THE WAY HE LOOKS
Yesterday evening I was searching through Netflix, trying to find a film to watch. Lately I seem to have acquired the habit of watching a film every night, as a reward for attempting to revise. It's a method that so far seems to be working. The other night I watched both parts of Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows back to back, and the night before last it was An Education. However last night I was more in the mood for Calendar Girls, because I just adore Helen Mirren in it, but like 99% of the films that exist in the world, it wasn't on Netflix. And so I decided to try something else instead. I didn't really know what I was looking for, and I mean, where do you go from Calendar Girls, right?
After a little bit of searching, I stumbled across a film called The Way He Looks. I remembered passing it a few times previously, and feeling a mild curiosity to watch it, but never enough to fully commit and press that play button. Yet for some reason, last night I felt a strong inclination to watch it. The only information I knew prior to watching the film, was that it was about a blind boy who yearns for adventure. The word adventure was all I really needed. And as always seems to be the case, I was so very glad that I took a chance on this film.
Most of my favourite films happen to be indie films. Those ones that fall a little off the beaten track, and seem to exist without any of us actually realising. They don't make a fuss. They don't sing their praises. Instead they quietly go about bringing a piece of magic and brilliance into the world. I think I love indie films so much, for that very reason. And also for the way they honestly capture those every day moments and seemingly mundane events, that happen to everyday people like you or me, and make them seem extraordinary somehow. They show life as it really is, in all its glory and heartache, and they celebrate the hidden wonder and beauty of everyday life.
The Way He Looks is one of these films. It really is such a gem. A modest 96 minutes, Daniel Ribeiro's 2014 masterpiece is set in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with its tale told in Portuguese with English subtitles. I rarely watch foreign films, yet this film has made me wish I'd done so sooner, for how many achingly fantastic films have I been missing all this time? The story focuses on blind teenager Leo, who is beginning to yearn for independence and the chance to explore, be free, and experience new things. That age-old quest of youth, which I'm sure you're just as familiar with as I am. However in Leo's case, his visual impairment renders him dependent on those around him, and makes him a target for bullying, as does it threaten to limit him, and what he can achieve. The constant protection is suffocating for a young man who simply yearns for freedom, whilst his self-esteem is vulnerable to the daily trials and tribulations he has to endure. With people fuelling the notion that he can't achieve his dreams, get away, be independent, treated as an equal, or loved, it isn't surprising when one day, Leo decides to take matters into his own hands.
Leo initially sets the ball rolling when he talks to his oldest and best friend Giovanna about going on an exchange trip to America. With Giovanna always a loyal ally, protector and supporter of Leo, she agrees to help him set his seemingly impossible dream into motion. What follows is Leo's pursuit to seek the future he hopes for, with things taking a turn for the better when new boy Gabriel walks into class one day. Leo and Gabriel soon form a close friendship, with Gabriel immediately recognising Leo as an equal, and seeing him for who he is, irrespective of his visual impairment. Their friendship steadily evolves into something more, and soon Leo, Gabriel, and Giovanna must find a way to work through the ensuing conflict and uncertainty that it brings.
Although The Way He Looks is anchored by a fairly simple plotline, and nothing particularly groundbreaking happens, I can't stress to you how beautifully and meaningfully it is done. Lead actor Ghilherme Lobo puts in a truly spectacular performance as Leo, and his supporting cast including Fabio Audi and Tess Amorim, are equally brilliant. Meanwhile the Sao Paolo back drop is an aesthetic joy, and those cinematic shots peppered throughout are breathtaking. This film is everything you could ever hope for, and you really do root for these characters, whilst the strong coming-of-age theme adds a certain poignancy and heartache, as well as a tentative and gorgeous hope. Leo is such a strong character, both in emotion and personality, and he is surrounded by so much love and care, even if he can't physically see it. And his passion to change his life and break through the obstacles placed in his way, is inspiring and moving in equal measure.
Additionally, it's interesting to see how the friendships between Leo, Giovanna and Gabriel evolve against one another, as well as how strong they become as the film progresses. It's a reminder of how powerful. magical and unbreakable true friendship is. However my favourite thing has to be Leo and Gabriel's relationship. It is developed so very beautifully, and is a love story in the truest sense. A testament to the healing powers of love. How it can free, strengthen and help you grow into a better version of yourself. How it can make anything seem possible. How it doesn't matter what form it comes in, or how you find it. How it can change your whole life in an instant. If ever there was an ode to advocate same-sex relationships, and why we should try our hardest to create a society that accepts these relationships and treats them as equal, this film, and this love, is it.
The Way He Looks isn't going to dramatically change your life, but it is a film to make you think. It's a film to make you smile. It's an interesting insight into another culture and country. It's a reminder not to let yourself be defined by the things that may otherwise hold you back. It's a film to remind you of the power and joy of friendship and love. It's a film to inspire you. And most importantly, it's a film to give you hope. And what more could we ever want, than that?
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