Manchester by the Sea

In 2016, the world was introduced to the critically acclaimed film, "Manchester by the Sea." This film, directed by Kenneth Lonergan and starring Casey Affleck, received numerous awards and nominations, including six Academy Award nominations and two wins.

The film tells the story of Lee Chandler, a janitor living in Boston, who is forced to return to his hometown of Manchester-by-the-Sea after his brother's death. As Lee tries to come to terms with his grief and take care of his teenage nephew, Patrick, he is forced to confront the tragic event in his past that led him to leave Manchester-by-the-Sea in the first place.

The film's exploration of grief, loss, and the complexities of family relationships struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. Its realistic portrayal of these themes, as well as its stunning performances and breathtaking cinematography, made it one of the most talked-about films of 2016.

In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the themes of "Manchester by the Sea," exploring how the film tackles the difficult subject of grief and the impact it has on the characters. We will also examine the film's use of flashbacks and nonlinear storytelling, and how it adds depth and complexity to the narrative.

Furthermore, we will discuss the film's impact on the film industry and its lasting legacy. Despite its success, "Manchester by the Sea" faced controversy due to sexual harassment allegations against Casey Affleck, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the film.

Ultimately, "Manchester by the Sea" is a film that has left a lasting impression on audiences and the film industry. Its exploration of grief, family, and the human experience is a testament to the power of cinema and the ability of filmmakers to create meaningful and impactful stories.

I'm sure you will also enjoy the following films:

Wow, I just watched "Moonlight" and it's definitely one of the most powerful movies I've seen in a long time. The film was released in 2016 and directed by Barry Jenkins, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Tarell Alvin McCraney. The movie won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2017, and it's not hard to see why.

Plot Summary

"Moonlight" follows the life of Chiron, a young black man growing up in Miami during the '80s and '90s. The movie is divided into three chapters, each one showing a different stage of Chiron's life. In the first chapter, we see Chiron as a young boy, called "Little," who is bullied and ostracized by his peers. He finds a father figure in Juan, a drug dealer who takes him under his wing. In the second chapter, Chiron is a teenager grappling with his sexuality and his feelings for his best friend Kevin. In the final chapter, Chiron is an adult living in Atlanta and reconnecting with Kevin after years of separation.

Impressions

The cinematography in "Moonlight" is breathtaking. The film is shot with a lot of close-ups, and the camera often lingers on the characters' faces, allowing the audience to really see their emotions. The use of color is also striking; each chapter has its own color scheme, with the first chapter dominated by blues and greens, the second by purples and pinks, and the third by warm yellows and oranges. The score, composed by Nicholas Britell, is haunting and beautiful, and perfectly complements the visuals.

One of the strongest aspects of "Moonlight" is the acting. The cast is incredible, with standout performances from Mahershala Ali as Juan, Naomie Harris as Chiron's drug-addicted mother, and Trevante Rhodes as adult Chiron. But perhaps the most impressive performance comes from Alex Hibbert, who plays Little. For a child actor, he displays a remarkable range of emotions and is able to convey so much with just a few facial expressions.

Strong Points

One of the things that makes "Moonlight" so special is its honesty. It's a movie that doesn't shy away from difficult topics like poverty, addiction, and homophobia. It's also a movie that treats its characters with empathy and compassion, even when they make mistakes or hurt each other. The film is a beautiful exploration of identity, both in terms of race and sexuality, and it's a powerful reminder of the importance of human connection.

Weak Points

It's hard to find any weaknesses in "Moonlight." If anything, some viewers might find the pacing of the film slow, but I think that's part of what makes it so effective. The movie takes its time to build the characters and their relationships, and it allows the audience to really feel the weight of their struggles.

Final Thoughts

Overall, "Moonlight" is a stunning achievement in filmmaking. It's a movie that will make you think, feel, and reflect long after the credits have rolled. The film has a lot of heart, and it's a testament to the power of storytelling. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend giving it a watch.

I recently watched the movie "Lion" that was released in 2016, and I must say, it was an emotional rollercoaster. Directed by Garth Davis and starring Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, and Rooney Mara, the movie is based on the true story of a young boy named Saroo who gets lost and separated from his family in India.

Plot Summary

The movie begins by introducing us to Saroo, who is a five-year-old boy living with his mother, brother, and sister in a small village in India. One day, while he is out with his brother, he falls asleep on a train and wakes up miles away from home. Unable to find his way back, he ends up in an orphanage and is eventually adopted by an Australian family.

Fast forward twenty years, and Saroo is now living in Australia and studying hotel management. However, he is haunted by the memories of his past and the family he left behind. With the help of Google Earth, he embarks on a mission to find his birth mother and finally reunite with his family.

Impressions

The movie is a heart-wrenching tale of a lost boy trying to find his way home. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty of both India and Australia. The acting is brilliant, especially from Dev Patel, who portrays Saroo with such depth and emotion.

