The Way He Looks-2014
Director-Daniel Ribeiro
Starring-Fabio Audi, Ghilherme Lobo
Scott’s Review #408
Reviewed June 4, 2016
Grade: B+
The Way He Looks is a foreign language film (Brazilian) from 2014 that tells a coming of age story about a blind high school student, who develops feelings for the new kid in town. The other boy has rapidly become his new best friend and the boys, while unsure of the other’s sexual preferences, fall in love.
The film is a charming story about a modern romance, now becoming more prevalent in film today.
Leonardo (known as Leo) is a blind high school student struggling to be his person. His close friend Giovana is in a similar situation as neither has ever been kissed, yet they feel adolescent desires- they are lonely but share a close bond.
Regardless of his disability, Leo is quite independent, despite having parents who border on smothering. One day, a new student named Gabriel volunteers to sit behind Leo in class and they strike up a friendship. Giovana, unaware of Leo’s sexual preferences, develops a crush on Gabriel.
The film then tells a sweet story about young, blossoming, romance. The main characters do not face particularly tough obstacles from outside sources, but rather from each other as their feelings and emotions are fragile. In addition to romance, the film focuses on the friendships between Leo, Gabriel, and Giovana.
The Way He Looks is a warm film. It is sweet and compassionate and tenderhearted. The viewer witnesses a budding romance between two teenagers and the fact that they are both males is secondary- that is how charming the film is.
The audience will root for Leo and Gabriel because they are nice kids. Giovana, the outsider, also has a rooting factor- she is in no way a villain, nor does she harbor resentment for either Leo or Gabriel, but rather, yearns for her first romance and happiness.
The film wisely does not turn her into an emotional wreck, or a psycho. Sure, she gets drunk at a party, but this is only to temporarily escape her feelings.
I recoiled at the scene after scene of Leo’s parents either fretting about something, worried sick about Leo coming home late, or simply worried that something may happen to their son. Relax already. Life is not meant to be spent frazzled because your son is blind.
The parents are not the strongest written characters in the film and are rather secondary characters. The case is the same for the bullies, the slutty girl, and the teacher. The film belongs to Leo, Gabriel, and Giovana wholly.
The supporting characters in The Way He Looks are meant to merely react to the central character’s issues.
A kind film about a same-sex, young romance. Charming, not too heavy, with likable characters, who one can root for. There are no bombs, car chases, or explosions needed.
The Way He Looks is a slice of life film that is simple, pure, and true.