The Signal

Backlight is a strange but wonderful film. First it's a 100% Portuguese production but it was filmed 100% in the United States. How strange is that? Very! Production decisions apart, the film works pretty well. The script is brilliant, the acting is excellent and the cinematography is beautiful, which makes Backlight my film of the year, and probably the best film I've seen in quite a few years. The film looks at the adversities of life and gambles with it. The characters are all interlinked in a very random way, it's a little like 6 degrees of separation. The film is set mostly in the deserts of Nevada and Arizona and the director keeps the shots wide revealing the magnificent backdrops and always moves the camera wisely to bring the picture alive. The characters are deep and insightful, each has a serious problem to face up to and the subtle, naturalistic way their issues play out make for truly emotional cinema. This is not a film about heroes, it's a film about trying to make the right choices when your back is to the wall, and the doubts that go with this. Great uplifting movie, especially if you are and have been with depression. I think this film could be a great alternative to Prozac! : )

As an avid movie fan, not a cinema critic, just a fan of good movies... I enjoyed this movie immensely. There are times when I want to see a movie based on certain criteria, however this was not one of them. There are times I become so frustrated with reviewers who pick apart a movie to death... get a life some of you. I just wanted to sit back and enjoy a decent movie. Not over-think it to death with how the cinematographer was too into hi/her scenes, how bad/good the acting was... do you think you could do a better job? Get some popcorn curl up alone or with someone you love, pop this movie in and escape for a while... suspend belief... this ain't no documentary... enjoy the soundtrack (awesome in my opinion), and have a good time. Remember this is just a review from a former Bronx NYC boy. Enjoy it.

Movie was good ,a bit slow in areas. Mostly the fact that the music and other sound was louder than the voices was irritating as. Hardly hesrd acword they were saying through out tgw entire film.

This film has great exterior shots of the American west and some really bad acting. The theme is OK--that coincidence may be more than just that. So what else is there to say?IF you have never been to the west or you want to recapture an experience, then you must see this film.

So is this film fun: yes and no. If you can afford Mania's awful acting, then this film clearly is recommended for you!

Backlight is a brilliant script: A great story, with nicely shaped characters whom, one way or another, got me thinking "Sometimes, life is so full of coincidences that it's almost unreal.". Obviously, it doesn't matter how strong the script is, if it's transformation to the big screen is sloppy, but with Backlight, everything works in perfection. The multi layered story has been excellently transferred to the screen and the final product is like a perfectly tuned symphony: No note is false, and as the band plays, you get swept away by their music. One of the reasons for this, is a great cast, of whom I think, no one deserves more credit than others... and then again: I really loved Joaquim De Almeida, but above all the memorable character of Lucy, played by the young actress Skyler Day. She will always shine brightly in my mind. A definitely must see movie!