Moonlight

THE GIST: The film shows us three different times in the life of the protagonist: as a young boy, a teenage kid, and a grown man. Each life stage comes with its own trials, tribulations, and lessons.

Moonlight was, to the surprise and delight of many, declared Best Picture Oscar winner after La La Land was mistakenly declared the winner back in February 2017. It was an Oscar ceremony ending for the ages.

As much as I loved La La Land, a really lovely musical, Moonlight was more deserving because of the multi-layered story it told, dealing with racism, homosexuality and homophobia, growing up in an environment where drugs are everywhere, and having limited options when looking at one's possible future.

The movie, again very deservedly, also won the Best Screenplay Oscar for Barry Jenkins, who was also nominated for Best Director.

The excellent cast includes Alex R. Hibbert, Janelle Monáe, Naomi Harris, Jaden Piner, Ashton Sanders, Jharrel Jerome, Trevante Rhodes, André Holland, and the great Mahershala Ali, who won his first Oscar for his small but incisive performance here (Best Supporting Actor).

THE BOTTOM LINE: A really good drama that is tough to watch in parts but that nonetheless deserves to be seen. A must watch!

Grade: 9