This film portraits the daily life of Gloria, an average Chilean divorced 50-something woman. The plot as such may not seem exciting or innovative at first but the character of Gloria makes up for it all. We are invited to share the way Gloria confronts different situations in her life, and we are blown away by her passion, sense of humor and independence. It may be telling that even several days after watching the film I find myself thinking about Gloria and smiling. An honest portrait that runs smoothly thanks the superb acting of the main character and the right combination of scenery and soundtrack. Highly recommended.
40 Reviews
An honest and intense portrait of a real woman, superbly interpreted
yris200228 October 2013
It is rare to find female portraits of real women, with all their imperfections, vulnerabilities, as well as their strength and courage. I have seen many movies trying to represent the female universe, but "Gloria" is in my opinion one of the most accurate, honest, real I have ever seen. In his picture there's not a single cliché , or pathetic, or melodramatic moment and the merit is to be given to Paulina Garcià who proves superb, she does not represent , she is a real woman, as if she were not playing. She offers such a variety of expressions, gestures , evidence of a great talent, her moments of joy are as intense as her down ones, proving always so charismatic and real. In the end we stay disarmed in front of this woman, who lives her sometimes desperate search for life in front of us, and we cannot but sympathize, smile, cry and feel with her. But her merit is shared by the director, quite significantly a man, and a young man, surprisingly capable of offering a very sensitive and mature view of the female world, and an equally honest view of a rather miserable male universe.
Life goes on
ferguson-69 February 2014
Greetings again from the darkness. One of my favorite comparison points with non-U.S. films is to imagine how Hollywood might take the same story and twist it for mass appeal. It's pretty easy to imagine this one as a flat-out comedy with Diane Keaton or Goldie Hawn in the lead. Chilean writer/director Sebastian Lelio takes a much more interesting approach giving us a real world perspective on a divorced middle-aged woman seeking companionship and emotional fulfillment.
Paulina Garcia plays Gloria, a professional woman who embraces the free-spirited lifestyle that being long divorced allows. She has two adult children who are doing just fine in life, and a neighbor with noisy habits and a bothersome hairless cat. Gloria enjoys singing outloud to the car radio, and drinking and dancing at a local nightclub while maintaining hope that a worthy life companion is still in the cards. In other words, she is neither superwoman nor emotional train wreck. And thanks to the exceptional talents of Ms. Garcia, we are drawn to Gloria and care what happens.
We witness Gloria's flirtatious glances across the dance floor to Rodolfo (Sergio Hernandez). We next witness a middle-aged bedroom encounter that doesn't take advantage of the body-double directory. Once the girdle is removed (his), the two adults enjoy the moment, while vividly reminding us that all actors (and certainly all people) don't look like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Companionship has always been based on emotions, not aesthetics ... despite Hollywood's efforts to prove otherwise.
One of the more interesting aspects of following the relationship between Rodolfo and Gloria is that, in life, we all carry baggage. Sometimes our own baggage is easier to deal with than that of others. The birthday party for Gloria's son and the ongoing crisis with Rodolfo's ex-wife and daughters convey just how difficult it can be to recognize the effects of such scenarios.
The class of this sub-genre is the 1978 film "An Unmarried Woman" with Jill Clayburgh. Of course, in that one, Ms. Clayburgh was significantly younger than the Gloria character here. Still, some of the obstacles are similar and both feature terrific lead performances from actresses. The role of music in Gloria's life is especially poignant. At one party, there is a wonderful duet of "Aquas de Marco" (Waters of March) originally written by Antonio Carlos (Tom) Jobim. The song and the movie are about the daily progressions of life. The ending is especially spot on thanks to the original version of "Gloria" by Umberto Tozzi (re-made in the U.S. by Laura Branigan).
It's quite easy to view this story through Gloria's eyes and fully understand her "grow some" comment. However, for a different perspective, try looking at things through Rodolfo's eyes. Maybe Gloria is a bit more self-centered than what she appears at first glance. There are a couple of scenes ... the mirror and the peacock ... that hint at this same ideal. This appears to be Mr. Lelio's way of telling us that life is just not that simple and that we all have defense mechanisms that impact how we are perceived by others. It's just not as clear-cut as the initial reaction.
Paulina Garcia plays Gloria, a professional woman who embraces the free-spirited lifestyle that being long divorced allows. She has two adult children who are doing just fine in life, and a neighbor with noisy habits and a bothersome hairless cat. Gloria enjoys singing outloud to the car radio, and drinking and dancing at a local nightclub while maintaining hope that a worthy life companion is still in the cards. In other words, she is neither superwoman nor emotional train wreck. And thanks to the exceptional talents of Ms. Garcia, we are drawn to Gloria and care what happens.
We witness Gloria's flirtatious glances across the dance floor to Rodolfo (Sergio Hernandez). We next witness a middle-aged bedroom encounter that doesn't take advantage of the body-double directory. Once the girdle is removed (his), the two adults enjoy the moment, while vividly reminding us that all actors (and certainly all people) don't look like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Companionship has always been based on emotions, not aesthetics ... despite Hollywood's efforts to prove otherwise.
One of the more interesting aspects of following the relationship between Rodolfo and Gloria is that, in life, we all carry baggage. Sometimes our own baggage is easier to deal with than that of others. The birthday party for Gloria's son and the ongoing crisis with Rodolfo's ex-wife and daughters convey just how difficult it can be to recognize the effects of such scenarios.
The class of this sub-genre is the 1978 film "An Unmarried Woman" with Jill Clayburgh. Of course, in that one, Ms. Clayburgh was significantly younger than the Gloria character here. Still, some of the obstacles are similar and both feature terrific lead performances from actresses. The role of music in Gloria's life is especially poignant. At one party, there is a wonderful duet of "Aquas de Marco" (Waters of March) originally written by Antonio Carlos (Tom) Jobim. The song and the movie are about the daily progressions of life. The ending is especially spot on thanks to the original version of "Gloria" by Umberto Tozzi (re-made in the U.S. by Laura Branigan).
It's quite easy to view this story through Gloria's eyes and fully understand her "grow some" comment. However, for a different perspective, try looking at things through Rodolfo's eyes. Maybe Gloria is a bit more self-centered than what she appears at first glance. There are a couple of scenes ... the mirror and the peacock ... that hint at this same ideal. This appears to be Mr. Lelio's way of telling us that life is just not that simple and that we all have defense mechanisms that impact how we are perceived by others. It's just not as clear-cut as the initial reaction.
Thoughtful and touching portrayal of a middle-aged divorced woman trying to find where she fits in life.
connie_huante30 May 2014
I saw this film on a fluke last night and found it surprisingly enjoyable. I thought Paulina Garcia was excellent in her portrayal of the middle- aged, divorced "Gloria" attempting to find herself now that her kids are grown and have lives of their own. Her "romantic" encounter is pretty heartbreaking and realistically portrayed. I thought the film was a great character analysis of the challenges that the new "golden aged" generation in many Western countries deal with; a bit of isolation (as kids grow and start their own families), conflicting loyalties to lovers versus family (for those that are divorced), commitment to work, finding how to fit in as older adults, in a youthful and rapidly changing society.
Paulina Garcia is Mesmerizing
larrys33 May 2014
After reading many glowing reviews of this film, I had quite high expectations. In truth, I was ready to toss those high hopes out the window, as the film seemed to be more and more difficult to watch as an exercise in sadness. However, after thinking about it and being blown away by the last 20 minutes of the movie, I came down on the side that it was an inspiring and powerful experience.
