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kelamity1
Reviews
Manito (2002)
powerful drama about the past coming back to haunt the present.
this film is an exceptionally strong story about how difficult it is to transcend the forces of the past, your own, your neighborhood's and your family's. the gritty urban drama uses a handheld camera to create a reality that is never broken or compromised.
the exuberance of this Uptown Manhattan Latino clan is beautifully rendered as they attend the star of the family, Manny's graduation. his older brother, Junior, throws a great party and we sense that this family is on the road to recovering from the dark shadow cast by their former drug dealing father, now estranged.
but Manny's bright future is jeopardized by a tragic incident that forces Junior to turn to the one person he despises above all. Franky G's turn as Junior Moreno, a live wire who negotiates all that life dishes him with charm, brute force, or simple perseverance is amazing.
the climax is stunning and all i can say is this is like Shakespeare in Spanish Harlem. amazing.
a multiple festival award winner: best film at south by southwest, special jury at Sundance, special jury at Miami, this film will grab you on the first frame and hold you until the final subway departs.