When I walked out of the theater after watching this film, I was emotionally drained. I laughed, cried and wretched so often, I was unsure what to think about the movie at first. After pondering, I came to the conclusion that "Leolo" is the most introspective portrait of introverted childhood ever filmed.
Leolo lives in his own mind, and tries to shut himself off from the family he both loves and hates. Although I was horrified by Leolo's surroundings, I identified with his perils. Leolo spends his spare time reading and writing, but when he tries to interact with children his own age, he realizes how little he has in common with them. Leolo still tries to overcome the horror of his life, but the family curse is something he can't evade.
What's more saddening than the conclusion to this film, is the tragic death of the films director Jean-Claude Lauzon. I didn't think too much about his first film "Night Zoo", but with "Leolo" he proved that he was one of the best new talents in film. I believe that "Leolo" was a very personal film, and that many of Leolo's trials, he experienced himself. The tragic accident that claimed his life seems so ironic when considering Leolo's tragic end.
I loved everything about this film, especially the soundtrack. Whenever friends come over to hang out, drink, smoke and watch a film, this is the one I put in the dvd player (it's available on dvd at www.amazon.ca) This films is for every person that felt the need to escape. In addition, this is for every person that hates Hollywood cookie-cutter films.
If you haven't seen it, there are few other films I could recommend.
Leolo lives in his own mind, and tries to shut himself off from the family he both loves and hates. Although I was horrified by Leolo's surroundings, I identified with his perils. Leolo spends his spare time reading and writing, but when he tries to interact with children his own age, he realizes how little he has in common with them. Leolo still tries to overcome the horror of his life, but the family curse is something he can't evade.
What's more saddening than the conclusion to this film, is the tragic death of the films director Jean-Claude Lauzon. I didn't think too much about his first film "Night Zoo", but with "Leolo" he proved that he was one of the best new talents in film. I believe that "Leolo" was a very personal film, and that many of Leolo's trials, he experienced himself. The tragic accident that claimed his life seems so ironic when considering Leolo's tragic end.
I loved everything about this film, especially the soundtrack. Whenever friends come over to hang out, drink, smoke and watch a film, this is the one I put in the dvd player (it's available on dvd at www.amazon.ca) This films is for every person that felt the need to escape. In addition, this is for every person that hates Hollywood cookie-cutter films.
If you haven't seen it, there are few other films I could recommend.