The Way He Looks (2014)

Truly Dreadful Film

Just what I expected

It is a performances centric movie

hyped garbage

There are many conceptual films where upon viewing, one gets the sense that a) the same message could have been encapsulated in a short film or b) much more needed to be said and the characters further developed in a feature length. The Way He Looks (English title) is one of those unique endeavors where you could watch either this feature film, and/or it's short-film version "Hoje nao quero voltar sozinho" and be equally mesmerized and enchanted with the acting, direction, dialogue and overall theme. While the actors (thankfully, all the same) are much younger in the short film (shot 4 years prior), the message and intensity is still very much the evident, albeit on a much lighter and more whimsical scale. The feature length is definitely a lot heavier, in that it deals with some harsh subjects, namely teen angst and the potential for cruelty among adolescent youths, especially ones who prey upon the handicapped. Because of this, what the feature length "lacks" in innocence, it makes up for in "triumph". I'm giving this 9 stars because there is a bit of gratuitous nudity in the feature length film, which personally put me off since in my mind I was still thinking of these actors as "kids" from the short film and found it a bit exploitative. But truly, this is a masterpiece for all involved.

Even though the main theme of the movie is a blossoming gay love story, I believe the movie will appeal to the general audience as a sweet coming of age story, with wonderful messages even us adults can pick up.Its always tricky I believe to make a movie with somewhat adult content involving teens, and this movie managed to do it so beautifully. Its definitely a feel good movie to go too when you just had a bad day.Big and loud applause for Daniel Ribeiro for his wonderful writing and directing, and also to the young cast who made the movie become so believable. I personally like to thank who ever green-lighted this movie from a simple short presentation "I don't Want to Go Back Alone" becoming this wonderful movie.Looking forward to further works of Mr. Ribeiro and the talented casts.

I had seen the short film that The Way He Looks was adapted from, and was more than eager to see a full story of such a charming short. I was blown away by this movie. It is one of those films that gets insides you and makes your whole insides light up.The characters are interesting and believable. The story is simple and refreshing. We are shown this situation of a young man who is coming to terms with who he his and other struggles in his life, but it is not done in a melodramatic way, and it seems like the writers/director really want to show the sweetest, most wonderful way of how love affects people. Nothing is rushed, everything is thoroughly paid attention to and given time.Some very heartwarming scenes to be had with this one folks. Also brilliant directing and progression. I can not say much more without giving anything away.

I was referred to this film by a link from another film, and decided to watch it for enhancing "land diversification", plus the film was Brazil's submission to the Academy Awards. As I new nothing about the protagonist's disability, the very start did fascinate me already (how all this would go on?), and, for me, all events went smoothly on towards a smart and tasteful ending.In spite of sensitive background and topic (at least for many), it was handled with piety, without sensationalism or platitude. The fact that a disabled person had gay feelings, was pleasantly collateral, not prevailing - we just obtain a nice view of teens' dreams vs. reality in São Paulo. As the performances (both younger and older) were skillful and realistic as well, it all just fell into place, and the result is a very good example of a film depicting youngsters should be - as versatile as their inner world and wishes. Highly recommended particularly for the younger people all over the world.