Synopsis:
A timeless story of human connection and self-discovery, MOONLIGHT chronicles the life of a young black man from childhood to adulthood as he struggles to find his place in the world while growing up in a rough neighborhood of Miami.
At once a vital portrait of contemporary African American life and an intensely personal and poetic meditation on identity, family, friendship, and love, MOONLIGHT is a groundbreaking piece of cinema that reverberates with deep compassion and universal truths. Anchored by extraordinary performances from
a tremendous ensemble cast, Jenkins’s staggering, singular vision is profoundly moving in its portrayal of the moments, people, and unknowable forces that shape our lives and make us who we are.
Film Review:
There has never been a film like MOONLIGHT. It resonates emotion in a deep and personal level as it tackles current issues faced by present day African American community–something to be celebrated as not many films like this have been made yet. It’s definitely a must see film of this 2017. An astonishing film to greet the new year–fresh, powerful, beautiful and above all authentic.
There is a profoundness emanating from the storytelling as it is captivating and highly affecting as we get to know Chiron, as portrayed by different actors throughout the movie. The scenes are strongest as we observe the characters left alone, left to be themselves, their natural state. It reminds me of moments when I’m alone as well, left with my own thoughts. It’s during times like these that we get to know the characters as we are given a window to these intensely personal moments in the film as they try to discover themselves. A brilliant example of observing the state of being.
Moonlight is outstanding in showing intense human connection with only a few words. When people feel alone and out of place, we tend to search for that space in ourselves that makes us feel safe enough or comfortable. Not only that this film perfectly captures those moments, but it also makes the audience experience it first hand. An experience that is not unfamiliar to us at all. The film is pure in its objective to shows us how different and similar we all are on the inside.
Jenkins (director/screen writer) brought us to a world where everything is true with raw human life experiences, relationships and emotions from Chiron’s life story, as he becomes Little to Chiron to Black. His story may not be different from others but its uniqueness lies in how it may affect the viewers and what we think of ourselves, others and the world.
Everything about this film is beautiful. From cinematography, direction, script, production and casting–all of which were stunning in many ways. This film is not just a film, but an experience that is true and human in all aspects.
In NZ cinemas January 19, 2017.