Paulina Garcia, as Gloria, is magnificent and mesmerizing here as an attractive but terribly lonely middle-aged Chilean woman, who frequents some of the local dance clubs. It's here that one night she meets Rodolfo, who is very strongly portrayed by Sergio Hernandez. They're immediately attracted to each other and quickly begin a relationship.
Unfortunately, Rodolfo turns out to be a rather despicable character, who's more interested in being completely enmeshed and co-dependent with his ex-wife and their two daughters, than in developing an adult relationship with Gloria. Even though Gloria sees the "handwriting on the wall" she has to decide whether she will succumb to this hurtful environment or return to her lonely existence.
I thought this movie, directed and co-written ( with Gonzalo Maza) by Chilean filmmaker Sebastian Lelio, lost its' way at times and became difficult to watch. Also, I thought the explicit sex scenes and graphic nudity seemed to be more often done for effect than anything else.
However, Garcia's incredible performance proved to be the key for me here, as her portrayal of Gloria gave me a strong feeling of her bravery and this movie has been one I've thought about well after it was over.
Paulina Garcia, as Gloria, is magnificent and mesmerizing here as an attractive but terribly lonely middle-aged Chilean woman, who frequents some of the local dance clubs. It's here that one night she meets Rodolfo, who is very strongly portrayed by Sergio Hernandez. They're immediately attracted to each other and quickly begin a relationship.
Unfortunately, Rodolfo turns out to be a rather despicable character, who's more interested in being completely enmeshed and co-dependent with his ex-wife and their two daughters, than in developing an adult relationship with Gloria. Even though Gloria sees the "handwriting on the wall" she has to decide whether she will succumb to this hurtful environment or return to her lonely existence.
I thought this movie, directed and co-written ( with Gonzalo Maza) by Chilean filmmaker Sebastian Lelio, lost its' way at times and became difficult to watch. Also, I thought the explicit sex scenes and graphic nudity seemed to be more often done for effect than anything else.
However, Garcia's incredible performance proved to be the key for me here, as her portrayal of Gloria gave me a strong feeling of her bravery and this movie has been one I've thought about well after it was over.
Superb drama held together by the leading lady and director
A_Llama_Drama3 November 2013
"Gloria" is one of those rare films; a female lead film that doesn't deal in hysterics or cattiness. The eponymous heroine dives into life and all its glories and miseries with such gusto that it's impossible not to be swept away with her.
After 12 years of being single and dancing in single bars with men in their 60s, Gloria meets a nervous but lovely and loving man, Rodolpho. He's recently divorced and still largely involved in the lives of his ex-wife and their two daughters. Can Gloria, who's children are fiercely independent and whose only real relationship seems to be with her maid, overlook this gentleman's problems and find happiness? Paulina Garcia is so candid in her acting that at times I was just completely shocked by her realistic approach. Gloria wasn't a parody or morality tale, she was a woman. And a woman a lot like my mum. Having been single for so long and having built a life for herself, she struggled to let this man with his weaknesses into her life. Her scenes with Rodolpho and on her own contrasted so shockingly.
At times sad and at times happy but never melodramatic or hysterical, "Gloria" took a mature and beautiful approach to life after 50. The nuances and psychological differences between Gloria and Rodolpho were prevalent but never overplayed or preached to the audience. Her scenes between her children and her highlighted her role in their lives - she was free of their dependency and, although Rodolpho seemed desperate to have that in his life, Gloria was desperate to be more a part of theirs. The one scene in which both children are together at a birthday party with Gloria and Rodolpho gives the audience so much. Needless to say, the tension and energy created when Rodolpho comes face to face with the competitors for her affection is incredible and destructive and so very, very real. The beautiful photography around the dinner table creates a visual feast of anxiety, jealousy, love and pride.
I went to watch this film with my mum. That was slightly awkward. The film contains some serious sex scenes between two middle aged people entering old age. The degree of passion present in them also took me aback. I started to look at my mum a bit differently after this film...
Finally, you probably won't see a more euphoric end to a film. When Gloria gets up to dance to the disco stormer of the 80s named after her, you'll be hard pressed not to join in.
Quite possibly the most fun I've had at the cinema in a long time.
After 12 years of being single and dancing in single bars with men in their 60s, Gloria meets a nervous but lovely and loving man, Rodolpho. He's recently divorced and still largely involved in the lives of his ex-wife and their two daughters. Can Gloria, who's children are fiercely independent and whose only real relationship seems to be with her maid, overlook this gentleman's problems and find happiness? Paulina Garcia is so candid in her acting that at times I was just completely shocked by her realistic approach. Gloria wasn't a parody or morality tale, she was a woman. And a woman a lot like my mum. Having been single for so long and having built a life for herself, she struggled to let this man with his weaknesses into her life. Her scenes with Rodolpho and on her own contrasted so shockingly.
At times sad and at times happy but never melodramatic or hysterical, "Gloria" took a mature and beautiful approach to life after 50. The nuances and psychological differences between Gloria and Rodolpho were prevalent but never overplayed or preached to the audience. Her scenes between her children and her highlighted her role in their lives - she was free of their dependency and, although Rodolpho seemed desperate to have that in his life, Gloria was desperate to be more a part of theirs. The one scene in which both children are together at a birthday party with Gloria and Rodolpho gives the audience so much. Needless to say, the tension and energy created when Rodolpho comes face to face with the competitors for her affection is incredible and destructive and so very, very real. The beautiful photography around the dinner table creates a visual feast of anxiety, jealousy, love and pride.
I went to watch this film with my mum. That was slightly awkward. The film contains some serious sex scenes between two middle aged people entering old age. The degree of passion present in them also took me aback. I started to look at my mum a bit differently after this film...
Finally, you probably won't see a more euphoric end to a film. When Gloria gets up to dance to the disco stormer of the 80s named after her, you'll be hard pressed not to join in.
Quite possibly the most fun I've had at the cinema in a long time.
Life After Divorce
sol-17 January 2016
Not the Gena Rowlands movie, but a very different sort of drama, this Chilean film revolves around divorced middle aged woman and her attempts to hold a steady relationship with a divorced theme park owner. Lead actress Paulina García has received much acclaim for her performance and she certainly plays a lady in her fifties as rarely seen on film; she is free-spirited, impulsive and very sexually active. Her desire not to be alone is potent, as is her ambition to go out and meet people every night as she refuses to sit idly by. Sergio Hernández as her new love interest gives the stronger performance though; as a more recent divorcée, he is still adjusting to single life and his reluctance to tell his grown children about his new girlfriend, lest he be called a "silly old man", resonates. His family life is curiously the opposite of hers as his children and ex-wife still heavily rely on him, while García has to remind her kids to call her. Whatever the case, their differences lead to some rifts and what does not balance in the film's favour is how Hernández comes off as the more likable character. García is too ready to blame him for everything that goes wrong, rarely looking inside herself and how she is the cause of some of their problems. Add an awkward, inconclusive ending into the mix and slow pacing throughout, and 'Gloria' becomes a hard film to recommend. Certainly the film has some truths to offer about fears of being alone, the inability to distance oneself from one's family and clinging onto the past, but one's mileage is likely to vary depending on how much one takes to the main character.
C'est magnifique, mais ce n'est pas l'amour!
flickernatic4 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Divorced for more than a decade and with adult children who now have their own lives, Gloria seeks a new relationship in late middle-age. At a dancing club she meets Rodolfo, a man in similar circumstances to herself - except, crucially, that he has only been divorced for a year. Gloria and Rodolfo develop an intense and passionate relationship, but before long they discover that passion alone is not enough to ensure a smooth and certain passage from the foothills of desire to the summit of enduring love. Mundane reality, in the form of emotional commitments to children and former spouses that cannot be ignored, intrudes on their idyll. For all their attraction to each other they are unable to weather the consequent storms.
