Música

The way the music is used in this film is exceptional.

There is Edgar level cool and then there is this.

The acting is so convincing.

It is really hard for me to find faults in this.

I was blown away by the production design , music and direction in this film.

There are only a very few films that has made me cry with joy and this film is definitely one of them.

The last time I was this overjoyed was when I saw Across the Spiderverse.

So glad that Rudy was able to pull this off.

Been following him from his Youtube days.

He is truly an inspiration.

This movie is pure magic.

The fact that it is based on a true story is a cherry on top.

So, Rudy Mancuso wrote and directed 'Musica', and in it he stars as Rudy, a person with synesthesia, a perceptual phenomenon in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway. In this movie Rudy mostly experiences this in everyday sounds, kids playing ball, cooks tapping their utensils, bus and subway sounds, those sorts of things. But to him they are rhythms and music.

In real life this is Rudy Mancuso. In real life he is an accomplished musician, he is a puppeteer, so this movie is mostly autobiographical. The fictional part is having a 'gringa' for a girlfriend and realizing that they weren't really a good fit for each other.

Then one faithful day Rudy is picking up fish at the local market and gets hit on his face with a fish thrown by one of the workers. In that process he meets fellow Brazilian, Camila Mendes as Isabella. Continuing the reflection of real life, Rudy and Camilla met during the making of this movie and now, in real life they are a couple.

It also appears that Rudy's movie mother, Maria, is played by his real mother, Maria, although I can't find out anything about her.

All that aside, is it an entertaining movie? Yes, it is. While the bare-bones rom-com story follows a mostly familiar formula, the way the movie is made is unique and quirky. It was refreshing to watch a movie presented in a totally different manner.

My wife and I watched it at home, streaming on Amazon Prime.

Musica is a strange film, because despite the fact it has a couple of strong leads, a relatively novel concept and decent plot, and an approachable runtime, it still feels a little empty.

I think ultimately the emotional core to this movie just doesn't resonate. All of the connections to the characters were are too surface level. It needed more. More passion. More drama. Maybe that is the real issue with this film. It strangely lacks passion given that the subject matter is a man pursuing his passion. It felt like it needed to raise its voice a bit more.

That being said there are some fun creative choices with the use of sound and music, and as mentioned the lead performances are pretty strong for the way the roles were written.

So although this film never quite dips into being bland, it flirts with the idea but just about manages to stay entertaining. It could have done with an injection of passion or something just to give it more of a spark, but it is a relatively easy and fun watch nonetheless.

I love this movie. Especially the good music and a fresh perspective. The creative portrayal of synesthesia was fun. I can see how it could wear on you hearing music all of the time. It would be distracting for me and irritating to others.

I appreciate the courage to address racism and mental health in a healthy, more relaxed way; without making it overly dramatic or angry or losing the focus of the film. This is a rom com.

I enjoyed Rudy's sense of humor and seeing how he engages with people in different relationships and situations. He is a sweet guy and a good man. Now I only wish he had a single uncle to send my way! LOL.

A creative and clever movie about a different kind of guy, Musica shows us what it's like to live with synesthesia, hearing rhythm in everyday sounds.

Musica is filled with bright colors, percussive movement and beautiful music. It's a coming of age film that shows Rudy struggling through life and love as he strives to be himself. And yes, there are puppets.

This is a sweet story of a young man finding his way in the world. Rated PG-13 you could watch with your mom and not be embarrassed for a moment.

Anyone from an ethnic family - any ethnicity - will get the nuances of the family relationships, the ties to the neighborhood, and always being asked if you've eaten.

I highly recommend this entertaining and lovely movie.