Anora is a 2024 American romantic comedy-drama film written, directed, produced, and edited by Sean Baker. It stars Mikey Madison as Anora "Ani" Mikheeva, a lap dancer from New York who marries the wealthy son of a Russian oligarch played by Mark Eydelshteyn. The supporting cast includes Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan, Darya Ekamasova, and Aleksei Serebryakov.
Si bien no tiendo a dar mucha importancia a los premios, siempre tengo un ojo a lo que sale en Cannes. El año pasado la ganadora de la Palma de Oro, y la tuve en espera hasta que pude verla en cine, aquí mi reseña. Estrenada el 2024, siendo su director Sean Baker.
While I don't tend to give much importance to awards, I always keep an eye on what comes out at Cannes. Last year's Palme d'Or winner, and I had it on hold until I was able to see it in theaters, here is my review. Released in 2024, director Sean Baker.
Sinopsis: Anora, conocida como Ani, es una bailarina erótica que en su trabajo acaba conociendo a un joven rico ruso, llamado Vanya . Tras ser contratada por un tiempo como escort, se acaban gustando. Y viendo que Vanya tendría que regresar a Rusia, deciden casarse, y con ello, grandes consecuencias.
Synopsis: Anora, known as Ani, is an erotic dancer who in her work ends up meeting a rich young Russian, named Vanya . After being hired for a while as an escort, they end up liking each other. And seeing that Vanya would have to return to Russia, they decide to get married, and with it, great consequences.
Empezaré comentando que la historia tiene ciertas fases y entre ellas, hay una mezcla de géneros. Al comienzo nos parece una película enfocada en mostrar el desenfreno juvenil, luego pasa a ser una especie de comedia de situaciones, y finalmente llega el drama, tras los eventos pasados.
I will begin by commenting that the story has certain phases and among them, there is a mixture of genres. At the beginning it seems to us a film focused on showing youthful debauchery, then it becomes a kind of situation comedy, and finally comes the drama, after the past events.
Se muestra al personaje de Anora, que trata de perseguir un sueño, sin dar importancia a los avisos de alarma, y que acaba levantando el velo bajo la ilusión. Los otros personajes sirven para que Anora pase por todo este trance, y la vean desde diferentes perspectivas.
It shows the character of Anora, who tries to pursue a dream, giving no importance to the alarm warnings, and ends up lifting the veil under the illusion. The other characters serve to take Anora through this whole trance, and see her from different perspectives.
Lo mejor es que todas las etapas de la historia son interesantes de ver, y hay muchos detalles a tener en cuenta para sacar mejores conclusiones de lo que el director nos quiere contar.
The best thing is that all stages of the story are interesting to watch, and there are many details to take into account to draw better conclusions of what the director wants to tell us.
La fotografía y edición es excelente, adaptada bien a cada etapa del título. La actuación es buena en general, pero destacó el trabajo de Mark Eidelstein como Vanya y Yura Borisov como Igor. La música no destaca, y se siente que pudo apoyar a ciertas escenas.
The photography and editing is excellent, well suited to each stage of the title. The acting is good overall, but the work of Mark Eidelstein as Vanya and Yura Borisov as Igor stood out. The music doesn't stand out, and it feels like it could have supported certain scenes.
Es una buena película, logra mostrar una trama interesante con un gran trabajo visual. Si te interesa la premisa es más que recomendable.
It's a good film, it manages to show an interesting plot with great visual work. If you are interested in the premise it is more than recommendable.
Calificación personal: 8 de 10.
Personal rating: 8 out of 10.
26 more reviews
›Review: Anora | A Comedy That Turns Into an Unforgettable Roller Coaster Ride of Chaos [ENG-ESP]95@jessuses1381371d
Hi everyone, I hope you're all feeling great. Today, I want to share a new review. After a while, I finally got around to watching Anora, and I'm still like... wow, processing it all... you know how it is, right? You go to see a movie with a lot of hype but you kind of prepare yourself just in case, you lower your expectations a little... Well, Anora... not only did it meet them, it exceeded them. I finished watching it excited, half in shock, but completely sure that I had just seen something very, very special... first, we have to talk about the director, Sean Baker.. if you've seen Tangerine (yes, the one he shot with iPhones!), you already know that this guy has his own style... he's basically made his own little place, the one sometimes called "White Trash Cool"... yes, the term sounds a bit strong, but the truth is that it suits him, he dives into the lives of marginalized people, people who live on the edge, often dealing with poverty, addictions or, very often, sex work.