As a divorced person myself, I was well able to identify with the situation Gloria and Rodolfo find themselves in. So it was intensely sad to see their relationship fail largely through a lack of ability to truly empathise with each other's positions. As Rodolfo says, they really did have something special, perhaps something that will never come again to either of them. If only they had not abandoned it so readily . . .!
Paulina Garcia, as Gloria, and Sergio Hernandez, as Rodolfo, give outstanding performances, including some difficult and highly explicit sex scenes. How good to show older people as fully sexual beings rather than as an odd species of neuters for once! And how courageous of these actors to carry it off.
So this is a highly watchable movie that explores the nature of love in an era of multiple impermanent relationships. It is not always comfortable to watch but can still be thoroughly recommended.
(Viewed at Screen 2, The Cornerhouse, Manchester, UK, 1st November 2013)
As a divorced person myself, I was well able to identify with the situation Gloria and Rodolfo find themselves in. So it was intensely sad to see their relationship fail largely through a lack of ability to truly empathise with each other's positions. As Rodolfo says, they really did have something special, perhaps something that will never come again to either of them. If only they had not abandoned it so readily . . .!
Paulina Garcia, as Gloria, and Sergio Hernandez, as Rodolfo, give outstanding performances, including some difficult and highly explicit sex scenes. How good to show older people as fully sexual beings rather than as an odd species of neuters for once! And how courageous of these actors to carry it off.
So this is a highly watchable movie that explores the nature of love in an era of multiple impermanent relationships. It is not always comfortable to watch but can still be thoroughly recommended.
(Viewed at Screen 2, The Cornerhouse, Manchester, UK, 1st November 2013)
older sexual romance
SnoopyStyle29 March 2015
Gloria Cumplido (Paulina García) is a 58-year-old divorcée. She's generally friendly but deeply lonely. She does yoga. She goes to a dance club for older folks. She meets Rodolfo Fernández (Sergio Hernández) and immediately gets into a passionate sexual relationship. He refuses to let her meet his family. At her son's birthday dinner, he sneaks out without telling her. She is devastated and breaks up with him. She's diagnosed with glaucoma. She eventually tries again with Rodolfo but this time, he walks out on her at a restaurant while on vacation.
The most compelling aspect of this movie is that old people get naked and have single people sex. I guess that's unusual in the movie world. Gloria has a compelling long road of self discovery in this movie. Paulina García plays it a little too understated for my taste. I would have liked her to be more explosive and more urgent. The movie is generally slow and quiet. There are some sly humor but nothing that is laugh worthy. Also what's the deal with Rodolfo? It's the most confounding weird idiocy that he keeps walking out on her. If I was her, I would be wondering if he's delirious or suffered a head injury. I just don't get Rodolfo.
The most compelling aspect of this movie is that old people get naked and have single people sex. I guess that's unusual in the movie world. Gloria has a compelling long road of self discovery in this movie. Paulina García plays it a little too understated for my taste. I would have liked her to be more explosive and more urgent. The movie is generally slow and quiet. There are some sly humor but nothing that is laugh worthy. Also what's the deal with Rodolfo? It's the most confounding weird idiocy that he keeps walking out on her. If I was her, I would be wondering if he's delirious or suffered a head injury. I just don't get Rodolfo.
Desperate try to win festivals
lostpopkiller8 February 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Well, I don't really feel comfortable writing about this, normally even when the movie I'm watching is, to put it on words, horrible, I try to watch it until the last credit. This was an exception, I really hate the way the Director put the camera, all the time was a hand-held cam with a telephoto lens, with a short depth of field. Almost always in the frame was the main character, she is kinda good actress but she's not really giving anything to see, we are only seeing her face, the actions can't talk about the character. You can't see anything of the space they are acting, or see the things that are intentionally placed in the foreground, not even the background clearly in any scene. You'll never know where the other characters are placed, it's full of over-shoulders and over-objects that only gives a visually monotony and a very cheap- trick to get an introspective film about talking-heads. Introspective plus no conflict at all, soft soap opera drama and unnecessary sex scenes. But, now you know, that's the way you can get a Silver Bear for an actress.
Post-divorce "joie de vivre", Chilean style
paul-allaer1 March 2014
"Gloria" (2013 release from Chile; 100 min.) brings the story of Gloria (played by Paulina Garcia), a fifty-something divorced woman. As the movie opens, we find Gloria in a dance club with Donna Summer's "I Feel Love" blasting away. Gloria is alone, but certainly not lonely. She loves to dance, and she attracts the attention of others. Pretty soon, Gloria makes the acquaintance of Rodolfo, a sixty-something who is also divorced, yet emotionally still close to his ex-wife and even more so his two grown daughters. Meanwhile, we get to also know Gloria's grown kids: her son Pedro is taking care of a new baby, and her daughter Ana is involved with her boyfriend from Sweden. To tell you much more would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.
Several comments: first, this is one great 'little' movie about the free-spirited Gloria. One can't help but marvel at the "joie de vivre" which Gloria lives by, even if things are not always easy or don't always go her way. Second, what can you say about the towering performance from Paulina Garcia in the title role! She is in virtually every frame of the movie, and she will blow you away. She brings a daring performance on every level. Co-star Sergio Hernandez as romantic interest Rodolfo is pretty good too. Beware: there are a number of nude scenes between these two, which may make uncomfortable viewing for some. I must say that I am surprised--and disappointed--that Paulina Garcia, who has won a number of international prizes for this performance (including "Best Actress" at the 2013 Berlin Film Festival, where this movie premiered), did not even get nominated for a Best Actress Oscar. Third, there are a couple of key scenes in the movie that will stay with you, none better in my opinion than the awkward family reunion on Pedro's birthday, with Gloria's ex-husband and his new wife, and Gloria introducing Rodolfo to her family for the first time. Just watch what happens. Last but not least: there is a ton of great music in the movie, including of course Umberto Tozzi's late 70s classic "Gloria" (Laura Branigan's cover version a few years later became a monster hit in the US).
This movie reminded me of the 1978 classic "An Unmarried Woman" starring Jill Clayburgh (I think she even won the Best Actress Oscar for this). Certainly these two movies are similar in spirit, if nothing else. "Gloria" opened last weekend at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati, and when I went to see it this weekend, the matinée screening was surprisingly well attended, which is great news. If you are in the mood for a top-notch foreign movie with stellar performances, you cannot go wrong with this. "Gloria" is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Several comments: first, this is one great 'little' movie about the free-spirited Gloria. One can't help but marvel at the "joie de vivre" which Gloria lives by, even if things are not always easy or don't always go her way. Second, what can you say about the towering performance from Paulina Garcia in the title role! She is in virtually every frame of the movie, and she will blow you away. She brings a daring performance on every level. Co-star Sergio Hernandez as romantic interest Rodolfo is pretty good too. Beware: there are a number of nude scenes between these two, which may make uncomfortable viewing for some. I must say that I am surprised--and disappointed--that Paulina Garcia, who has won a number of international prizes for this performance (including "Best Actress" at the 2013 Berlin Film Festival, where this movie premiered), did not even get nominated for a Best Actress Oscar. Third, there are a couple of key scenes in the movie that will stay with you, none better in my opinion than the awkward family reunion on Pedro's birthday, with Gloria's ex-husband and his new wife, and Gloria introducing Rodolfo to her family for the first time. Just watch what happens. Last but not least: there is a ton of great music in the movie, including of course Umberto Tozzi's late 70s classic "Gloria" (Laura Branigan's cover version a few years later became a monster hit in the US).
