robert-259-28954 Review of Blancanieves

Blancanieves (2012)

The most beautiful movie I've ever seen... period.

[10/10 · 20 March 2013]

I just returned from a screening of this remarkable film hosted by Dr. Richard Brown of NYU's Movies 101. With the spate of take offs on the Snow White theme in recent years, I suspected that this was just one in a long line of suitors to the throne. Not expecting much, I came as much for the novelty of watching a modern day silent film as anything else, but walked out as if in a dream. Of all the hundreds of memorable movies I have admired and enjoyed, I will stand on this review: The is the single most visually arresting, moving, lyrical wonders I have ever seen on film. Without cliché or hyperbole, this film will become a modern day classic. Before the screening began, Dr. Brown gave a brief introduction to "Blanca Nieves" and a short history of the silent film era, with special emphasis on how these early films were always presented with full, live orchestras, and how these film scores dramatically enhanced the entire film viewing experience. With this in mind, the producers wisely decided to have a full orchestral soundtrack created for this cinematic tour de force, adding a degree of emotional impact to a film already so beautifully crafted as to elicit emotions I've rarely experienced in any film, silent or contemporary. This captivating gem, shot entirely in glorious black and white, demonstrates a level of cinematic perfection rarely seen in films nowadays, every frame a picture, every picture a masterpiece. Do yourself a favor—sit back, put your preconceived notions on hold, and simply allow this magical piece of filmmaking sweep you away in it's spell.