This is my first review here on IMDb, and I am not a film critic, also not with the best English. I was looking more information on this film after having the chance to see it in one screening. This is a film that will make you think a lot, and question yourself a lot, and this is one of the very good things but they are much more. I couldn't take my eyes of the screen, expect on some moments of the surgeries (they are cruel and real). The way all is filmed and presented, colors, the mood, very sensitive, very beautiful. The Rhythm is great, you just cant stop following the story. A mix of fiction fragments, that cut with the real story of this four people that we follow, and a after filming event (making of dinner), more the interviews. Seems a lot but its not. All is very well balanced and only makes you want to see what happens next. Then a especial word on the guest list. Brilliant idea of having such interesting Polish personalities touching the subject in a different manner. Maria Czubaszek, Piotr Najsztub, Lew Starowicz and Katarzyna Miller bring to the conversation very interesting point of views on the beauty theme. I liked particularly the fact that the film doesn't take a part with any side of the debate, just shows the reality. But is not a "reality show" reality, this one is comes on a different way, and here its where I think is so important that the direction and music of the film are done by Portuguese men. For sure It's another flavor on the over talked subject of plastic surgery, and definitely a original one to come up with. I can't wait to see the final version, and I recommend people that read this to keep this title in mind. A great movie for everyone to see.
8 Reviews
Thoughtful, absorbing, expected
stillme-irina2 January 2012
Unordinary one - mix of acting and documentary, recovering deepest human's thoughts concerning relations between body, mind and socialization. Strong point of this movie is uncovering ... and uncovering reasons of what exactly beauty is in our life. Give a lot of ways to think forward, making emphasize on this very contemporary problem. Movie has very strong characters, very alive, just like one of us. Talantly shaped it is also has deepest senses and can be recommended to everyone who ever think about what is being beauty and what exactly does it mean. I think that this kind of movies is something really necessary to modern society just because we have those unsolved questions in the air - anyway this one is something fresh and expected by audience.
A Visual Feast
evanekmaloney11 January 2012
Such a beautifully shot film. This film blurs the borders between documentary and feature film with "talking head" interviews, obs-doc and docu-drama sequences, all beautifully rendered on the screen.
The real-life characters are presented in a warm and empathetic manner, with their anxieties about the way they look explored in a multitude of ways.
What is most interesting about the film is the neutral tone in which the story is presented. We are made to empathize and understand the subjects of this film, we understand their need and can rationalize it as human. But cosmetic surgery is not a black and white subject, and from one moment to the next the audiences judgments might waver from understanding to dismay. We realize the physical pain and the dangers involved in these procedures, and we wonder why any person would put them through such an ordeal.
Ultimately, the quest for physical perfection is seen as a basic human desire, but we are all too human for it.
The real-life characters are presented in a warm and empathetic manner, with their anxieties about the way they look explored in a multitude of ways.
What is most interesting about the film is the neutral tone in which the story is presented. We are made to empathize and understand the subjects of this film, we understand their need and can rationalize it as human. But cosmetic surgery is not a black and white subject, and from one moment to the next the audiences judgments might waver from understanding to dismay. We realize the physical pain and the dangers involved in these procedures, and we wonder why any person would put them through such an ordeal.
Ultimately, the quest for physical perfection is seen as a basic human desire, but we are all too human for it.
A complicated theme handled with reason and sensitivity.
ulefk1 January 2012
Extremely surprised and satisfied after the screening of this film. I was thrilled and compelled into this four ordinary life's. I felt a bit of everything, and he truly moved me towards the end. The story is definitely engaging and in the end of it, few hours talking with a friend over it. It's a loving piece of filmmaking. Very simple, extremely well shoot but overall you feel a sense of honesty on all of it. I think this is the most accomplished fact on this "little" movie; on his simplicity you can feel the camera being honest with the characters. The interviews are smart and some of them even unexpected on the nature of how some questions are replied, mostly because of the good choice of the "guests". Agata Kulesza is perfect on the role of the one who listens the others. And its her honesty has a human being and not an actress that Miguel's cameras captures here. Music is wonderful and is one of the engines behind the film. A film definitely to watch, consider and then discuss. Myself I will be waiting to see it again on the big screen when it opens. A complicated theme handled with reason and sensitivity. Truly recommended.
just a brief comment
samozwaniec3 January 2012
I had the privilege to see the film more than once, so I have no intention to repeat what was already said. What I would like to share is a bit of my observations while some teenage friend of mine was seeing the 'Pragnienie Piękna' for the first time. Not only had she remained silent for the whole movie but also I could see that she went on a journey with all of the main characters, trying to find a bit of 'herself' in those stories. When the operation frames had started she nearly covered her face with a blanket – not feeling ready to see the rest of the action and was likely to burst into tears when they were taking off the plaster from Kamila's face after the nose correction surgery. The film occurred to be emotionally appealing towards nearly 18 years old, sensible, teenage girl as well as to her 'older' friend. At the very end she said: 'Yes that kind of things really happen in everyman life's'.
I did not expect to be as touched as I was
bronislawa-szczesny25 December 2014
I have to admit before watching it, I thought it was going to be about something superficial but once I pressed play, I was drawn (thanks first to the music) into the all story and the emotions of it. Honestly, I did not expect to be as touched as I was. This documentary addresses numerous issues we have as a society and the search for 'perfection' and what lengths we'll go through to get there. It works as an excellent reminder of the "disorder" that a large proportion of the population still lives from day to day. We could call it "a beauty disorder". The nature of the material is depressive but it's shoot with an impeccable taste and carefulness, like the cut of a precise surgeon. I was a bit surprised by the outcome and think this is a terribly interesting topic for discussion. Highly recommend it!
A highly recommend reflection!!!
miguelgaudencio1 January 2012
"Desire for Beauty" is an excellent reminder of the "disorder" that a large proportion of the population still lives from day to day. I could call it "a beauty disorder". The nature of the material is depressive but it's shoot with an impeccable taste and careful, like the cut of a precise surgeon. With class the "wound" and "polish tabu" are exposed to bitter sweet images and a reflection that is not only how much "humanity" has accomplished, but to what extent we've become slaves to the institutions, facilities, jobs, social trues and structures that we inhabit. Most films center on a hero or heroes scheming to overcome some obstacle or complete some quest. "Desire for Beauty" world is one of emotional pressure on which unexpected forces continuously exert pressure on the individual, shaping how he thinks and behaves. A highly recommended reflection!!!
Can't wait t recommend it to every woman I know.
liliani_vasquez27 December 2014
Desire for Beauty, in an unobtrusive and balanced way, highlights the complex social attitude with a "double" vengeance - once for the shortcomings of beauty, and the second - for their willingness to undergo surgery. For me, as a spectator, it was a multidimensional experience - through the characters struggling with their complexes, as well as their fear of surgery and reactions from their surrounding environment. It's an unordinary documentary and it doesn't look for cheap sensationalism or scandal. Instead, It's a very balanced, even slightly philosophical film about the lack of self-acceptation, false beauty and social pressure. Disturbing and with a clear message, Can't wait to recommend it to every woman I know.
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