And the cool thing is that he doesn't judge them; It shows you their complicated, sometimes chaotic lives with brutal empathy, but also with surprising humor and visual style... it's as if he found beauty and a very particular energy in places where other directors would only see pure darkness. I'll be honest, sometimes his style seemed... a little too much for me. It was very stylized for such raw themes. That contrast, personally, used to shock me a little... not that it was bad, okay? Just... well, it wasn't a very specific taste that I didn't always connect with.
Luego de algún tiempo, por fin pude ver Anora y todavía estoy como... wow, procesando todo.. ya saben cómo es, ¿no? Uno va a ver una peli con un montón de hype pero igual como que te preparas por si acaso, bajas un poquito las expectativas... Bueno, pues Anora.. no solo cumplió, las superó, termine de verla emocionado, medio en shock, pero completamente seguro de que acababa de ver algo muy, muy especial.. primero, tenemos que hablar del director, Sean Baker.. si ya vieron Tangerine (¡sí, la que grabó con iPhones!), ya saben que este compa tiene un estilo muy suyo.. básicamente se ha hecho su propio lugarcito, ese que a veces llaman "White Trash Cool"... que sí, suena medio fuerte el término, pero la verdad es que le queda, se clava cañón en las vidas de gente marginada, gente que vive al límite, lidiando seguido con pobreza, adicciones o, muy seguido, con el trabajo sexual.
Y lo chido es que no los juzga; te muestra sus vidas complicadas, a veces caóticas, con una empatía brutal, pero también con un humor y un estilo visual sorprendentes.. es como si encontrara belleza y una energía muy particular en lugares donde otros directores nomás verían pura oscuridad, les soy sincero, a veces su estilo se me había hecho... un poquito demasiado. Como que muy estilizado para temas tan crudos, ese contraste, personalmente, antes como que me chocaba un poco.. no que estuviera mal, ¿eh?, solo... pues no era un gusto muy específico con el que no siempre conectaba.
So when I sat down to watch “Anora”, knowing Sean Baker’s track record, I was already ready for something intense and probably centered around someone in the sex trade world.. and yes, that’s exactly what we get, our protagonist, Ani (played by the amazing Mikey Madison – more on her in a moment), is a young dancer and escort working in Brooklyn.. the initial premise sounds almost too simple, even a little cliché. You might think, “Oh, like a modern-day ‘Pretty Woman’?” and it turns out Ani meets this very young, very rich Russian guy, Ivan, at the club where she works. Ivan’s impulsive, kind of dumb, barely speaks any English (the film switches between English and Russian, with a little bit of Armenian thrown in, which gives it a very authentic feel), and he basically becomes instantly obsessed with her, spending ridiculous amounts of money and eventually asking her to be his exclusive partner, whisking her off to Vegas and promising her the world… for a while, if you’re getting those “Pretty Woman” vibes – the Cinderella fantasy, the escape from a hard life into unimaginable luxury.
But trust me, Sean Baker takes that initial premise and smashes it. Where Pretty Woman was a brilliant fairy tale, Anora plunges you into something far more chaotic, unpredictable, and frankly, far more interesting and real. Despite the crazy circumstances, things get complicated pretty quickly, especially when Ivan’s oligarch family inevitably finds out about his relationship with an American sex worker. And that’s when the movie really takes off. Seriously, the way this movie plays with your expectations is brilliant. Just when you think you know where it’s going, it takes an unexpected turn. Baker keeps you completely off-balance, putting you in Ani’s shoes; she’s often just as lost and confused as you are about what the hell is going on. Is Ivan genuinely sweet or just a spoiled brat? Is his family dangerous? What are anyone’s true motivations? The plot twists and turns in ways that seem surprising, yet inevitable once they happen.
Entonces, cuando me senté a ver "Anora", sabiendo el historial de Sean Baker, ya estaba listo para algo intenso y probablemente centrado en alguien del mundo del comercio sexual.. y sí, eso es justo lo que nos dan, nuestra protagonista, Ani (interpretada por la increíble Mikey Madison – hablaré más de ella en un momento), es una joven bailarina y escort que trabaja en Brooklyn.. la premisa inicial suena casi demasiado simple, incluso un poco cliché. Podrías pensar, "Ah, ¿como una 'Pretty Woman' moderna?".. y es que Ani conoce a este chico ruso, Ivan, muy joven y muy rico, en el club donde trabaja, Ivan es impulsivo, un poco tonto, apenas habla inglés (la película cambia entre inglés y ruso, con un poco de armenio, lo que le da un toque muy auténtico), y básicamente se obsesiona con ella al instante, gastando cantidades absurdas de dinero y eventualmente pidiéndole que sea su compañera exclusiva, llevándosela a Las Vegas y prometiéndole el mundo.. por un rato, si sientes esas vibras de "Pretty Woman" – la fantasía de Cenicienta, la escapada de una vida dura a un lujo inimaginable.
