By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 5 cats
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Starring: Carlose Peralta | Daniela Demes | Diego Cortina Autrey | Marco Graf | Marina de Tavira | Yalitza Aparicio
Country: mexico, united_states
Year: 2018
Running time: 135
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6155172/reference
Brett says: “Jaw-dropping cinematography perfectly fits a form-follows-function approach in which the audience eavesdrops and hovers around the tale, which is a sort of ominous love letter or thank-you note to the voiceless. Clearly a personal film for director Alfonso Cuarón (GRAVITY, CHILDREN OF MEN), ROMA does not come at the viewer with a kind of moral authority in tone that many modern films load their scripts with. Instead, it is an observation piece that presents a few understated metaphors in the mix, but offers a pleasant share of observation over ulterior agenda. The film also offers some very subtle parallels among the multiple storylines involving both the well-to-do and Cleo, who serves the upper middle class family and is the subject of Cuarón’s gesture of appreciation. Above all, it’s just an absolutely beautiful film to lay eyes on, a great example of what poetry might resemble if it were filmed. Cuarón always brings a certain aesthetic to his films that isn’t mimicked elsewhere, and ROMA is no exception and certainly stands out in the director’s personal attachment to the subject matter.”
Thom says: “I feel rather ashamed that it took me so long to see this obvious masterpiece that has been lauded around the world including an Oscar for Best Director & Best Cinematography of 2018 for Alfonso Cuarón as well as Best Foreign Film; 1 win for Eugenio Caballero (Production Design) & nominations for Cuarón for Director & Cinematography from Chlotrudis; Oscar nominations for Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Original Screenplay, & Best Film. Had I seen this film in a timely fashion I might well have questioned why it didn’t win every award that is was nominated for. I’m certain that most people reading this will have already watched it but if you haven’t what a treat you have in store. The story concern’s itself with a year in the life of a maid living with a middle class family in the Mexico City district of Roma. The father figure deserts the family to live with his mistress and while the family is coping with that the maid gets pregnant, the family goes on vacation. and life continues with drama, caring, & love. What is outstanding here is the hypnotic cinematography that tracks with a keen intelligence of surroundings and movement. There have to be dozens of special moments that delineate and enhance the story. Cuarón certainly has established a capable international reputation with most of his previous films including Y TU MAMÁ TAMBIÉN, CHILDREN OF MEN, & HARRY POTTER & THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN but ROMA raises him to an entirely different level. 5 cats“