The Way He Looks

The Way He Looks is a beautifully diverse romance that bridges the gaps between homosexuality and disability, boasting a powerful storyline with thoughtful performances from the talented young cast. The film is a Brazilian gem directed by the accomplished Daniel Ribeiro and stars Ghilherme Lobo, Fabio Audi, and Tess Amorim.

At the heart of this touching narrative is Leonardo, played by Ghilherme Lobo, a visually impaired teenager eager to break free from the protective wing of his overbearing and overly concerned parents, intent on living an autonomous, independent life. He isn't seeking pity or help, rather, Leonardo yearns for ordinary teenage experiences that he feels are curtailed by his visual impairment. His only ally to navigate through life's challenges is his best friend, Giovana, portrayed by Tess Amorim, who supports him unconditionally, despite her own burgeoning feelings of affection.

The dynamic of this relationship is irrevocably changed when Gabriel, played by Fabio Audi, moves to town. His presence introduces a surge of unexpected emotions that disrupt the status quo between Leonardo and Giovana. As Leonardo and Gabriel's friendship develops, it becomes evident that this new bond holds more than meets the eye.

The plot thickens as budding feelings emerge among the trio, creating a love triangle that challenges each character personally and in relation to each other. The unique angle to this coming-of-age drama is the perspective of a visually impaired protagonist and the exploration of his world of experiences, perceptions, and emotions. This ground breaking tale is a representative of love that transcends societal norms and conventions, an ode to those who brave the road less traveled.

Interweaving cultural elements that highlight the life of a typical Brazilian teenager, the movie breaks new ground by presenting a raw portrayal of radical self-acceptance. It doesn't shy away from the crucial conversations about sexuality, self-discovery, autonomy, and accessibility issues that are usually overlooked. The score of the film, with its Brazilian indie pop music, brings a certain atmospheric dimension, conveying the characters' feelings and propelling the narrative intensely.

This film values authentic representation by casting Ghilherme Lobo, visually impaired in real life, to play Leonardo. This honesty adds a layer of authenticity to the emotions and struggles exhibited by Lobo's character, providing an intimate look into the world of people living with disabilities, destigmatising and normalising their daily quests for independence and acceptance.

Fabio Audi delivers a compelling performance as the compassionate yet complex Gabriel, while Tess Amorim paints a sincere picture of a teenager struggling to balance friendship and unrequited love. The chemistry among the lead trio is believable and profound, and their layered performances effectively tug at the heartstrings of the audience.

The cinematography uniquely depicts the beautiful landscapes and wide-open spaces common to Brazilian culture, juxtaposed with the intimate, enclosed spaces that Leonardo navigates. Scriptwriting is equally strong, with naturalistic dialogue that successfully communicates the mindsets of teenagers, contributing to making their dilemmas universally relatable.

The Way He Looks was not only a commercial and critical success but also an important social document that broke barriers in the depiction of queer love and disabilities on the big screen. It was Brazil's official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 87th Academy Awards in 2014. The film also became an international indie darling taking home the Teddy Award for 'Best Feature Film' at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival.

The Way He Looks, in essence, is a potent reminder of the importance of seeing beyond disabilities and sexual orientation to the core of a person. It implores us to acknowledge and appreciate individuals for who they are and highlights the struggles and triumphs that are an integral part of this journey. It is a tender, emotionally rich film that, while exploring the theme of first love, also poignantly addresses themes of independence, friendship, and acceptance. It is a film that audiences won't easily forget.