Pero créanme, Sean Baker toma esa premisa inicial y la destroza.. donde "Pretty Woman" era un cuento de hadas brillante, "Anora" te sumerge en algo mucho más caótico, impredecible y, francamente, mucho más interesante y real, a pesar de las circunstancias disparatadas, las cosas se complican rápidamente, especialmente cuando la familia oligarca de Ivan inevitablemente se entera de su curiosa relación con una trabajadora sexual estadounidense. Y ahí es cuando la película realmente despega.. en serio, la forma en que esta película juega con tus expectativas es brillante, justo cuando crees que sabes a dónde va, da un giro inesperado.. Baker te mantiene completamente desequilibrado, te pone en los zapatos de Ani; ella a menudo está tan perdida y confundida como tú sobre qué demonios está pasando. ¿Ivan es genuinamente dulce o solo un niño mimado? ¿Su familia es peligrosa? ¿Cuáles son las verdaderas motivaciones de alguien? La trama gira y se retuerce de maneras que parecen sorprendentes y, sin embargo, inevitables una vez que suceden.
Okay, let's see, just call it a "comedy"? Hmm, I don't know, it doesn't quite fit me... I mean, yes, there are parts that make you die of laughter, really! Genuinely funny parts, often because of how absurd the situations Ani gets into are, especially like halfway through the film... there's a long sequence that's pure chaos, it's tense, a little violent, but somehow it still makes you laugh, it's incredible... it's interesting to find humor in super desperate and... disastrous moments. But be careful, beneath the laughter there is a very strong drama... I think it goes more towards the side of melodrama, touching on serious themes such as social class, exploitation, those relationships where everything is a "give and take", the freedom to decide, and the very harsh reality that many women live in. In Ani's work, Baker is not afraid to show the ugly, but she mixes it into the story in a way that also captures you and, sometimes, even has a tender side, how crazy... and now, let's talk about Mikey Madison!
Holy Christ, people! I was placing her in smaller roles, you know? Like the Manson girl in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood or in the new Scream, but here, wow! She is a beast, a total force! She carries the entire film, which lasts two and a half hours!, on her shoulders... her performance as Ani is... brutal, she's strong, she's vulnerable, she's funny, desperate, she has charisma... and you believe her every second she's on screen, it's impressive! She handles all the ups and downs of the roller coaster that is Ani's life with such dedication and finesse... incredible. You support her, you worry for her, you laugh with her, you suffer with her... and she gets nominated for an Oscar, and the truth is, she deserves it! It's phenomenal.
Without her, I think the movie wouldn't be as good... she's Anora, period... the pacing is also interesting, for a movie that's almost two and a half hours long, it really flies by, for the most part... it has a kind of energy that pushes you forward, especially when things start to get ugly, it reminded me a lot of the Safdie brothers' movies, like Good Time or Uncut Gems, that same wave of chaos that keeps growing and leaves you breathless, gripping your seat! Of course, there are moments, perhaps especially in that chaotic middle section, where you feel like Baker is kind of lingering, letting the scenes go on a little longer than necessary. Some might think it drags on a bit in some parts, but for me, the truth is, the intensity and how everyone acts kept me hooked almost the entire time... honestly, I wouldn't have liked it to be much shorter.
Okay, a ver, ¿decirle solo "comedia"? Mmm, no sé, como que no me cuadra del todo.. o sea, sí, tiene partes que te matas de la risa, ¡en serio! Partes genuinamente graciosas, muchas veces por lo absurdas que son las situaciones en las que se mete Ani, sobre todo como a la mitad de la peli.. hay una secuencia larga que es puro caos, es tensa, un poquito violenta, pero de alguna forma te sigue dando risa, es increíble.. es curioso el sacar el humor de momentos súper desesperados y... desastrosos. Pero ojo, debajo de las risas hay un drama bien fuerte.. yo creo que se va más por el lado del melodrama, tocando temas serios como la clase social, la explotación, esas relaciones donde todo es un "toma y daca", la libertad de decidir, y la realidad bien dura que viven muchas mujeres en el trabajo de Ani, Baker no teme mostrar lo feo, pero lo mezcla en la historia de una forma que igual te atrapa y, a veces, hasta tiene su lado tierno, qué loco.. y ahora, ¡hablemos de Mikey Madison!
