The Way He Looks

This movie is amazingly good. I already had a taste of it with the short "Eu não quero voltar sozinho" and could not wait to watch the full movie. I had great expectations before even seeing the teasers or trailers... The movie is sweet, delicate and makes you feel so good! The characters are really well constructed. You can see how the actors improved and grew up. The dialogues flow naturally, and the camera works really well with the story. Although I already knew what would happen (because of the short) I was thrilled on many scenes. A really nice touch of the movie was to use small dialogues of the short. The movie makes you want to sit on the movie theatre for many hours. The music made me really happy. I was bobbing my head every time Belle And Sebastian was on, and could not hide my smile on the entire movie. The scenes are so well constructed that you forget that you are watching a movie - it has a dream-like feeling, even on the scenes where there is prejudice. Daniel Ribeiro did an amazing job, and so did the actors. I am in love with the story. This movie is for everyone who believes in love.

When Daniel Ribeiro's sweet and charming short film 'I Don't Want to Go Back Alone' released in 2010, I was completely in love with it. I was eagerly looking forward to watching this movie since its announcement. Though I still consider the short to be simple, nuanced and better, I liked how Ribeiro beautifully adapted the short into a feature film. Of course, he kept the same talented young actors; they've grown, and have done a commendable and mature job. I liked how Ribeiro changed a few parts from the short film, but kept the essence and feel of the story intact; he incorporates the memorable dialogues and moments from the short into the feature film appropriately.

It's the story of a blind guy named Leo, his best friend Giovana, and how their lives change after the arrival of new student, Gabriel. The movie is basically about equality and sexuality. Blind, not blind, or whatever... ultimately, all we seek is love, and independence. We never choose whom we fall in love with.

Though the movie explores themes of friendship, independence, bullying, etc., overall, the movie essentially remains the same as the short; I feel, the characters and situations could have been explored further. But overall, I still like the film; it's heartwarming and delightful.

The title song used in the movie, 'There's Too Much Love' by Belle and Sebastian, is quite mesmerizing. Every time it played during the film, at appropriate moments, my heart was filled with joy. And the main kiss between Leo and Gabriel towards the end is really passionate and moving.

I don't know how to put into words how I enjoyed this movie. It was so awesome to see these brand-new actors interpreting such lovely characters and being part of such an unique experience! The movie is not only about homosexuality, but also about the character's trial to get more independent. All the scenes were very well-written and the ending was so beautiful! The chemistry between Léo (Guilherme Lobo) and Gabriel (Fábio)is perfect!

There were some scenes which I wasn't expecting at all; that only made me like the movie even more!

I cried, I yelled, I laughed...All feelings in one single movie. It's a must-watch.

I remember watching the short film this was based on, and loved it. Upon finding out that a feature film was made, I was dying to see it. As it is, this is pretty similar, although the arc development occurs more gradually and slower of course. The two leads' chemistry is as palpable as it was in the short film, and they make their scenes together work. Their performances, taken on their own, are particularly effective, Lobo in particular. The story as it is isn't anything wholly original, but it doesn't need to be. All it needs to do is make us believe in it and we do. I strongly recommend this gem of a film and I really hope it's seen by more people.

"We have to say the things we feel. We can't keep it inside." Gabriel (Fabio Audi)

The Way He looks is set in Sao Paulo but could be in San Diego for the universal experiences of teens, especially soon-to-be gays. Fabio and Leonardo have a fine friendship, which they share with Giovana (Tess Amorim), who was Leo's friend first (an echo of Truffaut).

The film takes a delicate subject, the emerging homosexuality of the two males, juxtaposes it against Gio's love for Leo, and slowly evolves to a sweet reconciliation of desires and loves. I'll guess Latino filmmakers are more adept at these delicate balances, or at least it seems, as American films attack teen romance with bows and arrows and bullies bigger that NFL half backs.

Although Leo experiences the vagaries of being blind, an obvious metaphor for his emerging sexual orientation, the film doesn't cash in on the schoolyard clichés, bullies and all. Even the explicit but lovely shower scene, in which Gabriel is able to survey Leo's body, carries little threat of repercussions.

His home experience is benign except for overly protective parents and the classroom experience a minor irritation, no Blackboard Jungle that.

In other words, life is hectic for these kids in an almost ideal world, where violence is minor and love can find a home. This way, Leo can like the way Gabriel looks and not suffer for it.