Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon

... which really is just as rare it sounds. If you missed the 70s through an accident of birth, this little gem can remedy that. From literally the first frame of the film (which immediately bypasses the standard, sequential, "Dramatic Acts") it is clear that this is more a theme park ride, and less a traditional narrative. Director Ana Amirpour, known for her love of reversing and twisting traditional gender roles, seems to delight in this story of an asylum inmate (whose crimes are never fully explained) who also has a super power (the origins of which are also never fully explained); and who -- in a bizarre twist on the PINOCCHIO tale -- just wants to a regular girl. Good luck with that. The first lesson the audience learns about the young lady is, never offer her a choice between "the easy way and the hard way." You won't like her pick. Amirpour is one of a handful of indie auteurs who has a true genius for color and scene setting. Which only adds to the experience. If you keep your expectations in check, a very watchable effort. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

The originality of the idea and its execution is what makes this a fun watch. You won't know where the story is going for at least half of the movie.

I personally would have liked a little more background on Mona Lisa, but it doesn't add or subtract from the plot.

I assumed that the moon would have something to do with her powers, but the story does not dwell too much on the whys and whens.

My favorite part though would have to be Mona's expressions on the flight. That there is some real good acting. I wasn't surprised when I looked Jeon Jong-seo up and found out that she was in "Burning" and "The Call." Both are worth checking out.

In slick, original drama-thriller "Mona Lisa And The Blood Moon" Jeon Jong-seo escapes a mental asylum to New Orleans' seedy, steamy side where she's taken in by the 'colourful' likes of street-punk Ed Skrein, skanky exotic dancer Kate Hudson, & Hudson's kid Evan Whitten... as tired beat cop Craig Robinson hunts her down. Writer / director Ana Lily Amirpour's screenplay is unexpected, fresh & with terrific characters (tho some MAY bemoan the non-traditional plot) and she elicits superb performances (esp the understatedly outstanding Jong-seo) against a richly stylish backdrop (inc pulsating soundtrack). Excellent film-making from an upcoming potential master.

I liked it. Acting decent, the boy especially was great. Skrein always good value. And it looked pretty good too. I liked the dreamy, trippy lighting and weird angles. The over all message is also a good one. Without giving too much away...treat those around you how you would like to be treated.

For the reviewer who said nothing happens in the first 30 mins and acting was rubbish....what film did you watch? In the first 30 mins a girl uses her powers to escape a mental asylum, then has a run in with drug dealer, then a comic relief cop, then sees a stripper fight + friendship build and use her special powers accordingly through out...what you were doing when all that was happening? And that same reviewer also said there was no story...is that a joke? Every single person in this movie goes on their own journey with their own story having a start and finish until the bittersweet end of the movie.... I genuinely dont know what movie that reviewer watched.

I get it that these kind of lowish budget trippy movies arent for everyone but saying nothing happens or that theres no story is just silly.

Another reviewer compared this movie to those 70s psychedelic movies and I think they are spot on. I mean has anyone seen tommy? Its even comparable to blade runner too in the look and feel of it.

I also think some of ten star reviews are by family of the makers or by people who have never seen a movie before. That aside this is a pretty solid 6/10.

DO NOT listen to the negative reviewers, give it a watch.. and watch until the end to get the most out of the story and journey of characters.

This indie like flick shows you can take a minimal plot, minimal lines from the main character Mona Lisa, combine it with good acting and make a hit to rival Hollywood blockbusters. Kate Hudson was bomb also, totally didn't expect to see her in this sort of role, her best performance since Fools Gold. It was one of those unexpected and much appreciated movies, glad I took a chance. I loved that the questionable parts were not overly explained, I like making my own assumptions of what's happening, it makes it personal. As a 90's raver I was digging the soundtrack, the look & the overall feel of the whole movie. Made me wanna get out the blacklight & drop a tab lol Well done to the writer & director. Thank you sirs may I have another? See you in the sequel, I hope!