Gagarine

Posed as a kind of magical realism, the adaptation of the short film "Gagarine" (2015) manages to broaden the vital horizon of the protagonist, although it does not reach a greater depth. The representation of poverty through the protagonist's dreams causes the visual aspect to opt in the last part for the fantasy embedded in a painful reality. In this sense, the directing work is remarkable, but it does not manage to solve the narrative dispersion.

Great cinematography and heartfelt characters. A dream-like quality throughout with complex characters relationships and an overall uplifting experience.

Gagarine is beautiful, and one of the most underrated films I've seen in a long time (I mean why is no one talking about this). Not to mention the hassle it was to get my hands on it (I'll save you the story). But anyways, beautiful. The cinematography was absolutely superb, though in a way it stylistically reminded me more of still photography, but a good way. The color grading was also amazing, making even the rundown apartments of Gagarine look rich and vibrant, this in tandem with its rather long and narrow aspect ratio leads to a unique visual style. Gagarine's storytelling prowess is also not to be underestimated, its tale of a young man fighting a desperate battle to save everything he loves is moving. The way it leaves off often overused themes of doom and gloom when it comes to poverty, for the oft overlooked ones of resilience and community is refreshing. And the acting and relational chemistry between the two leads is great as well.

A lively tale, a kind of "parabol", about how an old, half broken complex of buildings, Gagarine, named from the famous cosmonaut, can turn out to be a place full of life and emotions. In an uneasy environment, constructive social interactions seem to have been able to create a positive atmosphere in which people tend to respect and help each other .

Yuri, this teenager boy dedicated to maintaining Gagarine, dives deeply into space in his mind, and his living place is a symbolic doorway to travel far away from existential issues, the main one being the absence of his mother.

Saving Gagarine is his graal, and his quest could refer to the hability of any human being to escape his human condition, to look for wisdom and spirituality.

"Les choses de la vie", meaning crucial emotional experience like love, friendship, respect, tolerance, forgiveness are present all along the movie in a delicate, subtle way sometimes.

This movie is a bright and optimistic vision of us, creatures gifted with intelligence, but so eager to use it in the wrong way.

The end is an illusion, Yuri's one; his vision as he gets free, driven into space as his life faints and Gagarine buildings are collapsing.

Absolutely stunning cinematography! The first-time directors do an amazing job of making the most out of beautiful shots, quiet and sincere conversations, and the character's hope for something more from our species. There are many moving moments between the characters and so much is developed from this small and beautiful story. I really feel like there is something different and special about this captivating movie.