Every year when I find out what film are nominated for an Academy Award, I do my best to try and see at least most of them. I figured if they are up for such a prestigious award, the films must be really good.
This year I only had the opportunity to see two of the films nominated for Best Picture – Hell or High Water and Manchester by the Sea. I also reviewed both films on my blog.
The film that took the top honors was Moonlight. Moonlight is now available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD.
After reading the description for Moonlight, I wasn’t sure if it was “my cup of tea,” so to speak. I like dramas, but this one sounded like it could be a bit intense. But I was curious about the film, especially because it beat out such tremendously popular films like La La Land and Hidden Figures.
I received a free screener copy of Moonlight to review.
Moonlight follows the life of a young boy (who later grows up to be a man in the film) named Chiron. He’s played by three different actors (child, teen, adult).
Chiron had a rough life as a child. His mother was a drug addict and his biological father was no where to be found. Chiron spent his childhood surrounded by bullies and living in a crack house. He is referred to as “Little” (his nickname).
One day Chiron is discovered by a drug dealer name Juan. Juan takes pitty on the boy and brings him home to his girlfriend Teresa for the night. The next day he’s returned to his mother Paula. It is clear to Juan that Paula is a horrible mother, and for that reason he continues to spend time with young Chiron.
Paula constantly puts Chiron down, including calling him derogatory homosexual names (I prefer not to write about what she calls him). Chiron doesn’t understand what those words mean or why his mother would call him that.
Juan tells Chiron not to let his mother, or others, make fun of him.
Time moves on and Chiron is now a teenager. He is still being bullied. Chiron also continues to spend time with Juan’s girlfriend Teresa (even though Juan had passed away). His mother Paula is still addicted to drugs and now prostitutes herself for drug money, as well as has Chiron help fund her addiction.
Chiron has a friend named Kevin. He has become increasingly more interested in him as “more than a friend.” I won’t get into the details of this part.
Fast forward to Chiron as an adult. He is now a drug dealer, which should come as no surprise considering his upbringing.
Surprisingly, Chiron’s mother now feels remorse for what she did to him while he was growing up. Sadly it comes a bit too late. Perhaps his life would have turned out differently if she only realized how she treated him a lot sooner in life.
Chiron also reconnects with his old friend Kevin. What will become of that relationship, considering how they were more than “just friends” when they were teens? To find out you need to pick up (or download) Moonlight. Look for it where ever movies are sold.
The film comes with bonus features.
BLU-RAY/DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
- Audio Commentary with Director Barry Jenkins
- “Ensemble of Emotion: The Making of Moonlight” Featurette
- “Poetry Through Collaboration: The Music of Moonlight” Featurette
- “Cruel Beauty: Filming in Miami” Featurette
I know I didn’t do the greatest job describing this film. My description doesn’t really put much depth into this film.
This is one of those films that you continue to dwell on long after the end credits are done rolling. It’s a deep and poignant. I felt emotionally drained after watching the film. It’s no wonder this film won the Academy Award for Best Picture. I have not seen all the other films in this category, but after watching this film I don’t think the other films came close.
Wow. Just wow.
This film might not be everyone’s “cup of tea” since it deals with homosexuality. Just to give you a “heads up” on that one.
The acting in this film was suburb. I personally felt very invested in the characters. They seemed so real, as I’m sure there are plenty of real life people going through the same life experiences (drug addicted parent, bullying, making poor life choices, trying to redeem ones self…).
This is NOT a “family friendly” film. I might let my almost 20 year old watch this, but I’m not sure about my 17 year old. I think it’s just too “raw” for him.
Everything about this film worked wonderfully together – acting, music, cinematography… It’s an all around great film. Like I said, this is one that you’ll still be thinking about long after you watch it. It really makes you think.
You can check out the film on it’s official Facebook and Twitter pages. The official hashtag for the film is #Moonlight.
Here is the film’s trailer for your enjoyment.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy to review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
Sara Zielinski says
This sounds like an awesome movie.
Cynthia R says
I would really like to see this movie ever since the oscar best picture win,
shelly peterson says
I didn’t really know much about this movie. Thanks for the review. It sounds like a movie worth checking out.