A Review of the Movie, Emilia Perez

I watch the Emilia Perez movie at our Cinema last Saturday. I suggested this move to Eric, Our THD movie Coordinator. I enjoyed the movie very much. Although, the ending was tragic, the music and the story line is compelling and current. It won the Golden Globe Award and I feel it would be also nominated for the Oscar. I have a feeling it will also win the Oscar. Oscar Nominations will be announced Thursday. Watch and see if my guess is right!

Emilia Pérez (Latin American Spanish: [eˈmilja ˈpeɾes]) is a 2024 French Spanish-language musical crime comedy film written and directed by Jacques Audiard. The French production is based on Audiard's opera libretto of the same name, which was in turn loosely adapted from Boris Razon's 2018 novel Écoute. The film stars Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, Mark Ivanir, and Édgar Ramírez.

The film follows a Mexican cartel leader (Gascón) who enlists a lawyer (Saldaña) to help the leader disappear by transitioning into a woman. Its original songs were written by Camille, while its original score was provided by Clément Ducol. Filming took place from May to July 2023 in Île-de-France. The choreographic sections of the film are designed by Damien Jalet.

The film had its world premiere on 18 May 2024 at the main competition of the 77th Cannes Film Festival, where it competed for the Palme d'Or, winning the Jury Prize and the Best Actress award for its female ensemble. It was theatrically released by Pathé in France on 21 August 2024. It became the second most-nominated film in Golden Globe history with ten nominations at the 82nd ceremony, winning four, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (the first time a non-English-language film won the category) and Best Foreign Language Film, while Gascón became the first trans woman to be nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Additionally, it was named one of the top 10 films of 2024 by the American Film Institute, and was selected as the French entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards

The following is one of the reviews that I agree and concur 100%.

"Emilia Pérez is a bold and masterfully crafted film that addresses pressing socio-political issues in Mexico, blending serious themes with musical elements in an innovative and thought-provoking way. As a keen amateur researcher, I appreciate the movie’s nuanced exploration of topics such as the devastating impact of drug cartels, rampant violence, systemic corruption, missing persons, and the fragility of societal structures in Mexico. These realities are seamlessly intertwined with the delicate and often controversial subject of LGBTQ+ rights, particularly transgender issues, creating a compelling narrative that promotes inclusivity. The plot follows the remarkable transformation of Emilia Pérez, a former drug cartel leader who transitions into a cultured woman, determined to atone for her past sins and become a savior to the very community she once ravaged. The film’s central irony lies in Emilia’s eventual demise—her tragic end serves as a powerful reminder of karmic justice. Emilia’s trusted lawyer, Rita (played by Zoe Saldana), fulfills her lifelong dream of motherhood by caring for Emilia’s children while preserving her legacy of hope and redemption within the Mexican community. The cast is extraordinary. Zoe Saldana delivers a phenomenal performance as Rita, perfectly capturing the complexity of her character. Selena Gomez adds depth and star power, while Karla Sofía Gascón, herself a transgender woman, brings authenticity and emotional resonance to the story. The music and choreography are equally mesmerizing, enhancing the film’s emotional impact and artistic brilliance. Emilia Pérez is a cinematic masterpiece that combines action, music, and social commentary into a seamless and unforgettable experience. It’s a thought-provoking film that challenges societal norms and fosters empathy and understanding. The awards it has garnered are well-deserved, and I applaud the writers, cast, and crew for their outstanding efforts. This is a must-watch for anyone who values storytelling at its finest".

Meanwhile, Enjoy this Abstract Painting: What do you see and Feel?

Incidentally, the THD Movie Listing for Jan 20-26 looks great based on the Reviews. The Movies, NR 24, A Real Pain and Widow Clicqout are rated from 3.5 to 4.5 Stars out of 5.0. The movie, Golden Years that I viewed last night had only a 3.0 rating, but I enjoyed it. 

Lastly, the planet alignment has started....

The much-anticipated planet alignment of 2025 has started. To catch this celestial alignment, look toward the southwestern horizon as twilight gives way to darkness.

Venus and Saturn will dazzle together, with Venus shining as the brighter beacon. Above them, Jupiter, recently past its opposition, radiates as the second brightest point of light after Venus, offering an excellent opportunity for naked-eye observation.

Mars, with its signature red glow, is unmissable near the eastern horizon. This January is a prime time for viewing the Red Planet, as it grows brighter ahead of its closest approach to Earth in over two years. That peaked on January 15, when it reached opposition. However, the views will be spectacular for a few more weeks.

For those with a telescope or binoculars, Uranus can be spotted near Jupiter, while Neptune sits close to Venus and Saturn, completing this celestial spectacle.