This movie reminded me of the 1978 classic "An Unmarried Woman" starring Jill Clayburgh (I think she even won the Best Actress Oscar for this). Certainly these two movies are similar in spirit, if nothing else. "Gloria" opened last weekend at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati, and when I went to see it this weekend, the matinée screening was surprisingly well attended, which is great news. If you are in the mood for a top-notch foreign movie with stellar performances, you cannot go wrong with this. "Gloria" is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
True but boring
pamma0925 March 2014
I was enticed by the previews I had seen in Feb. - really wanted to see this movie. The good things - true portrayal of a lonely divorced woman seeking companionship and sex. A man who is looking for a caring woman but at the same time he is so tied with his family and not free to have a real relationship. the diagnosis of glaucoma did nothing for the movie except provide a reason for the eye drop scenes. The presentation of sex between the main characters was refreshing since it was real - and no body doubles. Cons: boring - slow - little joy - smoking (i know this is a foreign film but I really do not like smoking). I thought there would be more fun in this movie - mislead by the previews. However the scene towards the end where she returns his paint ball guns was priceless. I was disappointed by the film even thought it was true to life. It was not that entertaining.
Bland, boring, with no redeeming elements
stephenchristianross22 February 2014
The movie demands over one hour of your patience following flat, one-dimensional characters who can't manage complicated dialog as they engage in various boring vices. The audience is expected to take that as a resurgence of youth, life, and vitality. Whoever wrote the script on this one failed to understand that random sexual encounters differ from passion. Seeking sex does not equate with seeking love. And, a divorced woman is no more a heroine than a divorced man, based solely on a divorce which, in itself, constitutes yet another banal failure of love, not the triumph thereof. The expressionless visage of the movie's heroine for the duration of the show should reveal to even the most casual viewer that there is no "glory" in Gloria. When I pay for a theater admission, I expect to derive some measure of delight for that investment. Tonight, I was sorely disappointed. Finally, I cannot fathom the response of professional movie critics to this flavorless, colorless, and all around disappointing film. If a film becomes more sophisticated as the amount of enjoyment the viewer can derives decreases, then this one is first class. Otherwise, my review is on the mark.
First Chilean film I have seen, and pretty good
willcundallreview11 August 2014
Gloria is a comedy drama that has a deep emotional level running right through it, and also a great advertisement for Chilean film. With a strong lead performance(winning awards in the process), and writing and directing not seen in the mainstream, of course until now, Gloria is just a strange celebration of life but also shows what some go through even when they live fairly well. I felt it was strongly a pretty good movie, and here below is why so.
The story as said is a deep level of personal emotion and delves straight into the life of Gloria, the whole story basically revolves around her and her day to day life but also her love life and all that comes with it. At times it can be a little funny if not quite dark humour actually, the funniest parts I would say are toward the end and you will see why but this movie never tries to make you laugh, just watch in wonder at Gloria's life.
Paulina Garcia as Gloria is very good, I can see just why she won many accolades for her performance and she commands the role in a graceful yet oddly powerful way. I also enjoyed Sergio Hernandez as Rodolfo, he as well as Garcia commands his character and so when you think back on who gave a great performance, these two really stick out. I liked the way it didn't need massive names to attract attention, it never wanted it but I can see why it got it(and it's good attention).
Sebastian Lelio directs and co writes this with a fair bit of ease and even when the film can seem slow and arduous, he comes up with something to bring more life to it, it's as if he kills and then straight away brings back to life. Sometimes it could be said due to the subtitles that it is hard for the emotion to fully come across, I did feel it just a little but by the end you should be at the same level of emotion as the characters involved.
My main criticism is it's dull parts, to a hardened critic of straight drama and art house international type work this will seem a walk in the park but for me it has those slightly duller moments which all together, affect the movies score. When you finish you may feel as if "I didn't enjoy that too much but there isn't much to poke holes at" and it is true, very little is wrong other than occasional dullness.
If you think this is a Romcom then think again, it isn't about the romance as it is about Gloria struggling to find everything she wants and what she has to deal with day to day. It is a good piece of international work and receiver of many nominations, so if you are looking for a kind of indie made award winner then here you have it.
Overall it is Fairly Good and although I didn't think it was just Good, it is very close to being so. I will add that this film is well timed, doesn't overstay it's welcome and lets you enjoy what is has to offer. Maybe the word enjoy is not the word to connect this movie and the audience, a critique for the audience is what it is, showing as previously said many times now, a snapshot of Gloria's life and what she has,wants and gets, just a pretty good drama piece.
The story as said is a deep level of personal emotion and delves straight into the life of Gloria, the whole story basically revolves around her and her day to day life but also her love life and all that comes with it. At times it can be a little funny if not quite dark humour actually, the funniest parts I would say are toward the end and you will see why but this movie never tries to make you laugh, just watch in wonder at Gloria's life.
Paulina Garcia as Gloria is very good, I can see just why she won many accolades for her performance and she commands the role in a graceful yet oddly powerful way. I also enjoyed Sergio Hernandez as Rodolfo, he as well as Garcia commands his character and so when you think back on who gave a great performance, these two really stick out. I liked the way it didn't need massive names to attract attention, it never wanted it but I can see why it got it(and it's good attention).
Sebastian Lelio directs and co writes this with a fair bit of ease and even when the film can seem slow and arduous, he comes up with something to bring more life to it, it's as if he kills and then straight away brings back to life. Sometimes it could be said due to the subtitles that it is hard for the emotion to fully come across, I did feel it just a little but by the end you should be at the same level of emotion as the characters involved.
My main criticism is it's dull parts, to a hardened critic of straight drama and art house international type work this will seem a walk in the park but for me it has those slightly duller moments which all together, affect the movies score. When you finish you may feel as if "I didn't enjoy that too much but there isn't much to poke holes at" and it is true, very little is wrong other than occasional dullness.
If you think this is a Romcom then think again, it isn't about the romance as it is about Gloria struggling to find everything she wants and what she has to deal with day to day. It is a good piece of international work and receiver of many nominations, so if you are looking for a kind of indie made award winner then here you have it.
Overall it is Fairly Good and although I didn't think it was just Good, it is very close to being so. I will add that this film is well timed, doesn't overstay it's welcome and lets you enjoy what is has to offer. Maybe the word enjoy is not the word to connect this movie and the audience, a critique for the audience is what it is, showing as previously said many times now, a snapshot of Gloria's life and what she has,wants and gets, just a pretty good drama piece.
Superb Garcia performance saves slow-paced, bittersweet tale of middle-aged survivor in doomed relationship
Turfseer8 February 2014
Warning: Spoilers
As a middle-aged person myself, I went to see 'Gloria' with a slight bit of trepidation, as I feared a film about a middle-aged protagonist might just end up being what middle-aged life is for many middle-aged people: mundane. And 'Gloria' does not disappoint on that score. It's a film that reeks of real-life--although utterly believable, most notably for the performance of the lead actor, Paulina Garcia, who plays the title role. Garcia is excellent as the 58 year old divorcée, who is not willing to accept the idea that middle-age is one step away from retirement and the old age home.
Gloria still works at a regular office job but yearns for excitement during her non-working hours. She frequents a nightclub where she likes to drink and dance and hit on men around her own age. She visits her married son and frets over her daughter, who is planning to move to Sweden after getting pregnant with a man over there. She also must put up with a crazy neighbor who constantly keeps her up during the evening with screaming fits, and is unable to keep his cat at bay, who keeps wandering into Gloria's apartment.
