Vida e nada mais

Life And Nothing More is a beautiful and intimate piece of work, much like Moonlight or Boyhood. Unlike a lot of movies we see today, it is entirely focused on its characters and how they operate in the unfair system around them. Regina is a single mother who has a complicated relationship with her son, and their dynamic is raw and heartbreaking. It is obvious that Regina cares deeply for her son but she is unable to help him in his run-ins with the law and own emotional struggle. It is striking to me that the camera almost acts as a character just observing what is happening. There is no crazy editing or direction style and it's like we are in the moment with these characters, feeling what they are feeling. It is a must see if you like deeply moving portrayals of honest real life people.

"Life and Nothing More" is one of the most authentic and raw films I have ever watched. You feel as if you are watching a real-life event happen right in front of you. The set design and lighting of the film created a mood that fit very well within the story line. It expressed a low-income, struggling family. In addition, the acting in this film was remarkable. Andrew Bleechington couldn't have played the role better. His face throughout the movie showed lots of emotion and dramatic feelings. Regina Williams's acting represented the hardship of being a single-parent. She played the role so organically; it felt so real. Overall, excellent, original, and emotional film.

I've seen this movie twice and got more out of it the second time around. Although some people might shy away from the topic, there is more to meet the eye, literally, than just the obvious. There are excellent performances by a number of talented actors but the story line and arc of the heroes is what gives the effort dynamic life. Anyone who has ever been a teenager knows that things could have gone off the rails a number of times. This circular, rising tension gives the plot life. There is "Life, and Nothing More" as a model for a window into a world you might not be that familiar with. This movie was several years ahead of the issue of "spacial profiling". There is a lot to be proud of in giving witness to a depiction of the human struggle. Many of the members of the audience were stunned by how honest this movie was. There were SEVERAL audience reactions of shock and understanding which validated the craft of its creation. I know a number of them talked about for days afterwards. How many movies does that happen with, nowadays? If it is playing in your area go see it, you won't regret it. This is an HONEST, dedicated, small film American effort; we'll be hearing more from the Director, I'm sure!

Life and Nothing More is a quiet, calculated and purposeful look into the hidden layers of reality in modern America. The concepts of race, class, education and family intersect to paint a vivid picture of how these factors often function more as obstacles than anything else for the film's characters. The cast's breakout performances are anything but amateur, as their nuanced portrayals of a struggling African-American family emote a newfound level of both frustration and perseverance as they attempt to not fall into society's stereotypical expectations of them. While other films may employ extravagant tactics, the true beauty in Life and Nothing More can be found in its minimalistic nature, allowing viewers to intently follow the narrative and gain a true understanding of life, and nothing more than that.

I love a strong female lead, so Regina William's incredible performance as a single African American mother was definitely my favorite part of this film. Her acting was emotionally raw and had me extremely invested in her character by the end. Prior to watching, I had read that Variety named LIFE AND NOTHING MORE in their top ten movies of the year for its authentic depiction of family drama, but I'd never heard of Regina Williams. From now on, I'll definitely be on the lookout for her name in movies.