This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 165! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey friends, 🌈
So, last night, after an eternity of scrolling through Netflix (you know the drill), I stumbled upon this gem called “The Way He Looks.” It’s a Brazilian movie from 2014, directed by Daniel Ribeiro, and oh boy, am I glad I hit play! This one’s not your typical teen romance, folks. Get ready for a coming-of-age story that’s equal parts adorable and thought-provoking.
Our main character is Leo, a visually-impaired teenager with a serious case of wanderlust. Stuck between his overprotective mom and his well-meaning but slightly smothering best friend Giovana (seriously, this girl!), Leo just wants a taste of independence. Enter Gabriel, the new kid at school with a voice like smooth jazz and a smile that could melt glaciers. Let’s just say, sparks fly when these two are paired up for a school project. Yep, it’s a coming-of-age and coming-out story wrapped in one. But it’s crafted so beautifully that it feels fresh and utterly captivating.
Now, the beauty of “The Way He Looks” is that it doesn’t treat Leo’s blindness like a defining characteristic. It’s there, sure, but it’s not the entire story. We see the world through Leo’s senses – the comforting rhythm of his tapping cane, the way, the thrill of riding two-up on a bicycle with the wind whipping through his hair (yes, you read that right!). It’s a refreshing change from movies that often portray disability as a limitation.
And let’s talk about Leonardo, played by Ghilherme Lobo. This guy, I tell you, brings such a raw, genuine vibe to Leo that you can’t help but root for him from the get-go. And not in a pity-party way, but more like, “Yes, Leo, go explore the world, make mistakes, fall in love, live your best life!” kind of way. Then there’s Fabio Audi as Gabriel, who’s just… chef’s kiss.
Of course, there’s the whole will-they-won’t-they tension between Leo and Gabriel. The actors, Guilherme Lobo and Fábio Audi, have incredible chemistry, making their friendship and eventual romance in the film feel so real and heartwarming. It’s like, you can feel the butterflies in your stomach during their scenes together. They capture that awkward sweetness of young love perfectly – stolen glances, shy smiles, those fumbled attempts to hold hands that make you wanna rewind and relive your own first crush.
The chemistry between these two is off the charts, making their friendship and eventual romance feel so real and heartwarming. It’s like, you can feel the butterflies in your stomach during their scenes together.
But it’s not all butterflies and rainbows. There’s Giovana’s jealousy to contend with, the ever-present societal pressures, and Leo’s own internal struggles about his sexuality. The plot is simple but incredibly effective. It’s a story about love, jealousy, and the complexities of human relationships. The film doesn’t shy away from these complexities, but it handles them with a delicate touch that feels genuine. The film also doesn’t shy away from addressing bullying and the struggle of wanting to be accepted for who you are.
Did I tear up? Maybe a little. But hey, that’s just the power of good storytelling, right? “The Way He Looks” is a beautiful reminder that love can blossom in the most unexpected places, and that sometimes, the most profound connections are made not with our eyes, but with our hearts.
Anyway, this movie left me feeling all gooey inside and seriously impressed. If you’re looking for a coming-of-age story that’s both heartwarming and thought-provoking, “The Way He Looks” is definitely worth a watch. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to be swept away. Until next time, happy watching!