The 'Gloria' plot is a bit thin and designed to be somewhat amusing, but doesn't quite hit the mark. One night at the nightclub, Gloria meets Rodolfo, a middle-aged man who is recently divorced from his dependent and overbearing wife, and enters into a relationship with him. It turns out that Rodolfo is still too attached to both his ex-wife and two daughters and on two occasions, one a visit to Gloria's family at her son's place and on another, a vacation to a casino resort, Rodolfo deserts Gloria and disappears, only then to call her a day later, not to beg for forgiveness, but only to get her to understand why he still needs to attend to his family.
That's it in a nutshell and by the time Gloria dispenses with Rodolfo for good at the film's climax, there's a sense that these machinations have gone on a little too long. 'Gloria' is a little too much like real life and perhaps not dramatic enough to sustain our interest the entire way. Nonetheless, if one is willing to put up with the slow pacing and cinema-verité approach, the acting by Ms. Garcia is enough to keep one glued to the screen. Here is honesty and depth of passion all combined into one, proving that one doesn't give up during middle-age, despite all the bittersweet setbacks.
Gloria still works at a regular office job but yearns for excitement during her non-working hours. She frequents a nightclub where she likes to drink and dance and hit on men around her own age. She visits her married son and frets over her daughter, who is planning to move to Sweden after getting pregnant with a man over there. She also must put up with a crazy neighbor who constantly keeps her up during the evening with screaming fits, and is unable to keep his cat at bay, who keeps wandering into Gloria's apartment.
The 'Gloria' plot is a bit thin and designed to be somewhat amusing, but doesn't quite hit the mark. One night at the nightclub, Gloria meets Rodolfo, a middle-aged man who is recently divorced from his dependent and overbearing wife, and enters into a relationship with him. It turns out that Rodolfo is still too attached to both his ex-wife and two daughters and on two occasions, one a visit to Gloria's family at her son's place and on another, a vacation to a casino resort, Rodolfo deserts Gloria and disappears, only then to call her a day later, not to beg for forgiveness, but only to get her to understand why he still needs to attend to his family.
That's it in a nutshell and by the time Gloria dispenses with Rodolfo for good at the film's climax, there's a sense that these machinations have gone on a little too long. 'Gloria' is a little too much like real life and perhaps not dramatic enough to sustain our interest the entire way. Nonetheless, if one is willing to put up with the slow pacing and cinema-verité approach, the acting by Ms. Garcia is enough to keep one glued to the screen. Here is honesty and depth of passion all combined into one, proving that one doesn't give up during middle-age, despite all the bittersweet setbacks.
50-ish woman reaffirms her independence
maurice_yacowar18 February 2014
Warning: Spoilers
In Sebastian Lelio's Gloria the heroine is a fiftyish Chilean divorcée who has an indomitable sense of life, self and joy. At first Gloria (Pauline Garcio) is out dancing, looking for a man, and she attracts a recent divorcée with her look of radiant joy. The film closes on her exuberant self-celebration at a friend's wedding, where everyone sings and dances to the song "Gloria." The difference is that here she declines a younger man's invitation to dance and instead goes in to dance by herself in the crowd.
What happens between those dances is her experience with a rather nice man who is quite her opposite. Where her grown children never call her, Rodolfo's (Sergio Hernandez) two daughters constantly interrupt him with their demands. Yet they neglected him entirely when he had weight-reduction surgery. That surgery liberated Rodolfo physically but he lags behind Gloria in internal freedom. Where Gloria and her children are healthily independent, his ex-wife and their two daughters are completely dependent upon him financially and emotionally — and he seems dependent upon their dependency. "Grow a pair," Gloria sensibly admonishes him.
Rodolfo abandons Gloria at her son's birthday party inexcusably but understandably: she focuses entirely on her family, not her guest, when she brings him, insensitive to his reliance on the only person there he knows. It's as if she has no sense of such needs. His second abandonment — at an expensive hotel — introduces her to neediness, as she has to call on an older woman friend to bail her out.
Gloria is a remarkable heroine because of her her resilience, her resolve to enjoy herself and her life. Her solidity contrasts to the agonized younger man in the apartment upstairs. To his credit, as Gloria Lelio cast an actor who is not the usual film beauty; indeed she shows the increasing effects of age. The sex scenes are lyrical but clear-eyed, refusing to hide or romanticize the sagging sallow flesh. As an extension of this self-acceptance the film features two starkly white animals, a furless cat and an albino peacock. Gloria comes to accept the eerie cat and takes heart from contemplating the freakish peacock, finding in them a reflection of her own outsider's nature. All three are suis generis.
Gloria's personal revolution plays against a political one in Chile. Post-Pinochet the young revolutionaries reject the new society's materialism and greed. They find their country a simulacrum of a culture, not one based on valid values. In parallel liberations they reaffirm their national self and Gloria affirms her own.
What happens between those dances is her experience with a rather nice man who is quite her opposite. Where her grown children never call her, Rodolfo's (Sergio Hernandez) two daughters constantly interrupt him with their demands. Yet they neglected him entirely when he had weight-reduction surgery. That surgery liberated Rodolfo physically but he lags behind Gloria in internal freedom. Where Gloria and her children are healthily independent, his ex-wife and their two daughters are completely dependent upon him financially and emotionally — and he seems dependent upon their dependency. "Grow a pair," Gloria sensibly admonishes him.
Rodolfo abandons Gloria at her son's birthday party inexcusably but understandably: she focuses entirely on her family, not her guest, when she brings him, insensitive to his reliance on the only person there he knows. It's as if she has no sense of such needs. His second abandonment — at an expensive hotel — introduces her to neediness, as she has to call on an older woman friend to bail her out.
Gloria is a remarkable heroine because of her her resilience, her resolve to enjoy herself and her life. Her solidity contrasts to the agonized younger man in the apartment upstairs. To his credit, as Gloria Lelio cast an actor who is not the usual film beauty; indeed she shows the increasing effects of age. The sex scenes are lyrical but clear-eyed, refusing to hide or romanticize the sagging sallow flesh. As an extension of this self-acceptance the film features two starkly white animals, a furless cat and an albino peacock. Gloria comes to accept the eerie cat and takes heart from contemplating the freakish peacock, finding in them a reflection of her own outsider's nature. All three are suis generis.
Gloria's personal revolution plays against a political one in Chile. Post-Pinochet the young revolutionaries reject the new society's materialism and greed. They find their country a simulacrum of a culture, not one based on valid values. In parallel liberations they reaffirm their national self and Gloria affirms her own.
Truth over story
paul2001sw-131 July 2016
Sebastien Lelio's film 'Gloria' tells the story of a middle-aged divorcée, increasingly feeling herself a bit part in other people's lives. So she decides to go dating, and does so with gusto, rediscovers her sexual side, and after eventually being let down by a man, recovers her zim by exacting a revenge. The film has strengths: showing the sex life of someone who doesn't look like a movie star, and nicely capturing the its protagonist's lust for life made fragile by her underlying fears of old age and redundancy. And yet ultimately there's not a lot of significance here. It never feels as if Gloria's new partner is ever going to be more than a bit of fun for her; when it turns out to be less fun than she expected, that's a shame, but hardly a tragedy. There's certainly a measure of truth in the story; but a bit more story in the story wouldn't have hurt.
Gloria is a "force of nature"
howard.schumann23 February 2014
The big revelation in Chilean director Sebastian Lelio's Gloria is that older people are still interested in sex. Who would've thunk it? We thought they had moved on to other interests. In any event, in the superb performance by Paulina Garcia for which she won the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2013, 58-year-old Gloria is definitely a "force of nature." Gloria (who is in every scene in the film) shows her zest for life by going to singles clubs on the weekends, dancing, drinking alcohol, smoking pot, singing along with the car radio, and having sex (not that there's anything wrong with that). You won't catch her doing old fogy things, such as body, mind, and spirit-nurturing type of stuff (except for a halfhearted stab at yoga).
