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity. This is an epic recapturing of adolescent and early adult life similar to epics like Boyhood and Yi Yi, only it's on a different level of filmmaking, becauseThis film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity. This is an epic recapturing of adolescent and early adult life similar to epics like Boyhood and Yi Yi, only it's on a different level of filmmaking, because this really exemplifies laser-focused storytelling, from its beautiful cinematography to its masterful dialogue. I felt so many raw emotions watching this as Chiron (the protagonist) takes each of his steps transitioning into adulthood, forming his identity with regards to race, masculinity, and sexuality. To see it all unfold the way it did made me feel lucky to be on the viewing seat instead of being in the type of environment Chiron was forced to live in. This film is definitely a heavy one, but despite its rawness I think I'm still going to see it again in theaters just to appreciate all of the poignancy and detail in it in how it addresses the tougher aspects with regard to masculinity, sexuality, race, etc. Overall, definitely a must-see.… Expand

48 of 92 users found this helpful4844

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Moonlight

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