Socrates
Querô Filmes (9/12/2018)
Drama, Queer Themes/Interest
In Collection
#1572
8*
Seen ItYes
(11/27/2020 Dekkoo)
5060265151393
IMDB   6.9
71 mins Brazil / Portuguese
Dekkoo 
Christian Malheiros Socrates
Tales Ordakji Maicon
Caio Martinez Pacheco Chicão
Rosane Paulo Dona
Jayme Rodrigues Robson
Director
Alexandre Moratto
Producer Ramin Bahrani
Alexandre Moratto
Writer/Composer Alexandre Moratto
Thayná Mantesso
Cinematography João Gabriel de Queiroz


After his mother’s sudden death, 15-year-old Socrates must learn how to fend for himself in São Paulo. Unable to collect her ashes without the consent of a legal guardian and with no income to cover the rent for his run-down apartment, Socrates sees no way out. Landing a small construction job, he meets a troubled young man with whom he forms an unlikely connection. But as financial pressures mount, so do Socrates’ burgeoning feelings, leading him to confront the harsh reality of his situation. Co-written, produced and acted by young people from low-income communities in Brazil, Alex Moratto’s directorial debut is a profoundly moving study of grief, determination and acceptance, anchored by an extraordinary breakthrough performance from Christian Malheiros in the title role.
Edition Details
Distributor Peccadillo Pictures
Release Date 2018
No. of Discs/Tapes 1
Personal Details
Purchase Date 11/27/2020
Location Personal Library
Store Amazon
Purchase Price $20.50
Condition New
Order Order# 112-9321589-3109839
Tags coming of age, teen
Links +4/5 Review: Gay Essential [Rich Cline]
+8 Review: QueerGuru "Top 10 Picks at BFI Flare" (Roger Walkerr-Dack March 3rd, 2019)
+4/4 Review: Roger Ebert [Godfrey Cheshire August 09, 2019I ]
IMDB
TheMovieDb.org
References
Lists † Top Ten Picks at London’s BFI FLARE Film Festival (2019)
Festivals & Awards BFI FLARE Film Festival 39 (2019), Frameline 43 (2019)
QueerGuru Rating 8
Rotten Rank 89

Notes
"A gritty, intimate account of a poor teenager’s struggles following the sudden death of his mother, a tale set in a city in coastal Sao Pâolo state, the film in outline can sound like many dramas delving into the hardships of marginalized people. What gives “Socrates” its special distinction are the precision and excellence exhibited in all major areas of its making, from direction, writing, editing and cinematography to the two standout performances by young actors that anchor its drama." [Cheshire]
Several times I was afraid the film was veering off into cliche, but it didn't -- thank you!