Director: Daniel Ribeiro
Cast: Ghilherme Lobo, Fabio Audi, Tess Amorim
Running time: 95 minutes
Certificate: 12A
Synopsis: Leonardo is a blind teenager searching for independence. His everyday life, the relationship with his best friend, Giovana, and the way he sees the world change completely with the arrival of Gabriel.
A teenager on the outside struggling to find his place in a world in which he doesn’t belong. Not just any teenager, a teenager who was born blind and accordingly has to face battles most of us can’t even begin to imagine. We’re not done just yet; our particular blind teenager is also facing his uncertain sexuality in this romantic, loving and sensual piece of cinema.
With all these markers of intent, you’d be forgiven for thinking a film of grandeur and scale may follow; a blow-out in an attempt to receive plaudits for it’s remarkable story. Thankfully, you’d be wrong. Director Daniel Ribeiro based the feature length film on his 2010 short of the same name and his familiarity with the material allows for beautiful subtly; an understated yet intimately touching drama about relationships of love and friendship.
Teenagers Leonardo (Ghilherme Lobo) and Givanni (Tess Amorim) are best friends dealing with the familiar teen angst in a suburban Brazilian town; they crave drama and romance in a long, dull summer. Due to his lack of sight, Leo has to rely on Givoanni to walk him home from school, help him out in class and stand up for him when the bullies call him names; for which she is cruelly dubbed a human walking stick. Craving independence and freedom yet stuck in the awkward transition between childhood and adulthood, Leo’s world is turned upside down when a new student joins. Gabriel (Fabio Audi), with his Brazilian curls and handsome features, is every bit a teen heartthrob. Striking up a friendship with the two best friends, Gabriel and Leo grow closer and Giovana finds herself as the new outsider, not sure how to fit in to their burgeoning relationship.
Chosen as Brazil’s entry for the race to the 2015 Oscar for Best Foreign Film, Daniel Ribeiro has exquisitely captured the first stages of a romance that doesn’t exist in the usual furtive glances; companionship, music and touch are instead at the forefront of this charming tale. The 3 young actors playing the teenage trio give astoundingly complimentary performances, pulling the audience into their complicated love triangle with ease. The scenes in which Gabriel introduces Leo to Belle & Sebastien’s ‘There’s Too Much Love” (now currently playing on repeat in this reviewer’s ears) and the concept of dancing, and that in which they share a shower are tenderly worked and beautifully performed.
Portraying living with a disability without making a film about disability, THE WAY HE LOOKS is sweet, poignant and compassionate. If you’re trying to impress with your knowledge of romantic foreign cinema, suggest a viewing to all you know.
[usr=4] THE WAY HE LOOKS is released in UK cinemas on 24th October.
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