Dios santo, gente! Yo la ubicaba de papeles más chicos, ¿saben? Como la chica Manson en Había una vez en Hollywood o en la nueva de Scream, pero aquí, ¡wow!, ¡es una bestia, una fuerza total! Se echa toda la película, ¡que dura dos horas y media!, sobre los hombros.. su actuación como Ani es.. brutal, es fuerte, es vulnerable, es chistosa, desesperada, tiene un carisma... y te la crees cada segundo que está en pantalla, es impresionante! Maneja todos esos sube y baja de la montaña rusa que es la vida de Ani con una entrega y una fineza.. increíble. La apoyas, te preocupas por ella, te ríes con ella, sufres con ella.. y la nominan al Oscar, y la verdad, ¡se lo tiene merecido! Es fenomenal.
Sin ella, yo creo que la peli no pegaría igual.. ella es Anora, punto.. el ritmo también está interesante, para ser una peli de casi dos horas y media, la verdad es que se te pasa volando, en su mayoría.. tiene como una energía que te empuja pa'lante, especialmente cuando las cosas se empiezan a poner feas, me recordó un montón a las pelis de los hermanos Safdie, como Good Time o Diamantes en Bruto, esa misma onda de caos que va creciendo y que te deja sin aire, ¡agarrado al asiento! Eso sí, hay momentos, quizás sobre todo en esa parte caótica de en medio, donde sientes que Baker como que se recrea un poco, deja que las escenas duren un poquito más de lo necesario. A algunos tal vez y les parece que se alarga un poquito en algunas partes, pero para mí, la verdad, la intensidad y cómo actúan todos me tuvieron enganchadísimo casi todo el tiempo.. sinceramente, no me hubiera gustado que fuera mucho más corta.
And the ending... wow! Speechless, really... I'm not going to spoil anything for you, obviously! But that final scene... is one of the most moving, complex and... beautifully filmed things I've seen in a while, it breaks your heart, it confuses you, but at the same time it has a super strange beauty and it hits you... it hits you hard, it's like Baker's trademark in a single scene: that mix of emotion like that, on the surface, of feeling uncomfortable, but with a touch of... I don't know, of grace that you don't expect... it hit me really hard, it stayed with me, let's see, is this movie for everyone? Mmm, I would say no, really... you have to connect with the way Baker sees things, how she gets into these very specific worlds, and put up with her humor which is sometimes a bit... acidic, right?, mixed with a drama that feels super real, talks about sex work without mincing words, and the characters are complicated, you won't always like them, eh!
They make decisions that maybe drive you crazy... if you're looking for something like happy and positive... well this isn't it... but, if you dare to see something that challenges you, that provokes you, with brutal acting!, visually super powerful, that makes you laugh, take your breath away and feel a lot of things... then you have to go see it NOW! For me, I feel like this is Baker’s most well-rounded film so far, I’ve liked his previous films of course, but Anora feels like it’s on a higher level… maybe a little more polished, the story is more complex, it hits you more emotionally, but without losing that sharp touch that is so typical of Baker, it seems like he’s really polished himself even more…
I went in expecting something good because of everything that was being said, but I came out thinking ‘Wow, this is a masterpiece! ’. So I give it a 9.5/10, I’m taking a little off for those moments where the pace feels a little too long, but honestly, that’s being very picky… the performances (especially Madison’s, my God!), the script, the way it’s directed, that roller coaster of emotions and THAT ENDING… it’s definitely worth it, and that would be all for today friends, I hope you give it a chance!! See you in the next reviews, take care! Bye bye.
Y el final.. ¡wow! sin palabras, de verdad.. no les voy a spoilear nada, ¡obvio!, pero esa escena final.. es de lo más conmovedor, complejo y... hermosamente filmado que he visto en un buen rato, te rompe el corazón, te confunde, pero al mismo tiempo tiene una belleza súper rara y te pega... te pega fuerte, es como el sello de Baker en una sola escena: esa mezcla de emoción así, a flor de piel, de sentirte incómodo, pero con un toque de... no sé, de gracia que no te esperas.. a mí me pegó durísimo, se me quedó grabada, a ver, ¿esta peli es para todo el mundo? Mmm, yo diría que no, la verdad.. tienes que conectar con la forma en que Baker ve las cosas, cómo se mete en estos mundos bien específicos, y aguantar ese humor suyo que a veces es medio... ácido, ¿no?, mezclado con un drama que se siente súper real, habla del trabajo sexual sin pelos en la lengua, y los personajes son complicados, no siempre te van a caer bien, ¡eh!
