I knew very little about Roma before the week it dropped on Netflix. Most of the information I had heard about it was from articles about Netflix trying to get it to play in theaters. I know that there were reports of the company trying to buy out theaters to show this as big as they could. Most film people were talking about it as this epic film from Alfonso Cuaron (Gravity, Children of Men). I was intrigued by the fact alone he was having a new film debut. He's a fantastic artist who does some very interesting things camera wise and storytelling wise with simple stories. I didn't want to read too much into what Roma, only glossing over a byline and hear minor details.
This film is his masterpiece. It's also intimate, autobiography tale of a time in his life. But he's never really mentioned by name. The story follows a maid and the family she cares for in the early '70s of Mexico City. The story spans a year in her life. As the saying goes a lot can happen in a year. The film does start off slow. There is some excellent camera work and a lot of one takes that immerse the viewer in the story. About the 30 minutes in the story picks up. Cuaron does a magnificent job of investing you in these characters. IT doesn't feel like a film, it feels like watching these characters in their everyday lives. We go a window into what it's like to live in this era. He fully takes advantage of that.
It would be a shame if lead actress Yalitza Aparicio who plays Cleo doesn't get some award recognition. The film is full no stars, just many actors and they all are on their game. Aparicio stands out above all. You feel for her, are scared and happy for her. The emotional range and depth she brings to the Cleo is astounding. If by the end of the film you are cheering for her and shedding tears then you might need to seek help. But the entire cast feels real, not like they are just playing parts. My favorite of them all is the youngest son who tells some fun stories to Cleo in their interactions.
Cuaron proves that he is the Oscar-winning director that still has much to show us. His camera work is so good here. The long takes, tracking shots, it all fits so perfectly with the story he is telling. He even shot this film himself. Not collaborating with longtime partner Emmanuel Lubezki. It is a beautiful looking film entirely in black and white. I couldn't see this film in any other way. There is a scene during the holiday season where a group of people is trying to put out a fire in the woods, it's gorgeous. I'd be shocked if he didn't win the best cinematography award at the Oscars.
Roma is all around a masterclass in filmmaking and storytelling. The cast is excellent, the story is simple but will suck you in. It's beautifully shot, heartwarming, endearing and hopefully. I would be shocked if this film didn't take home multiple Academy Awards in 2019. For sure it should win for best cinematography and best director. I would hate for this film to get relegated to the best foreign film category. This film should win for Best picture easily. And if I was on the committee it would have my vote.
This film is his masterpiece. It's also intimate, autobiography tale of a time in his life. But he's never really mentioned by name. The story follows a maid and the family she cares for in the early '70s of Mexico City. The story spans a year in her life. As the saying goes a lot can happen in a year. The film does start off slow. There is some excellent camera work and a lot of one takes that immerse the viewer in the story. About the 30 minutes in the story picks up. Cuaron does a magnificent job of investing you in these characters. IT doesn't feel like a film, it feels like watching these characters in their everyday lives. We go a window into what it's like to live in this era. He fully takes advantage of that.
It would be a shame if lead actress Yalitza Aparicio who plays Cleo doesn't get some award recognition. The film is full no stars, just many actors and they all are on their game. Aparicio stands out above all. You feel for her, are scared and happy for her. The emotional range and depth she brings to the Cleo is astounding. If by the end of the film you are cheering for her and shedding tears then you might need to seek help. But the entire cast feels real, not like they are just playing parts. My favorite of them all is the youngest son who tells some fun stories to Cleo in their interactions.
Cuaron proves that he is the Oscar-winning director that still has much to show us. His camera work is so good here. The long takes, tracking shots, it all fits so perfectly with the story he is telling. He even shot this film himself. Not collaborating with longtime partner Emmanuel Lubezki. It is a beautiful looking film entirely in black and white. I couldn't see this film in any other way. There is a scene during the holiday season where a group of people is trying to put out a fire in the woods, it's gorgeous. I'd be shocked if he didn't win the best cinematography award at the Oscars.
Roma is all around a masterclass in filmmaking and storytelling. The cast is excellent, the story is simple but will suck you in. It's beautifully shot, heartwarming, endearing and hopefully. I would be shocked if this film didn't take home multiple Academy Awards in 2019. For sure it should win for best cinematography and best director. I would hate for this film to get relegated to the best foreign film category. This film should win for Best picture easily. And if I was on the committee it would have my vote.