My main problem was with the way that this movie was filmed. The idea of adding colour and lights was interesting, but it didn't pull through as it actually made it look like a very long music video. Plus, there were some music and dancing breaks that were too long to fit the movie. The camera work was mostly like a badly, low badget movie, or, rather, a home movie with badly lighting and close ups that didn't make sense. The editing was horrible too.
And now, there is the story. The main idea was interesting, but the way it was presented, you don't really get to see Chiwawa and her story, as it gets lost between bits of actual plot and fancy cinematography. Also, the story wasn't that good after all, as they left out what happened to her and they focused more on showing her crazy life, packed with over the top party, clubbing, sex, drinking and dancing.
At least the performances were good from everyone in the cast.
So, overall, two out of ten.
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Just not enough of a story for its premise
Just as I started watching this film, I made the mistake of reading a comment about how it looked like it was filmed like a U.S. young adult movie from the 90's, and the damage was done - I just couldn't unsee it from then on. At times it made me think I was watching "Reality Bites" from 1994 but with 21st century bells and whistles, like social media and access to fancy camera equipment. Young adult struggles are young adult struggles, no matter the era, and you never really know the people around you - that's the big takeaway from this movie.The storytelling wasn't linear, and normally that's not a problem , but this film felt too disconnected to really grab hold of what it was supposed to be about. I would have liked to have seen more actual plot and less music video or scenes that were trying to be shocking and new (but just felt sad.) The rare moments where the flash and glitz all stopped and we could see real emotion were welcomed but not nearly plentiful enough. A huge crime was committed at the beginning of the film (no spoilers) but the lack of fall-out was truly far-fetched at times and added to the viewer wondering if we were just watching one long dream sequence.
One of the main characters said: "I believed without thinking too much" and I thought that was appropriate. Hindsight is 20/20, as they say, and one of the real lessons we all need to learn as we grow up. But I wanted much more from this film than I got.
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Chiwawa broke my heart
Maybe I'm the one who's going to differ. I liked the editing, somehow reminiscent of Nakashima's, I also enjoyed the coloring (Ninagawa style?), both served the energy inherent to the somewhat festive if not dissolute life of Chiwawa and some/many of her acquaintances. The sequencing of all those little stories from the people who loved her or simply had to deal with her also contributes to the special atmosphere and rhythm of the movie. Superb acting from young and talented thespians and the emotional ending got me ravaged. The infinite sadness of that finale being amplified by the lack of knowledge about the hows and whys Chiwawa died...Was this review helpful to you?