She is, nonetheless, a courageous woman who fights off loneliness with tenacity remarkable at any age. Unfortunately, she also proves that she can be just as self-absorbed, unable to communicate, and inconsiderate as anyone, regardless of age or condition. Divorced for many years, Gloria lives alone in a small apartment in Santiago where, after working all day, she has to contend with the noise of a drug addict who lives upstairs. Her relationship with her adult children, Pedro (Diego Fontecilla), who has an infant and daughter Ana (Fabiola Zamora), who is pregnant with the child of her Swedish boyfriend, is good, at least on the surface.
The fact that she has to keep reminding them to call her, however, raises questions about how close their relationship is. One weekend at the dance club, Gloria connects with Rodolfo (Sergio Hernandez), an ex-Navy officer who has been divorced for one year, and they begin a relationship that seems promising. Rodolfo owns a small amusement park where he and Gloria have fun together, shooting each other with paint guns and bungee jumping. His continuing close relationship with his ex-wife and two daughters whom he supports financially, however, begins to get in the way and their good times together come to a sudden halt when Rodolfo meets Gloria's children and somewhat strange ex-husband Gabriel (Alejandro Goic) at Pedro's birthday party.
Feeling ignored to the point of being invisible, Rodolfo reacts to Gloria and Gabriel's reminiscing about the past and showing each other photos from the family album by abruptly getting up and leaving. After avoiding his phone calls for what appears to be several days, they finally meet but neither takes responsibility for what happened. Although he tries to explain what prompted his action at the party, she turns a deaf ear and continues to blame him for being "rude." A similar scenario plays out when they reestablish their friendship and spend a weekend at an upscale resort where the director does not flinch from showing their naked bodies in bed.
When Rodolfo receives a phone call from one of his daughters telling him that his ex-wife just had a serious accident, he is anxious to go and be with her. Instead of letting him know that it is okay with her if he chooses to go, Gloria tells him to let go of his past and be in present time. Without regards for his being upset at the moment, she presses him to agree to go with her on a ten-day vacation to Cuba. Though it is not surprising when he again walks out and leaves her alone, it is apparent that open and honest communication would have worked better. Again, blaming him for being rude, she cuts off all communications and petulantly unleashes a paint-gun attack on his home.
Without question, accolades are warranted for Garcia's performance and she deserves all the awards and nominations she has received. Gloria can be charming and the world could certainly use more free spirits, yet, while many will cheer her actions with a "you go girl" mindset, a distinction needs to be made between an independent spirit and those who behave in a juvenile manner. Unfortunately, however, Lelio does not make any. It is left to Gloria to finally figure out the difference between pleasure and joy.
She is, nonetheless, a courageous woman who fights off loneliness with tenacity remarkable at any age. Unfortunately, she also proves that she can be just as self-absorbed, unable to communicate, and inconsiderate as anyone, regardless of age or condition. Divorced for many years, Gloria lives alone in a small apartment in Santiago where, after working all day, she has to contend with the noise of a drug addict who lives upstairs. Her relationship with her adult children, Pedro (Diego Fontecilla), who has an infant and daughter Ana (Fabiola Zamora), who is pregnant with the child of her Swedish boyfriend, is good, at least on the surface.
The fact that she has to keep reminding them to call her, however, raises questions about how close their relationship is. One weekend at the dance club, Gloria connects with Rodolfo (Sergio Hernandez), an ex-Navy officer who has been divorced for one year, and they begin a relationship that seems promising. Rodolfo owns a small amusement park where he and Gloria have fun together, shooting each other with paint guns and bungee jumping. His continuing close relationship with his ex-wife and two daughters whom he supports financially, however, begins to get in the way and their good times together come to a sudden halt when Rodolfo meets Gloria's children and somewhat strange ex-husband Gabriel (Alejandro Goic) at Pedro's birthday party.
Feeling ignored to the point of being invisible, Rodolfo reacts to Gloria and Gabriel's reminiscing about the past and showing each other photos from the family album by abruptly getting up and leaving. After avoiding his phone calls for what appears to be several days, they finally meet but neither takes responsibility for what happened. Although he tries to explain what prompted his action at the party, she turns a deaf ear and continues to blame him for being "rude." A similar scenario plays out when they reestablish their friendship and spend a weekend at an upscale resort where the director does not flinch from showing their naked bodies in bed.
When Rodolfo receives a phone call from one of his daughters telling him that his ex-wife just had a serious accident, he is anxious to go and be with her. Instead of letting him know that it is okay with her if he chooses to go, Gloria tells him to let go of his past and be in present time. Without regards for his being upset at the moment, she presses him to agree to go with her on a ten-day vacation to Cuba. Though it is not surprising when he again walks out and leaves her alone, it is apparent that open and honest communication would have worked better. Again, blaming him for being rude, she cuts off all communications and petulantly unleashes a paint-gun attack on his home.
Without question, accolades are warranted for Garcia's performance and she deserves all the awards and nominations she has received. Gloria can be charming and the world could certainly use more free spirits, yet, while many will cheer her actions with a "you go girl" mindset, a distinction needs to be made between an independent spirit and those who behave in a juvenile manner. Unfortunately, however, Lelio does not make any. It is left to Gloria to finally figure out the difference between pleasure and joy.
Glory Gloria.
morrison-dylan-fan22 January 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Searching round for films to view for the IMDb's Film Festival page event,I found Gloria a title that I could not track down anywhere.Looking round for TV shows on the British DVD site Network,I was surprised to discover that they had put Gloria out,which led to me getting ready to finally meet Gloria.
The plot:
Seeing her children move away after she has been divorced for 12 years,Gloria decides that she is not going to let the twilight years of life pass her by.Hitting the bars and clubs,Gloria starts dating (and sleeping with) a number of guys.Hitting things off on the dance floor,Gloria catches the attention of recent divorcée Rodolfo.Falling for Rodolfo,Gloria begins asking Rodolfo if he can introduce her to his family.Caught by surprise, Rodolfo soon reveals to Gloria that he is not as free-spirited as her.
View on the film:
Swaying the film to a soundtrack that includes Disco classics and Latin Pop,co-writer/(along with Gonzalo Maza) director Sebastián Lelio follows Gloria in jagged hand-held shots,which give the title an intimate atmosphere.Whilst the camera moves undercover hidden sides to Gloria,the screenplay by Lelio & Maza runs hot and cold,with the focused on Gloria's care free personality being constantly pushed aside for a romantic relationship which lacks emotional intimacy.Giving Gloria a strikingly confident flirtatiousness, Paulina García gives a wonderful performance as Gloria,thanks to García delicately expressing Gloria's physical intimacy whilst keeping her happy go lucky attitude burning bright,in a film that is far from glorious.
The plot:
Seeing her children move away after she has been divorced for 12 years,Gloria decides that she is not going to let the twilight years of life pass her by.Hitting the bars and clubs,Gloria starts dating (and sleeping with) a number of guys.Hitting things off on the dance floor,Gloria catches the attention of recent divorcée Rodolfo.Falling for Rodolfo,Gloria begins asking Rodolfo if he can introduce her to his family.Caught by surprise, Rodolfo soon reveals to Gloria that he is not as free-spirited as her.
