jon_pratt12345

Incrediblly evocative 90s time capsule from the focal point of a young girl as the country is on the brink of collapse. Although the story is very specific to a place and time, it still creates an effective, relatablity of life as a child in that time. In particularly the use of the telephone as both a dramatic device and a constant reminder of how vital it was as a means of staying connected.

The delivery plays with time and memory with a surrealism and dream like quality. There is also well placed humour from getting terrible haircuts to being berated for failing to rewind video tapes.

The characters in her life are vivid but brought to life in glimpses, focussing on feelings and actions rather than the details of moments.

There is a continuous feeling of impending disaster in the face of normal life. It is a story with an abundance of tragedy but, it by no means dominates the film. It does not dwell in sadness. Instead we see realism, pragmatism and even joy.

The luminous life is a highly watchable coming of age romantic drama about a young man navigating his life in Lisbon. The protagonist is engaging and a somewhat quiet and passive character. But he grows as the world around him throws challenges and opportunities his way and he is forced to make positive choices about his future.

The film is very much in the mould of classic coming of age stories and the immense cast of characters deliver timely and incisive life lessons. There is a Nora Ephron quality to it, particularly in the light and breezy nature of the fleeting interactions.

Some of the characters work particularly well and his misanthropic book shop owning boss serves as an excellent comic addition.

Lisbon is a great location and there is an appealing warmth and colourfulness that runs throughout.

There was a striking modernity to the attitudes and relationships in the film. Characters didn't often linger in their dilemas and there was a sense of maturity beyond their years. There was also a notable absence of a clear side kick for our lead, which often meant it was just left up to the audience to make judgements about the options and choices presented.

Certainly this luminous life was an enjoyable watch that left me feeling optimistic and keen to visit Lisbon in the near future.

A visually captivating film and well acted. Beautiful scenery in the Dolomites make Vermiglio an appealing watch, which helps offset this bleak tale. A close knit family centric community where options for the younger generation are limited, and limited even further by the emotionally withdrawn patriarch.

It's a very personal story with some moments of levity but otherwise you need a strong stomach for tragedy. It's slow and lingering sorry telling approach lets the audience sit in the misery and the discomfort. But there is reward in watching and it's ultimately quite a beautiful film in its style and in particular it's cinematography.