Brazil’s entry for the Foreign Language Oscar race is a reflection of that country’s relative progress in gay acceptance. Already host to the world’s largest pride parade, Brazil legalized same-sex marriage last year.
In “The Way He Looks,” writer-director Daniel Ribeiro’s feature debut, teenage Leo’s desires for his new friend Gabriel aren’t even his biggest concern. Rather, his sweet and slight coming-of-age journey focuses primarily on the blind high-schooler’s pursuit of greater independence from his overprotective parents and making room for a new friendship alongside his co-dependent bond with life-long pal Giovana.
“The Way He Looks” isn’t necessarily an awards frontrunner, nor should it be one.