Gloria (2013)
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Gloria Movie Review
Gloria is a 2013 Chilean drama film directed by Sebastian Lelio and starring Paulina Garcia. It’s a tremendous movie that is one of the director’s best efforts.
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“If I were a peach, you would be a tree“
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Gloria is 58 and has a large appetite for life. When she meets Rodolfo, she rediscovers the joys of romance, but realizes that her new lover is unable to let go of his past. Sebastian Lelio is a terrific filmmaker, but of his movies only ‘A Fantastic Woman’ was a truly great effort along with this one. Yes, Gloria is his masterpiece as well, a film where he showcased tremendous talent at restrained, thoughtful and subtle filmmaking where he gets the most out of his actors.
The actress in question here is Paulina Garcia. This movie wouldn’t have been nearly as effective had it not been for her tremendous work in the titular role. Gloria is a very well developed protagonist, but it is Garcia who imbued her with so much complexity as he played perfectly every single emotional note. You understand her plight and you feel for her because of the actress herself.
The movie depicts honestly a troubled life of a divorced, single woman and just how difficult life is during that age if you don’t have a partner. Gloria is lost in life, but she also has a huge appetite for one, which led to so many unfortunate decisions that did not pay off for her. The theme of a midlife crisis is potently explored here while the ending was truly remarkable.
Gloria ends with the titular song by Umberto Tozzi. As we see her singing along to the song, the number becomes her own personal anthem. It’s such a positively uplifting, beautiful ending that really stuck with me. Lelio, thus, has a knack at depicting life as it is – difficult and often sad, but with the right mindset and a drive to live, we will all be okay at the end of the day.
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Gloria is technically quite subdued. The cinematography, score and editing are just serviceable while the dialogue is also on the more minimalist side of things. But a lot is said with little here, which was crucial in making you care for the lead heroine. Rodolfo was painted in an overly negative light, butt heir short-lived romance was well realized.
Sebastian Lelio’s Gloria is a masterful drama centering on a very interesting, honestly depicted and superbly performed lead heroine. Paulina Garcia delivered a powerhouse performance in such a well written role. The film deals with midlife crisis in a potent, realistic manner while always empathizing with the plight of the protagonist. The ending where she sings along to the titular song was incredibly uplifting and instantly iconic.
My Rating – 4.5
This is the 7th film in my American Cinema Marathon where I will watch one film from each American country every day. Next up is 🇭🇹.
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