Moonlight (Barry Jenkins, 2016) Mahershala Ali, Shariff Earp, Duan Sanderson; won Best Film Oscar 2017
A chronicle of the childhood, adolescence and burgeoning adulthood of a young, African-American, gay man growing up in a rough neighborhood of Miami.
I did not identify with the story, so did not personally enjoy the film -- but I still have to say that is an outstanding piece of cinema, and should win best film hands down. From moment to moment it is consistently surprising and interesting. The cinematography and editing are innovatory, and the sound is better than satisfactory. It is an important moment in the development of American cinema. ... And the Academy agreed with me: it did win the top award.
Brian Tallerico:
It is one of those rare pieces of filmmaking that stays completely focused on its characters while also feeling like it’s dealing with universal themes about identity, sexuality, family, and, most of all, masculinity. And yet it's never preachy or moralizing. It is a movie in which deep, complex themes are reflected through character first and foremost. Jenkins’ film is confident in every single aspect of the way that a critic can use that word. Every performance, every shot choice, every piece of music, every lived-in setting—it’s one of those rare movies that just doesn’t take a wrong step, and climaxes in a scene not of CGI or twists but of dialogue that is one of the best single scenes in years. Brian Tallerico.
Garry Gillard | reviews | New: 27 February, 2017 | Now: 25 September, 2021