Toman decisiones que tal vez y te sacan de quicio.. si buscas algo así como alegre y positivo... pues esta no es.. pero, si te animas a ver algo que te rete, que te provoque, con actuaciones ¡brutales!, visualmente súper potente, que te haga reír, quedarte sin aire y sentir un montón de cosas... ¡entonces tienes que ir a verla pero YA! Para mí, siento que esta es la película más redonda de Baker hasta ahora, me han gustado sus pelis anteriores, claro, pero Anora se siente como un nivel más arriba.. tal vez un poquito más pulida, la historia es más compleja, te pega más en lo emocional, pero sin perder ese toque filoso tan de Baker, como que de verdad se pulió todavía más..
Yo entré esperando algo bueno por todo lo que se decía, pero salí pensando '¡Wow, esto es una obra maestra!'. Así que le doy un 9.5/10, le quito un poco por esos momentos donde el ritmo se siente que se alarga un poquito de más, pero la verdad, ya es ponerme muy exigente.. las actuaciones (¡sobre todo la de Madison, Dios mío!), el guion, cómo está dirigida, esa montaña rusa de emociones y ESE FINAL.. sin duda vale mucho la pena, y eso sería todo por hoy amigos, espero que le den una oportunidad!! Nos veremos en las próximas reseñas, cuidense! Byebye.
Tell me... have you seen this series? Has it caught your attention? Tell me what you thought of this review with my opinion, and tell me if it has made you want to watch this series. You can leave me in the comments your recommendations for future publications! 😊
Cuéntame.. ¿Has visto esta serie? Te ha llamado un poquito la atención? Dime que te pareció esta reseña con mi opinión, y dime si te han dado ganas de ver esta series. Puedes dejarme en los comentarios tus recomendaciones para las próximas publicaciones!! 😊
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What's up community? I hope you are feeling well, I am much better now, I have been a little sick these last few weeks but I am better now, the medication I am taking has helped me a lot. I know I'm a little late but I finally saw this Oscar winning movie and I want to share with you my humble opinion that nobody asked for.
¿Qué tal comunidad? Espero que se encuentren muy bien, yo estoy mucho mejor ahora, he estado estas ultimas semanas un poco enferma pero ya estoy mejor, la mediana que estoy tomando me ha ayudado mucho. Se que llego un poco tarde pero al fin vi esta película ganadora del Oscar y quiero compartirles mi humilde opinión que nadie pidió.
Anora (2024 ), is a movie directed by Sean Baker and starring Mickey Madison as Anora, I must say it is an attempt at Pretty Woman but they are not the happy ending, but one more realistic? I don't know, many said this was a super movie and I don't know what else besides it won the Oscar for best picture, best Actress, etc. That really leaves you with high expectations, so, even watching it a long time later, I still had high expectations.
Anora (2024 ), es una pelicula dirigida por Sean Baker y protagonizada por Mickey Madison como Anora, debo decir que es un intento de Mujer Bonita pero son el final feliz, sino uno más ¿Realista? no lo sé, muchos decian que esta era una super pelicula y no se que más además de que ganó el Oscar a mejor película, mejor Actriz, etc. Eso realmente te deja con altas expectativas, asi que, incluso viendola mucho tiempo despues, seguía con altas expectativas.
Basically it is about a young woman who is dedicated to give affection to men (if you know what I mean), who has the fortune (or misfortune) that one day a son of daddy hires her services and in an act of rebellion marries her, a situation with which the boy's parents obviously do not agree and move their influence and money to annul the marriage. It should be noted that this millionaire boy is Russian and Anora (or Ani as she calls herself), apparently has Russian ancestry, is this important for the plot? Absolutely not, but you are reminded of it a lot.
