Moonlight

2016 • 110 minutes

About this movie

A timeless story of human connection and self-discovery, MOONLIGHT chronicles the life of a young black man from childhood to adulthood as he struggles to find his place in the world while growing up in a rough neighborhood of Miami. At once a vital portrait of contemporary African American life and an intensely personal and poetic meditation on identity, family, friendship, and love, MOONLIGHT is a groundbreaking piece of cinema that reverberates with deep compassion and universal truths. Anchored by extraordinary performances from a tremendous ensemble cast, Jenkins’s staggering, singular vision is profoundly moving in its portrayal of the moments, people, and unknowable forces that shape our lives and make us who we are.

Ratings and reviews

You will see scenes that build suspense or tension just to lead nowhere meaningful. You will early on learn about what can possibly be a profound story with huge though provoking effect only to be disappointed at how shallow the end result is. This movies feels like a cheap attempt at getting attention for the sake of film business: the slow motions, classical music and polemic plot. Sounds powerful? Felt like tip toeing. Performances were superb, the shots well done. Other than that, this movies is out for your money, nothing more. I was slightly upset to feel like a great opportunity was not used.

I could appreciate what the film makers were trying to do. But I feel there were so many missed opportunities in this movie, beginning with the Juan character who could have really given so much more to the story. The filming and storytelling style of the movie shave off valuable meaning to the plot for the sake of nuiance. The amazing actors and story can't make up for the misguided attempt to be artsy that gave the whole movie a lifetime movie vibe.

Excellent crafted film with beautiful cinematography, an incredible soundtrack, and wonderfully subdued acting. I wasn't able to get into it and connect as much as I was hoping, but I might just not be the target audience. For that reason, I can't say I was as blown away as many others have been. That being said, it does not hinder me from saying that Moonlight is an incredible movie. 2016 was a great year for films, and it will be a battle between Moonlight and La La Land for Best Picture.