Em Busca da Vitória

2019 has been a great year for debut films. Directors, Adam VillaSenor and Reza Ghassemi, have created such an intriguing world in their debut film. I don't think I've seen a movie like this one. It is equally poetic and thrilling. The real stand out aspect for this movie is the cinematography and shots. Really well done and creative. It is somewhat slow in certain spots which is why Im giving it a 9 rather than a 10. But I will give the parts a pass because of how great the film is overall. Also, the boxing sequences at the end of the film are truly amazing. Don't think Ive seen it done like that before. I will recommend to anyone who likes slow burn and visually interesting type of films.

I have been tracking this film since it came out, as the synopsis made it seem like one I'd enjoy. It has been a frustrating wait (for any subtitles anywhere) that I've all but given up on at this point, but what I can't understand is how anyone is even reviewing this movie without being fluent in Japanese. I see a couple that mention it, but I am shocked at how many actually watched it & reviewed it, good or bad, with so much of the dialog totally missed without the subtitles. I mean, you can't even rent it on Amazon with them..they just don't exist! I've never come across anything like this.... I'm someone who uses subtitles for everything, just because so many shows/movies these days include mumbling actors, poorly recorded audio tracks, and my TV speakers are crap... but I've never been unable to find any subtitles at all, even for the most obscure titles.

There is beauty in this film that you will rarely find in cinema nowadays. Every single shot has been so painstakingly crafted, colors exuberantly vibrant, with the scenery carefully chosen for each location so uniquely palpable it's breathtaking at even the most simple of moments.

The story is about a boxing match, but if you think that's the core of its purpose, you are inherently mistaken. This is about a fight yes, but a fight within ourselves is harder to overcome than merely hand to hand combat. The score is absolutely incredible, transcending you with each scene as it lays perfectly balanced with you emotionally.

'I suppose everyone is lost in their own wilderness.' To quote Masahiro, you will definitely find yourself in the wilderness of our characters, as there is everything you'd want in this story, with challenges and relationships built that you will carry with you long after this is over. You will laugh at loud at some moments, breaking you from the weight this fight has over beloved main characters. It does more than entertain, its invokes FEELING.

The battle between these two warriors and within themselves is elegantly fought, purposely displayed for our minds to wander into our own battles. It's passionate. It's rage. It's palpable emotionally. Its cuts deep into the true unwavering reminder of our own mortality. 'Life is so tragically short, but beautiful.'

It's everything I want in a story, and it's everything YOU should want. Well done team, well done.

I watched this movie a couple times and every time I found something more beautiful about it. The sound and music were remarkable and not like many soundtracks I've heard on independent films.

You can also tell everyone in this film engaged from the heart. I felt that through the screen right away. It's really impressive that the directors not only directed the film, but also wrote, shot, and edited it. Immense talent, hats off to them and the cast. If you're looking to watch something easy on the eyes, watch this film.

I was a bit worried about watching this movie when I saw it was in Japanese/English, and I was right about that. Its about 50/50 Japanese/English. After searching and not finding any subs, I decided to give it a go anyhow. The movie is well made, with lots of images from Japanese nature. The acting looks good too, at least not too weird. The japanese dialogue is really hard to understand without subs but thats expected I guess. The movie gave me "flashbacks" to Bruce Lee and Rocky movies, I would not be surprised if the writers have watched all of those films. Tyler Wood and Yusuke Ogasawara are doing a nice job as the main caracters in the movie, and its their first movie for both of them. I would guess not their last :) The directors, Reza Ghassemi and Adam VillaSenor (they are also the writers) are doing a nice job putting the movie together. Part of the movie are in black/white, but it fits the movie good and helps make the "mafia" effect stronger.

I believe this movie could been a strong 8 or maybe even a 9 in my rating, but because its impossible to understand everything without subs, I have to set it as low as 7.