Basicamente trata de una joven que se dedica a darle cariño a los hombres (si saben a lo que me refiero), que tiene la fortuna (o la desdicha) de que un dia un hijo de papi contrate sus servicios y en un acto de mas rebeldía se case con ella, situacion con la que los padres del chico obviamente no estan de acuerdo y mueven sus influencias y dinero para anular el matrimonio. Cabe resaltar que este chico millonario es ruso y Anora (o Ani como se hace llamar), al parecer tiene ascendencia rusa, ¿Esto es importante para la trama? Absolutamente no, pero te lo recuerdan mucho.
I must admit that the movie has some funny moments that have to do with the characters that are sort of bodyguards of this millionaire guy. The first half of the movie is insufferable, it's watching a lot of scenes of young people getting high and having sex and squandering the money they didn't work for. At the time I saw that the director said he wanted to show what things women in the prostitution trade were up against, and when I finished watching this movie I was like "This is what all these women are up against? Having a rich guy marry them and then having their parents annul the marriage? "I've listened to podcasts where former sex workers tell their experiences and it's nothing like this, plus the movie doesn't leave you with any apparent teaching and no real consequence of what usually happens to women who engage in this trade and it doesn't tell you that this is wrong or anything.
Debo reconocer que la película tiene momentos divertidos que tienen que ver con los personajes que son una especie de guardaespaldas de este chico millonario. La primera mitad de la película es insufrible, es ver muchas escenas de jovenes drogandose y teniendo sexo y despilfarrando el dinero por el cual no trabajaron. En su momento vi que el director dijo que quería mostrar a que cosas Se enfrentaban las mujeres que se dedican al oficio de la prostitución, y cuando terminé de ver esta pelicula me quede como "¿A esto se enfrentan todas estas mujeres? ¿A que un tipo rico se case con ellas y luego sus padres anulen el matrimonio?" He escuchado podcast donde extrabajadoras sexuales cuentan sus experiencias y no es nada como esto, ademas de que la película no te deja con ninguna enseñanza aparente y tampoco una consecuencia real de lo que suele sucederles a las mujeres que se dedican a este oficio y tampoco te dice que esto esta mal o algo.
The truth is that this movie did not deserve the Oscar for Best Actress and Best Picture, not at all, although Mickey Madison does not do bad and is the best of the film, it is far from deserving an Oscar and more competing with other actresses who did better, but that's just my opinion. I hope you liked today's post, I'll say goodbye for now, thank you very much for reading and see you later in another post ❤️
La verdad esta película no merecía el Oscar a Mejor Actriz y Mejor Película, para nada, si bien Mickey Madison no lo hace mal y es lo mejorcito de la película, está muy lejos de merecer un Oscar y mas compitiendo con otras actrices que lo hicieron mejor, pero esa es solo mi opinión. Espero que les haya gustado el post de hoy, yo por ahora me despido, muchas gracias por leerme y nos vemos luego en otro post ❤️
›Anora: Everything, Except the Point.@omokhafue442d
I didn't understand the hype of this movie. I didn't also understand why I always kept seeing it in featured movies. And I also didn't understand why it was hyped on Instagram because from the beginning, I was like oh, okay maybe that will happen and I'm about fifty minutes into the movie and nothing is making sense yet.
Hi there, it's me again. Bringing another lovely(not) movie to your screens to rant about once more. It's been awhile I've seen this movie, sometime around the end of last month and I will be straight forward when I say I did not like it.
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What movie am I talking about? Well, that would be Anora. I was so confused when I found out it won an award and it was part of the top movies of 2024.
Anora is a film about a woman trying to hold on to something that feels like love in a world that keeps pushing her to let go. She's a stripper from Brooklyn, used to hard nights and harder truths. Her name is Anora Mikheeva, but most people call her Ani. She's sharp, fast-talking, and carries herself like someone who knows how quickly good things disappear. And then she meets Vanya.
Vanya Zakharov is young, quiet, almost delicate in his manner. He watches Ani with the kind of attention that feels unfamiliar to her—not like a client, not like a man wanting something, but like someone seeing her. He's the son of a Russian billionaire, but you wouldn’t guess it right away. There’s something soft about him, and when he invites Ani into his world, it doesn’t feel like a transaction. It feels like escape. They spend a few days together,long nights, quiet conversations, the kind of whirlwind that doesn't ask for logic. And before it makes sense, they're married.
That moment; when they say their vows in a hasty Vegas ceremony, is the beginning of a different kind of storm. Because Vanya’s parents find out, and they are not soft. They are cold, calculating, and powerful. And they do not want their only son married to a sex worker from Brooklyn. They arrive in America with their lawyers, their strategies, and their threats. They offer Ani money,first a little, then a lot. All she has to do is walk away. Let the marriage end. Sign the papers. Forget the boy.