View on the film:
Swaying the film to a soundtrack that includes Disco classics and Latin Pop,co-writer/(along with Gonzalo Maza) director Sebastián Lelio follows Gloria in jagged hand-held shots,which give the title an intimate atmosphere.Whilst the camera moves undercover hidden sides to Gloria,the screenplay by Lelio & Maza runs hot and cold,with the focused on Gloria's care free personality being constantly pushed aside for a romantic relationship which lacks emotional intimacy.Giving Gloria a strikingly confident flirtatiousness, Paulina García gives a wonderful performance as Gloria,thanks to García delicately expressing Gloria's physical intimacy whilst keeping her happy go lucky attitude burning bright,in a film that is far from glorious.
Review: Gloria/ www.nightfilmreviews.com
lucasnochez24 February 2014
If there is one film that defines the notion that 'no coming of age story can be depicted too late', it's Gloria. After getting divorced and watching her children's lives take exciting new turns, whether it be raising a family of their own or exploring new career opportunities, Gloria could have easily fallen into a sad life, alone and miserable. Instead, wise, beautiful and full of life, Gloria decides to live her life to the fullest by working hard and playing even harder. Whether it's dressing up to go out dancing, singing aloud to her car stereo, or doing yoga for the first time, Gloria gives new life and meaning to the 'coming of age narrative'. As the audience follows a character whom, at a much later age, still endures the 'coming of age' trials that we mostly see in preteens or young adults, Gloria brings to light many of the trials that countless women face today. Sadly however, Gloria becomes a very specific, dreary, and essentially uneventful character study intended for a very specific demographic with very little to offer larger audiences.
As a film critic responsible for representing the voice of younger film enthusiasts and a new generation of film lovers, I have an appreciation and understanding of the opinions of others. With that said, I approach every film unbiased, informed and open-minded, as I would with any piece of art. Now, there are very few times where pieces of cinema actually become timeless pieces of art. I believe, that in order for a film to be timeless, it must reach leaps and bounds beyond it's key demographic and speak to people, regardless of it's time-frame or the age of it's characters/subjects. In many cases, films speak to the audiences they are targeted to, hence why most films are surveyed by demographics based on age. Films like Blue is the Warmest Colour, Something's Gotta Give and her, have very specific viewing audiences and are able to succeed (critically and financially) by marketing themselves appropriately among these demographics. Every so often, there comes a film that roots itself in certain time-frames using a specific age- centric voice/or place in history (fictional or non-fictional), and becomes a universal piece of cinematic language. Recently, films like The Social Network, The Past and Nebraska, not only become film pieces that are embedded within a specific time-frame understood by a few, but effortlessly speak volumes to many. Unfortunately, Gloria becomes a very specific tale of hope for divorced middle-aged men and women in search of love, sex, and meaning after the life they always thought they'd share with someone falls to pieces.
The most fantastic element with Gloria is her ability to avoid melancholia, however what's discrediting to the film altogether is that it's underlining feeling is melancholic. Gloria's loneliness is her biggest downfall as a character. Her dependency on the company of others leads her into a relationship with Rodolfo (Sergio Hernández), a man who flaunts his wealth in order to attract Gloria yet basis his own happiness on her simple beauty and effortless sex appeal. With the loud ring of each of her phone calls and his quick answer, Rodolfo quickly becomes a foreshadowing of his inability to please Gloria's endless appetites–both inside and outside the bedroom. It is through Gloria's relationships with others, including Rodolfo and her daughter's boyfriend Theo (Eyal Meyer), that both she and the audience is able to explore the colourful sides of her multifaceted personality and youthful demeanour.
Much like the main titled character herself, the film experiences a change of heart halfway through, and then again abandons those thoughts not long after. The film has much to say about a woman who's unquenchable sex-drive and lust for passion are thwarted daily. Her quest for love and romanticized notions of affection are held next to the ideals of the songs she sings on the radio and within the small discos and dance halls where she meets men. After all is said and done, Gloria still seems to find her appetite unsatiated, not for a lack of meeting men, but instead as a result of the preconceived notions she has about the world of cougar dating.
The role of Gloria is one with much depth. Although it may seem hard to imagine many other seasoned actresses jumping to take the part, I could name at least ten that would be excellent in showing the impending doom of a middle-aged woman who is slowing becoming a ticking menopausal time bomb. One of the most important factors of Garcia's interpretation of the role was her ability to personify such a real yet totally attainable beauty. Gloria is neither super- model gorgeous nor is she another plain-Jane; Garcia's interpretation of the character not only highlights so much of her natural beauty, but dulls those physicality's once her personality and poor decision making comes back in horrifying fashion. It is a beauty that can only be understood once you see it for yourself on screen.
There are only so many clubs scenes filled with middle-aged men and elderly folk that one can watch in one sitting without wanting something more. There is no denying that Gloria caters to a very specific, yet very large group of men and women who feel hopeless and lost after a divorce or separation. This film looks to give people hope–a hope that involves them calling the shots and holding all the cards. However, after the final credits role, the fact still remains; life isn't one big club scene with endless Latin music and meet-cute scenarios. After all the glamour and bright lights fade, Gloria becomes a slow and repeated example of films that use very little to achieve even less–if not nothing at all.
As a film critic responsible for representing the voice of younger film enthusiasts and a new generation of film lovers, I have an appreciation and understanding of the opinions of others. With that said, I approach every film unbiased, informed and open-minded, as I would with any piece of art. Now, there are very few times where pieces of cinema actually become timeless pieces of art. I believe, that in order for a film to be timeless, it must reach leaps and bounds beyond it's key demographic and speak to people, regardless of it's time-frame or the age of it's characters/subjects. In many cases, films speak to the audiences they are targeted to, hence why most films are surveyed by demographics based on age. Films like Blue is the Warmest Colour, Something's Gotta Give and her, have very specific viewing audiences and are able to succeed (critically and financially) by marketing themselves appropriately among these demographics. Every so often, there comes a film that roots itself in certain time-frames using a specific age- centric voice/or place in history (fictional or non-fictional), and becomes a universal piece of cinematic language. Recently, films like The Social Network, The Past and Nebraska, not only become film pieces that are embedded within a specific time-frame understood by a few, but effortlessly speak volumes to many. Unfortunately, Gloria becomes a very specific tale of hope for divorced middle-aged men and women in search of love, sex, and meaning after the life they always thought they'd share with someone falls to pieces.
The most fantastic element with Gloria is her ability to avoid melancholia, however what's discrediting to the film altogether is that it's underlining feeling is melancholic. Gloria's loneliness is her biggest downfall as a character. Her dependency on the company of others leads her into a relationship with Rodolfo (Sergio Hernández), a man who flaunts his wealth in order to attract Gloria yet basis his own happiness on her simple beauty and effortless sex appeal. With the loud ring of each of her phone calls and his quick answer, Rodolfo quickly becomes a foreshadowing of his inability to please Gloria's endless appetites–both inside and outside the bedroom. It is through Gloria's relationships with others, including Rodolfo and her daughter's boyfriend Theo (Eyal Meyer), that both she and the audience is able to explore the colourful sides of her multifaceted personality and youthful demeanour.
Much like the main titled character herself, the film experiences a change of heart halfway through, and then again abandons those thoughts not long after. The film has much to say about a woman who's unquenchable sex-drive and lust for passion are thwarted daily. Her quest for love and romanticized notions of affection are held next to the ideals of the songs she sings on the radio and within the small discos and dance halls where she meets men. After all is said and done, Gloria still seems to find her appetite unsatiated, not for a lack of meeting men, but instead as a result of the preconceived notions she has about the world of cougar dating.
The role of Gloria is one with much depth. Although it may seem hard to imagine many other seasoned actresses jumping to take the part, I could name at least ten that would be excellent in showing the impending doom of a middle-aged woman who is slowing becoming a ticking menopausal time bomb. One of the most important factors of Garcia's interpretation of the role was her ability to personify such a real yet totally attainable beauty. Gloria is neither super- model gorgeous nor is she another plain-Jane; Garcia's interpretation of the character not only highlights so much of her natural beauty, but dulls those physicality's once her personality and poor decision making comes back in horrifying fashion. It is a beauty that can only be understood once you see it for yourself on screen.
