Au premier regard

I was referred to this film by a link from another film, and decided to watch it for enhancing "land diversification", plus the film was Brazil's submission to the Academy Awards. As I new nothing about the protagonist's disability, the very start did fascinate me already (how all this would go on?), and, for me, all events went smoothly on towards a smart and tasteful ending.

In spite of sensitive background and topic (at least for many), it was handled with piety, without sensationalism or platitude. The fact that a disabled person had gay feelings, was pleasantly collateral, not prevailing - we just obtain a nice view of teens' dreams vs. reality in São Paulo. As the performances (both younger and older) were skillful and realistic as well, it all just fell into place, and the result is a very good example of a film depicting youngsters should be - as versatile as their inner world and wishes. Highly recommended particularly for the younger people all over the world.

A simple, minimalist movie, very different from the current productions. Instead of explosions, too much talk, chop edition, grandiloquent music, Hoje Eu Quero Voltar Sozinho show the daily lives of ordinary teenagers, revealing their questions, doubts, conflicts, always in a subtle, gentle way. With very little, Daniel Ribeiro conveys much. The film speaks to teens who identify with the characters, especially the gay teens, but goes further by advocating tolerance and relativize the desire .. The world would be better if there were more movies like this one. Hoje Eu Quero Voltar Sozinho won the fipresc prize at Berlin Film Festival. The Hollywood Repórter wrote about the fist work of Daniel Ribeiro: "A blind boy falls in love with another boy -- but it's his desire for independence that's the motor of this beautifully observed drama".

When Daniel Ribeiro's sweet and charming short film 'I Don't Want to Go Back Alone' released in 2010, I was completely in love with it. I was eagerly looking forward to watching this movie since its announcement. Though I still consider the short to be simple, nuanced and better, I liked how Ribeiro beautifully adapted the short into a feature film. Of course, he kept the same talented young actors; they've grown, and have done a commendable and mature job. I liked how Ribeiro changed a few parts from the short film, but kept the essence and feel of the story intact; he incorporates the memorable dialogues and moments from the short into the feature film appropriately.

It's the story of a blind guy named Leo, his best friend Giovana, and how their lives change after the arrival of new student, Gabriel. The movie is basically about equality and sexuality. Blind, not blind, or whatever... ultimately, all we seek is love, and independence. We never choose whom we fall in love with.

Though the movie explores themes of friendship, independence, bullying, etc., overall, the movie essentially remains the same as the short; I feel, the characters and situations could have been explored further. But overall, I still like the film; it's heartwarming and delightful.

The title song used in the movie, 'There's Too Much Love' by Belle and Sebastian, is quite mesmerizing. Every time it played during the film, at appropriate moments, my heart was filled with joy. And the main kiss between Leo and Gabriel towards the end is really passionate and moving.

I remember watching the short film this was based on, and loved it. Upon finding out that a feature film was made, I was dying to see it. As it is, this is pretty similar, although the arc development occurs more gradually and slower of course. The two leads' chemistry is as palpable as it was in the short film, and they make their scenes together work. Their performances, taken on their own, are particularly effective, Lobo in particular. The story as it is isn't anything wholly original, but it doesn't need to be. All it needs to do is make us believe in it and we do. I strongly recommend this gem of a film and I really hope it's seen by more people.

I don't know how to put into words how I enjoyed this movie. It was so awesome to see these brand-new actors interpreting such lovely characters and being part of such an unique experience! The movie is not only about homosexuality, but also about the character's trial to get more independent. All the scenes were very well-written and the ending was so beautiful! The chemistry between Léo (Guilherme Lobo) and Gabriel (Fábio)is perfect!

There were some scenes which I wasn't expecting at all; that only made me like the movie even more!

I cried, I yelled, I laughed...All feelings in one single movie. It's a must-watch.