At the Oscars, which took place on Sunday, a shocking blunder gave the award for Best Picture to “La La Land” instead of the deserved movie “Moonlight.”
STARS: 5/5
Even though “La La Land” was a big contender, “Moonlight” ultimately came out on top because of its real, unique and well-done portrayal of a specific group that usually lack honest representation — gay black men.
The film is divided into three parts. It opens in Liberty City, Miami, where the protagonist, Chiron, nicknamed “Little,” is constantly bullied by his peers for his appearance and mannerisms.
Local drug dealer Juan (Mahershala Ali) takes Chiron under his wing when he finds him hiding from his tormentors. What follows is an interesting and important relationship between Chiron and Juan.
Juan becomes the father Chiron never imagined he would have, teaching him to swim and telling him that he should never feel ashamed for his sexuality. However, things get complicated when Chiron finds out that Juan has been selling crack to Chiron’s emotionally abusive and manipulative mother Paula (Naomie Harris).
“Chiron” is the second part of the film, in which things become even more distressing for Chiron. He is constantly antagonized by bully Terrel, his mother is completely dependent on smoking crack and his relationship with his closest friend Kevin becomes intricate after they share an intimate moment together on the beach.
Chiron’s mentor Juan has died by this time, yet adolescent Chiron still frequents Juan’s old home where his widow Teresa (Janelle Monáe) still lives. In an intense scene, Terrel convinces Kevin to beat up Chiron until he can no longer stand. In retaliation, Chiron beats Terrel with a chair and is sent to a juvenile detention center in Atlanta.
The final chapter, “Black,” shows a now grown Chiron (Trevante Rhodes) as a full blown drug dealer in Atlanta — exactly what Juan was in Miami years before .
His mother is now sober and apologizes to him with a tearful Chiron forgiving her. Chiron’s childhood friend Kevin (Andre Holland) calls from Miami to apologize for his actions when they were teenagers and invites him down for a visit.
Reluctant Chiron shocks Kevin with how his life has turned out. Chiron confesses that he has not been with anyone since he met Kevin, and they ultimately embrace, bringing the movie to an abrupt close.
After watching the movie , it’s clear that “Moonlight” is this year’s Best Picture. This was an important story to tell, especially in our current climate in the United States, not only for its diversity and portrayal of the LGBTQ community, but also for its gritty and meaningful messages about growing up.
“Moonlight” can be related to a broad audience, not just the black, gay community. Overall, the film is a well-written, powerful, gripping story with great actors and an alluring cinematography.
