Moonlight(2016): A Masterpiece

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"Moonlight" is a powerful and poignant coming-of-age story that explores the complexities of identity, masculinity, and the struggles of growing up in poverty. The film, directed by Barry Jenkins, follows the life of Chiron, a young boy living in Miami's Liberty City neighbourhood, as he navigates the difficulties of adolescence and the impact of a drug-addicted mother and an absent father. The film is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different stage in Chiron's life, and each is beautifully acted and directed.

The performances in "Moonlight" are particularly noteworthy. The three actors who play Chiron at different ages (Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes) are phenomenal and capture the nuances of the character's development. The film's first act focuses on Chiron as a young boy, and Alex R. Hibbert gives a poignant and understated performance as the young Chiron, who is often seen observing the world around him rather than actively participating in it. In the second act, Ashton Sanders takes over the role of Chiron as a teenager, and he perfectly captures the character's growing sense of confusion, anger, and frustration. And in the final act, Trevante Rhodes portrays the adult Chiron, who has seemingly assimilated into street life but is still haunted by his past.

Naomie Harris is also excellent as Chiron's mother, Paula, who is both loving and destructive in equal measure. Harris gives a raw and powerful performance as a woman struggling with addiction and the weight of her regrets. She is the heart of the film, and her character's arc is one of the story's most emotional and gut-wrenching parts.

Mahershala Ali, the neighbourhood drug dealer who becomes a father figure to Chiron, is both menacing and compassionate. Ali brings a complexity to the role that is both unexpected and necessary, making the character much more than just a stereotype of a drug dealer. Instead, he is a man who is trying to survive in a challenging world and has made mistakes, but he also has a sense of compassion and understanding that Chiron desperately needs.

The film's direction is also noteworthy, with Jenkins using a visual style that is both raw and poetic. The film is shot in a way that evokes the gritty reality of Chiron's neighbourhood but also has almost dreamlike moments of beauty. Jenkins expertly captures the sense of place, making Liberty City feel like a character in its own right, both oppressive and nurturing. The film's score also adds to the film's emotional power with a mix of classical and contemporary music.

In addition to its technical achievements, "Moonlight" is a film that deals with universal and specific themes. The film explores the complexities of growing up, the struggles of identity and masculinity, the impact of poverty and addiction, and the importance of family, friendship, and community. The film is not afraid to tackle complex and uncomfortable subjects but does so with empathy and understanding.

The film is also a powerful commentary on the lack of representation of certain groups in cinema, mainly black and gay men. The film's portrayal of Chiron as a gay man who is also a black man is both rare and necessary, and it adds an extra layer of meaning and significance to the story.

So, "Moonlight" is a profoundly moving and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of growing up and identity struggles powerfully and poignantly. The performances, direction, and score all work together to create a raw and beautiful film. It



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@shahinaubl allow me to say this to you, properly, please: this movie selection you just made, my good and respected friend, is one of the best I've ever seen here on Hive. What a masterpiece this movie is! Trama, shots, photography, script, dialogues, acting, cast, I mean it has everything you want for a good drama movie. Once again, I thank you for not letting die this gorgeous and meaningful film.

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