Best movie of this year hands down!

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

This is Sean Baker's follow-up to his trans/iphone drama Tangerine starring Willem DaFoe who was nominated for an Oscar this past year. It tells of the have-nots living on the outskirts of Disneyland & the other magical realms of abandon in Florida where from a distance, the environs are colorful & tidy but who inhabits them sing a completely tune. Giving full sympathy to the tatt'd mother & smart-mouthed daughter, we see what happens when opportunities are squandered & forgotten & lives just go w/the flow, letting things happen as a matter of eventuality rather than willful decision. Striking, heartfelt & disturbing sometimes all at once, we're still left w/the feeling as to whether we should understand them or stomp our feet in defiance saying 'enough's enough!'

Writer and director Sean Baker (Tangerine) thrives telling stories about marginalized places in society, and he always opts for empathy over judgement calls in exploring the lives of his broken characters. While Willem Dafoe is great in this movie, and his presence is needed as a grounded and warm figure, Baker's employment of non-actors for most other roles is both impressive (they're convincing) and adds an extremely powerful element of realism.This honest look into severe poverty and homelessness may have been too hard to stomach if it wasn't viewed through the curious, humorous, and life-affirming perspective of Moonee, who is as much a Disney Princess as Snow White, Cinderella, or Little Mermaid. The duality of Orlando is thought-provoking and the central thesis here could very well be that "the most magical place on earth" is inside a child's mind, not a theme park.

Good lord, the way performances can move you. The director's hand is so light yet so distinct, this could only come from Sean Baker yet there's no flash, no showing off. I truly loved and was moved by and learned from this film. It will make you a more compassionate person. I cannot BELIEVE it didn't get nominated for Best Picture. It was my favorite film of 2017. The screenplay is magnificent.

First thing you have to know before watching this: This is not an easy movie. And it also has people in it, that you may not find likeable. You may even think badly about the kids involved at times (the "pranks" they do). But the movie itself is not judging. It almost feels like this is based on personal experience. As you can tell by me saying that, I did not read up on how the story came together, which is something I do to not get spoiled about what the movies are about, I'm about to watch and therefor can enjoy freely.Although enjoy may be a stretch use for some in regards to this movie. So while I was hesitant at first and had some issues with what was going on at the beginning, I more than appreciate the ways the movie challenged me. If that is not your thing, it's ok. The acting and the raw nature of the film (edit, cinematography, direction, script) are impecable