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But Ani doesn’t walk. Not at first. She says no. Again and again. Maybe because she believes this love is real. Maybe because she wants to be more than a chapter in someone else’s mess. Maybe because, after everything, she wants to win.
As the story unfolds, Ani is pulled in all directions. Vanya starts to falter. He’s not the same boy who smiled at her like she was magic. He hesitates, defers to his parents, grows quiet. The pressure is crushing. The people surrounding them are not interested in what’s fair or what’s true. They want the marriage undone, erased like it never happened.
And Ani? She stands there, caught in a game she didn’t ask to play, but refuses to lose. What she does next isn’t loud. There’s no dramatic explosion. Just a decision.
By the end, we don’t see a wedding or a divorce. We don’t see her rich or ruined. We see Ani standing alone, outside everything,maybe on a street in Brooklyn, maybe somewhere else. Actually,I know exactly what Ani was doing at the end of the movie. I was not pleasing.
Anyways that's all I have to say about it. Definitely was not worth the hype. It really wanted it to be more.
I have tried and failed to understand the plot of this movie. It was a huge pile of erotic scenes, party scenes then all of a sudden we're sliding down some emotional abuse. It made no sense to me. I couldn't fathom what was going on in the movie. Like okay, will they later fall in love? Will Vanya man up and stand up for her eventually? Honestly, it wasn't it. It wasn't it at all. If I was to rate it out of 10, it's not getting up to 6 from me. Might even be less than 5, if I ponder over it sometime whilst evaluating.
Thanks for reading.
No soy una persona que vea las películas más en tendencia, ni mucho menos le sigo en la pista a las películas que están nominadas a los Oscars, y ni mucho menos a las ganadoras. Pero este año, como se habló muchísimo del revuelo que había con Emilia Pérez, una película que jamás en mi vida pienso ver, y ver que una que ganó varios premios fue la película Anora. Yo, la verdad, me llamó la atención al título y decidí verla porque la sinopsis me atrapó. La vi hace como dos días y siento que tengo muchas opiniones al respecto, pero les voy a resumir un poco.
I'm not a person who watches the most trending movies, much less keep track of the movies that are nominated for the Oscars, let alone the winners. But this year, as there was a lot of talk about the hype around Emilia Perez, a movie that I will never in my life watch, and to see that one that won several awards was the movie Anora. I, to tell you the truth, it caught my attention at the title and I decided to see it because the synopsis caught my attention. I saw it about two days ago and I feel that I have a lot of opinions about it, but I will summarize a little.
No hacerles el cuento muy largo ni para contarles todo de la película porque es bastante buena y siento que deberíamos verlas sin tragarnos ningún spoiler. A Nora es una película que trata de una chica que es prostituta básicamente y stripper, que se ve involucrada con un joven millonario, del cual desarrollan como un amor bastante rápido y fugaz en el que decidían comprometerse un poco mutuamente y de forma súper rápida. Este chico se llama Vania, el cual es un ruso, y ella es una chica llamada Anora, pero le dicen Ani y creo que es de Estados Unidos, pero tiene como familia rusa, entonces medio entiende el idioma. Estas dos se conocen, comienzan a salir, ya que él comienza a contratarlo muchísimo, él le propone un matrimonio en Las Vegas y cuando los dos están en su momento más feliz, justamente pasa algo y se desenvuelve toda esta historia.
Not to make the story too long or to tell you everything about the movie because it's pretty good and I feel we should watch it without swallowing any spoilers. A Nora is a movie about a girl who is basically a prostitute and stripper, who gets involved with a young millionaire, from whom they develop like a pretty quick and fleeting love in which they decided to commit a little bit mutually and in a super fast way. This guy's name is Vanya, which is a Russian, and she's a girl named Anora, but they call her Ani and I think she's from the United States, but she has like Russian family, so she kind of understands the language. These two meet, they start dating, he starts to hire him a lot, he proposes a marriage in Las Vegas and when the two are at their happiest moment, something happens and this whole story unfolds.
