Love Like Moonlight Illuminating Life

The protagonist is Chiron, a boy living with his mother in Miami. At school, he is called 'Little.' Due to his shyness, he is a target for bullying and is teased as a 'faggot,' but only his classmate Kevin is his sole understanding friend. The film depicts his relationships with a father figure named Juan and his lover Teresa, his connection with his drug-addicted mother, and his quietly growing special feelings for Kevin, spanning three periods: childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.



There have been many social films in the past that incorporated issues facing society, such as poverty, neglect, drug problems, bullying, and LGBTQ discrimination. This film, too, portrays the difficulty of escaping one's upbringing as it depicts Chiron's journey, presenting a poignant narrative of struggle. However, the film is praised not solely for raising social issues.

Almost all the characters in this film are of African descent. Unlike previous films in this genre, the visuals, colors, and music are all highly lyrical. In particular, the film has garnered attention for its beautiful depiction of the skin of African people, shining like radiant bronze. From these aspects, it is clear that this film distinguishes itself from so-called 'black films.' Above all, its theme clarifies this. Although it touches upon several serious social issues, at its core lies a surprisingly pure love story.

From the beginning, it is anticipated that a harsh fate awaits Chiron, and one cannot help but wish for him to grow up without incident. Yet, the audience's wishes are in vain, and Chiron's life, like that of many young people from similar backgrounds, veers towards an antisocial path. Just as the audience begins to feel despair, thinking it is perhaps unavoidable, a kind of miracle occurs: a reunion with his friend Kevin, one of his few confidants. From there, the story unfolds into an ending that deeply moves the viewer's heart. It was a conclusion like a single ray of hope, a softly shining moonlight, piercing through the darkness, as if to encourage Chiron, who had once sunk into despair, and us as well.




In this world, sadly, unfortunate events occur daily. Yet, perhaps the reason people do not abandon hope and consider this world worth living in is due to the happy memories they have experienced and the hope born from them. This film asserts the immense power of a single beautiful memory. It leads us to believe that by accumulating as many happy memories—loving memories—with our cherished loved ones as possible, we can confront any hardship. Surely, this is the light aspect of life that the director intended to emphasize. Even if we are about to be engulfed by darkness, or even if we are swallowed by it, positive memories can save you from the darkness; it feels as though the film is conveying just that.


There are also views that the Best Picture win for 'Moonlight' at the Academy Awards was propelled by a movement to blow away the painful realities America faces, such as the 'too white Oscars' issue and the Trump administration's intolerance towards diversity, and I believe that is perfectly fine. Film is a mirror reflecting the times, and an important role of film is to capture the present moment at the perfect time and respond to the needs of the era. This film achieves that magnificently. America, the birthplace of this work, is now facing a crisis of division, and I hope this film can become a force to blow away prejudice based on race, religion, gender, and sexuality.



★★★★☆ A beautifully lyrical visual work. Astonishingly pure love.

'Moonlight'
Now Playing Nationwide
Distributed by Phantom Film
© 2016 A24 Distribution, LLC

http://moonlight-movie.jp/


Jun Makiguchi
After working for Kyodo News, a film festival secretariat, and a magazine publisher, she became an independent writer. She currently writes film columns and interviews focusing on fashion, food, and music in films, as well as lifestyle topics, for women's and men's magazines.

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