Listen
- 2020
- 1h 13m
IMDb RATING
7.0/10
2.2K
YOUR RATING
In the London suburbs, Bela and Jota face serious difficulties when "social services" raise concerns about the safety of their three children. The 7-year-old daughter's deafness triggers a p... Read allIn the London suburbs, Bela and Jota face serious difficulties when "social services" raise concerns about the safety of their three children. The 7-year-old daughter's deafness triggers a process in the system that seems to go on forever.In the London suburbs, Bela and Jota face serious difficulties when "social services" raise concerns about the safety of their three children. The 7-year-old daughter's deafness triggers a process in the system that seems to go on forever.
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The story centers around an immigrant couple that fights the system to get their kids back! Basically, the movie explanes the way social services behaves with immigrant families in the UK. As a Portuguese I felt every pain in Lucia's eyes and the anger she felt when they took her kids away. UK should be ashamed of their behavior! The government must change the law now!! The movie is based on real events and I hope the real family is proud with all the actors that portraits every character.
A broken system like many British services that are supposed to help but end up harming more than helping. But hey, 'I understand. I know how you are feeling'. So typical.
The film has some issues getting out of the same place and developing the plot. It also doesn't conclude in a very positive way as the ending seems rushed and incomplete, not giving us the emotional impact it aimed to (we don't even see one of the children). Still, the acting is good, especially Lucia Moniz's, which is excellent, and the situation always keeps us engaged with a story that is infuriating but, unfortunately, based on real situations.
The film has some issues getting out of the same place and developing the plot. It also doesn't conclude in a very positive way as the ending seems rushed and incomplete, not giving us the emotional impact it aimed to (we don't even see one of the children). Still, the acting is good, especially Lucia Moniz's, which is excellent, and the situation always keeps us engaged with a story that is infuriating but, unfortunately, based on real situations.
A couple of Portuguese emigrants from the London suburbs face serious problems when Social Services decide to take their children away.
Ana Rocha de Sousa cleared herself from the comparisons of her film with those of Ken Loach, one of my favorite British directors, who focuses mainly on social problems and discriminatory acts in the United Kingdom, but it is evident that the Portuguese director has in her first feature the "British style" present (she studied at London Film School), in her own way.
It is such a real and powerful drama that it is difficult (or impossible, say) not to feel uncomfortable and disturbed watching Listen, much because of the expressiveness and emotion that Lúcia Moniz (as Bela) conveys, in contrast with the silence and emotional pain showned by Rúben Garcia (as Jota).
The photography is very particular and interesting, out of the standard that we are used to in Portuguese films.
All the recognition given to this film is more than deserved.
Ana Rocha de Sousa cleared herself from the comparisons of her film with those of Ken Loach, one of my favorite British directors, who focuses mainly on social problems and discriminatory acts in the United Kingdom, but it is evident that the Portuguese director has in her first feature the "British style" present (she studied at London Film School), in her own way.
It is such a real and powerful drama that it is difficult (or impossible, say) not to feel uncomfortable and disturbed watching Listen, much because of the expressiveness and emotion that Lúcia Moniz (as Bela) conveys, in contrast with the silence and emotional pain showned by Rúben Garcia (as Jota).
The photography is very particular and interesting, out of the standard that we are used to in Portuguese films.
All the recognition given to this film is more than deserved.
Based on a true story, the film is about a couple who has to fight to get their children back. It's portrayed very realistically and the direction is first rate. Enjoyed this a lot.
And real indeed since this is something that hasappend in real life. A Portuguese couple living in London suburbs have their three chuldren (which includes a little girl who is deaf ) taken form them by social security for adoption without any serioius charge against them. The whole movie shows the fight and reaction those parents do trying to reverse that unfair decision. The mother is specially reactive sometimes with violent verbal and physical posture. Lucia Moniz does an excellent performing joc as Bela, the mother. Very convincing and realistic.movie.
Did you know
- TriviaIn December 2020, Portugal's submission Listen was disqualified for having more than half of its dialogue in English. Portugal's selection committee submitted a second film, Vitalina Varela.
- How long is Listen?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Gross worldwide
- $330,179
- Runtime
- 1h 13m(73 min)
- Color
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