Review of Moonlight (2016) by Cwongx — 21 Oct 2016

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity. This is an epic recapturing of adolescent and early adult life similar to epics like Boyhood and Yi Yi, only it's on a different level of filmmaking, because this really exemplifies laser-focused storytelling, from its beautiful cinematography to its masterful dialogue.

I felt so many raw emotions watching this as Chiron (the protagonist) takes each of his steps transitioning into adulthood, forming his identity with regards to race, masculinity, and sexuality. To see it all unfold the way it did made me feel lucky to be on the viewing seat instead of being in the type of environment Chiron was forced to live in.

This film is definitely a heavy one, but despite its rawness I think I'm still going to see it again in theaters just to appreciate all of the poignancy and detail in it in how it addresses the tougher aspects with regard to masculinity, sexuality, race, etc.

Overall, definitely a must-see.