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Reviews
Hoje Eu Quero Voltar Sozinho (2014)
Heart-warming, poignant and original. A masterpiece.
I was lucky enough to be able to see this little film at the London Film Festival. I almost didn't buy the ticket thinking it sounded like the usual, clichéd, juvenile coming-of-age story. The fact that they translated the beautiful original title with the hideous "The Way He Looks" didn't help either. But, oh, was I wrong!
The script is flawless, the acting absolutely top-class, the direction clear and nuanced, the cinematography elegant and vivid.
The actor that plays Leonardo is so convincing that everybody in the cinema assumed he was blind in real life. Some of the scenes are the most touching I have seen in a long while.
The characters stayed with me for a long time after the viewing. I almost felt as if they were friends, real people that I'd like to know. And they are still here in my heart. This is the film's greatest possible achievement. The way homosexuality, coming-of- age, friendship, handicap and independence are treated are unassuming, realistic and poignant. This is not only an LGBT movie, it's a universal story that everybody should see. It reminded me of a Studio Ghibli film, only with live actors, such is the poetry and power of the narrative. I can't but hope the Academy board of voters will indeed notice it and recognise its brilliance with a nomination (at least!).
It's coming out in cinemas on Friday in the UK and I can't recommend it enough. I will certainly go to see it again... And again... And again...