There are only so many clubs scenes filled with middle-aged men and elderly folk that one can watch in one sitting without wanting something more. There is no denying that Gloria caters to a very specific, yet very large group of men and women who feel hopeless and lost after a divorce or separation. This film looks to give people hope–a hope that involves them calling the shots and holding all the cards. However, after the final credits role, the fact still remains; life isn't one big club scene with endless Latin music and meet-cute scenarios. After all the glamour and bright lights fade, Gloria becomes a slow and repeated example of films that use very little to achieve even less–if not nothing at all.
It's Never Too Late
aharmas7 February 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Gloria is a woman who has reached middle age and still has plenty to give, and she also wants someone to complete her. It's not easy going through that stage of life, suddenly not being your children's most important priorities, having too much time and not enough to satisfy you.
In the hands of this amazing Chilean actress, we get to see a complex professional woman who is pretty self-sufficient; however, she longs for a companion, for someone to whisper sweet things in her ear, someone to please her physically and emotionally. The film depicts these aspects of her relationship honestly, leaving little to the imagination, and both actors expose their souls and bodies to make a point.
As I mentioned before, Gloria's odyssey is not without some major bumps, and when Gloria's family gets together with her new boyfriend, the results are too say the least a bit emotional, and the blame is to be spread all around, as old wounds fester, and we discover that Rodolfo's psyche is a bit more complicated than we expected.
At the end, we have a bittersweet scene showing us the best of Gloria, as she tries to restart herself. It's almost a replica of her opening scene. This time she throws herself into that familiar abandon, and we hope she has learned a little more, maybe something that will allow her to finally found her deserved happiness. We only hope this time things are a lot simpler.
In the hands of this amazing Chilean actress, we get to see a complex professional woman who is pretty self-sufficient; however, she longs for a companion, for someone to whisper sweet things in her ear, someone to please her physically and emotionally. The film depicts these aspects of her relationship honestly, leaving little to the imagination, and both actors expose their souls and bodies to make a point.
As I mentioned before, Gloria's odyssey is not without some major bumps, and when Gloria's family gets together with her new boyfriend, the results are too say the least a bit emotional, and the blame is to be spread all around, as old wounds fester, and we discover that Rodolfo's psyche is a bit more complicated than we expected.
At the end, we have a bittersweet scene showing us the best of Gloria, as she tries to restart herself. It's almost a replica of her opening scene. This time she throws herself into that familiar abandon, and we hope she has learned a little more, maybe something that will allow her to finally found her deserved happiness. We only hope this time things are a lot simpler.
Lifted by a Great Ending
pc951 August 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Life isn't always easy, and here we have a Chilean movie slogging us through with actress Paulina Garcia's pathetic and lonely woman who seems afraid to commit herself to anyone in her life. She is withdrawn in her shell from those she loves. And if you like misery, the first half of the movie dragged fairly badly and didn't present much in the way of conflict. The director, make-up, Garcia herself have succeeded in creating a total mope. Anyway, thanks to picking up some sort of storyline and the fireworks finale, the director saves the movie from the doldrums. (major spoilers) Absolutely loved the last 10 min or so of the movie with her losing it, and then the white peacock, and finale dance in her name. Sometimes the best scenes in movies really lift a mediocre movie to good standing such as this one.....7/10
One for the middle aged women I think
dave-234012 November 2013
I had a MAJOR problem with this film from the very first scene . Gloria is a dead ringer for Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie . She looked not so bad without her big glasses and make-up....but for half of the film I expected her to rip a wig off and reveal she was a man ! Gloria totally dominates the film (I cant think of a scene where she isn't in shot)and she was deserving of all the favourable reviews . However ,the tale of a middle aged woman searching for love in this way was a little too far fetched for me....and her "last chance" with a man who looked old enough to be her grand-father just didn't sit right . I was also a little uncomfortable with the fairly graphic sex scenes , which I thought were not very tasteful , as opposed to, for instance, the scenes in Blue is the Warmest Colour (which I saw the night before)
A Coming-of-Age Drama Set In Old Age.
CinemaClown31 March 2014
Age is just a number & you're never too old to stop following what the heart desires. Gloria centres on a divorced but free-spirited old woman who is trying to beat the loneliness & old age by going to singles' parties where she meets a former naval officer with whom she becomes romantically involved with & even dreams of a permanent relationship. But things aren't really as simple as they seem on the surface which later forces Gloria to confront her own secrets.
This was the Chilean entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 86th Academy Awards & although it didn't impress me apart from a couple of things, there are many moments that'll make its viewers' smile. The best thing about Gloria is the character arc of Gloria herself, which is eminently illustrated on the screen by Paulina García in what is a scintillating & show- sweeping performance. The other thing I liked about it was the use of music.
On an overall scale, Gloria can be viewed as a coming-of-age story set in old age & on a superficial level is simply about the celebration of life. Paulina García is definitely the best thing about this film but that doesn't mean its other aspects are a let-down by any means. The direction is fine, the script is intriguing but all these didn't really ring any bell like I was expecting it to but I do admire what it was trying to express.
A good film that promises a fun ride but stumbles a little during its middle act, Gloria is by no means a great film but then by no means it's bad either. It didn't work for me but the story it has is pretty satisfactory for a mainstream audience.
This was the Chilean entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 86th Academy Awards & although it didn't impress me apart from a couple of things, there are many moments that'll make its viewers' smile. The best thing about Gloria is the character arc of Gloria herself, which is eminently illustrated on the screen by Paulina García in what is a scintillating & show- sweeping performance. The other thing I liked about it was the use of music.
On an overall scale, Gloria can be viewed as a coming-of-age story set in old age & on a superficial level is simply about the celebration of life. Paulina García is definitely the best thing about this film but that doesn't mean its other aspects are a let-down by any means. The direction is fine, the script is intriguing but all these didn't really ring any bell like I was expecting it to but I do admire what it was trying to express.
A good film that promises a fun ride but stumbles a little during its middle act, Gloria is by no means a great film but then by no means it's bad either. It didn't work for me but the story it has is pretty satisfactory for a mainstream audience.
Simple, Charming and Thought-provoking; the movie belongs to Paulina Garcia.
akash_sebastian23 August 2014
'Gloria' is a simple, charming and thought-provoking movie. Going through the last stage of life without a partner, to share it with, can be a really tedious and sad journey. This is the story of the daily life of a divorced mother-of-two, whose children are already settled in their life. She visits clubs, house gatherings, etc., all in the search of a decent and suitable man with whom she can spend the rest of her life with. Not only is it a tiring thing to do at that point of your life, but because of the person's maturity and experience in life, the person won't settle for someone random just for the sake of it.
The movie might seem quite simple to many, and it is, in many ways. But the subtle way in which the humour, joy, and sadness are shown keeps you intrigued till the end, and makes you wish that you or anyone you love doesn't have to go through such a phase.
It's Paulina García's acting as titular character that holds the movie together' Gloria's intelligence, perseverance and dignity shine through radiantly through Miss Garcia.
The movie might seem quite simple to many, and it is, in many ways. But the subtle way in which the humour, joy, and sadness are shown keeps you intrigued till the end, and makes you wish that you or anyone you love doesn't have to go through such a phase.
It's Paulina García's acting as titular character that holds the movie together' Gloria's intelligence, perseverance and dignity shine through radiantly through Miss Garcia.
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