The movie is divided into two parts, with the first half focusing on Saroo's childhood and separation from his family, and the second half focusing on his journey to find them. While the first half is filled with sadness and despair, the second half is filled with hope and determination, making for a powerful story.

Strong Points

One of the strongest points of the movie is the way it highlights the bond between a mother and her child. Saroo's birth mother is portrayed as a strong and resilient woman who never gives up hope of finding her son. Nicole Kidman's performance as Saroo's adoptive mother is also noteworthy, as she brings a sense of warmth and compassion to the role.

Another strong point of the movie is the way it addresses the issue of adoption and the challenges that come with it. Saroo struggles with his identity and his sense of belonging, and the movie does an excellent job of portraying these complex emotions.

Weak Points

One weak point of the movie is that it can be slow-paced at times, especially in the first half. Some viewers may find it difficult to connect with the characters or become invested in the story.

Another weak point is that the movie glosses over some of the harsher realities of life in India, such as poverty and corruption. While the movie is not meant to be a political or social commentary, it would have been interesting to see a more nuanced portrayal of the country.

Overall, "Lion" is a powerful and moving movie that is well worth watching. It tells a story of love, loss, and hope that will leave you feeling both heartbroken and uplifted.

Fences (2016) - A Masterpiece of Filmmaking

"Fences" is a 2016 American drama film directed by Denzel Washington and written by August Wilson, based on Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name. The film stars Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen Henderson, Jovan Adepo, Russell Hornsby, and Mykelti Williamson.

The plot of the movie revolves around the life of Troy Maxson (Denzel Washington), an African American man living in Pittsburgh in the 1950s. Troy is a former Negro League baseball player who missed his chance at the big leagues due to racial discrimination. Now, he works as a trash collector and struggles to provide for his family. He is a complex character with a troubled past and a lot of emotional baggage.

The film is a powerful exploration of race relations, family dynamics, and the American Dream. It's a story about the struggles of everyday people who are trying to make a living and provide for their families. The movie is set in a time when the American Dream was still a dream for many African Americans.

Cinematography - A Work of Art

The cinematography in "Fences" is a work of art. The film is shot in a way that captures the mood and emotions of the characters. The use of close-ups and medium shots is particularly effective in conveying the intensity of the performances. The lighting and the color scheme of the film are also noteworthy. The muted tones and dark shadows help create a somber atmosphere that matches the mood of the story.

Acting - A Tour de Force

The acting in "Fences" is a tour de force. The performances by Denzel Washington and Viola Davis are nothing short of amazing. Washington delivers a powerful and nuanced portrayal of Troy Maxson, a man who is both charismatic and flawed. Davis is equally impressive as Rose, Troy's wife, who is a pillar of strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable and adds depth to their characters' relationship.

Story - A Deep Dive into the Human Condition

The story of "Fences" is a deep dive into the human condition. It's a story about the complexities of human relationships, the struggle for identity, and the search for meaning in life. The film raises important questions about race, family, and the American Dream. It explores the ways in which our past shapes our present and our future. It's a story that is both universal and deeply personal.

Conclusion - A Must-See Movie

Overall, "Fences" is a must-see movie. It's a masterpiece of filmmaking that is both powerful and poignant. The film is a testament to the talents of the cast and crew, who have created a work of art that is sure to stand the test of time. If you're a fan of drama films, then "Fences" is a movie that you won't want to miss. It's a powerful and moving story that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll.

I recently watched the 2016 movie Nocturnal Animals and I have to say, it was quite a unique experience. Directed by Tom Ford, the movie tells the story of Susan Morrow (played by Amy Adams), an art gallery owner who receives a manuscript from her ex-husband, Edward Sheffield (played by Jake Gyllenhaal). The manuscript is a violent and disturbing thriller that brings back memories of their past relationship and leaves Susan questioning her current life choices.

Plot Summary

The movie is divided into two parts, the first being the present-day storyline of Susan's life and the second being the manuscript that she reads. The manuscript tells the story of Tony Hastings (played by Jake Gyllenhaal), a family man whose wife and daughter are brutally raped and murdered during a road trip. Tony teams up with a detective, Bobby Andes (played by Michael Shannon), to seek revenge and justice for his family.

Impressions

One of the strongest points of the movie is its cinematography. The visuals are stunning, with each scene perfectly composed and lit. The use of color and lighting to differentiate between the two storylines was particularly effective. The acting was also top-notch, with Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal giving powerful performances.

However, one of the weaker points of the movie was its pacing. The first half of the movie felt slow and dragged on at times, while the second half felt rushed and left some questions unanswered. Additionally, the violence and dark themes may not be for everyone, as they can be quite disturbing.

Overall, Nocturnal Animals is a movie that will leave you thinking and questioning long after it's over. It's a unique and visually stunning film with a great cast and powerful performances. However, its slow pacing and disturbing themes may not be for everyone.

Subheadings:

- Stunning cinematography
- Strong acting performances
- Slow pacing in first half
- Rushed second half
- Dark and disturbing themes