Yo me di cuenta de que el amor no iba a trabajar en esta película en el momento que vi que la boda había sucedido y no habíamos pisado ni siquiera la mitad de la película al principio parece una película romance, luego se vuelve super dramática y después vas a ser bastante cómica, seguimos otra vez con el drama, tenemos escenas bastante duras y tristes, pasamos otra vez como momentos cómicos y finalmente terminamos en un punto en donde tienes que prestarle demasiada atención al final de esta película para poder entender todo lo que te quiere transmitir. Literalmente yo describiría a esta película como una montaña rusa de emociones, una película bastante real, que tiene sus momentos de cliché y que también tiene esos momentos pocos realistas, pero que si te pones a pensar esas cosas han pasado, quizás no con tanta frecuencia o no en tanta masa, pero realmente ha pasado.
I realized that love was not going to work in this movie the moment I saw that the wedding had happened and we were not even half way through the movie, at first it seems like a romance movie, then it gets super dramatic and then you go to be quite comical, we go again with the drama, we have quite hard and sad scenes, we go again like comical moments and finally we end up at a point where you have to pay too much attention to the end of this movie to understand everything that it wants to convey to you. I would literally describe this movie as a roller coaster of emotions, a very real movie, that has its cliché moments and that also has those unrealistic moments, but if you think about it those things have happened, maybe not so often or not in such a mass, but it has really happened.
Desde mi humilde opinión, para no ser una persona que ama las películas ni que ama este género, yo soy más de la fantasía y ese tipo de interpretaciones, siento que esta película es buenísima. De las mejores películas que he visto, me mantuvo atrapada en todo momento. La imagen es bellísima, o sea, la representación de todo y el cómo la película transmite todo a través de colores, escenas, vestuarios, expresiones, la película es demasiado buena. La trama es muy buena, los personajes, los actores son súper buenos hay personajes muy realistas. Yo siento que la verdad la película es muy buena y el final me dejó en el aire. Yo ni siquiera sabía que exactamente ese era al final hasta que vi la duración de la película. Porque puede ser un final bastante simple, o sea, la escena es simple porque la cena es un beso básicamente, pero todo lo que te quería transmitir esa cena, todos esos últimos minutos te hacen pensar en demasiadas cosas y te van a entender mucho sobre el personaje principal. Así que creo que esta es una de las reseñas que menos spoilers tiene que ser realizado, realmente quiero transmitir que la película es bastante buena y que me siento muy contenta de verla, la vería otra vez totalmente sí, espero que les haya gustado conocer mis opiniones al respecto, nos leemos pronto!
From my humble opinion, for not being a person who loves movies or loves this genre, I'm more of fantasy and that kind of interpretations, I feel that this movie is great. One of the best movies I've seen, it kept me gripped at all times. The image is beautiful, that is, the representation of everything and how the movie transmits everything through colors, scenes, costumes, expressions, the movie is too good. The plot is very good, the characters, the actors are super good, there are very realistic characters. I feel that the movie is really good and the ending left me in the air. I didn't even know exactly that was the ending until I saw the length of the movie. Because it can be a pretty simple ending, I mean, the scene is simple because the dinner is a kiss basically, but everything that dinner wanted to convey, all those last minutes make you think about too many things and you're going to understand a lot about the main character. So I think this is one of the reviews that less spoilers have to be done, I really want to convey that the movie is pretty good and that I feel very happy to see it, I would watch it again totally yes, I hope you liked to know my opinions about it, see you soon!
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Recently, I watched the movie Anora, because it was the movie that received the most awards, it took in the night of the Oscars 2025 Awards that took place a few days ago. I must say that this kind of movies really catch my attention, it is one of my favorite genres, although the truth is that I was not attracted to it at first, but I decided to give it a chance after receiving five statuettes from the most important awards in the world of film and entertainment. When I saw the film, I asked myself the question: Did Anora deserve the Oscar for Best Picture? Well, in this opportunity I am going to give you my opinion about the film and answer this question, only from my personal opinion, not as a professional critic.
Recientemente, me vi la película Anora, pues fue la película más galardones, se llevó en la noche de los Premios Oscars 2025 que se llevó hace unos días. Debo decir que esta clase de películas me llaman mucho la atención, es uno de mis géneros favoritos, aunque la verdad es que no me atraía en un principio, pero decidí darle una oportunidad tras recibir cinco estatuillas de los premios más importantes del mundo del cine y el entretenimiento. Al ver la película me planteé la pregunta ¿Merecía Anora el Oscar a la mejor película? Pues en esta oportunidad les voy a dar mi opinión sobre el filme y responder a esta interrogante, solo desde mi opinión personal, no como una crítica profesional.
The movie was from last year, directed by Sean Baker, who was also in charge of the script. This is an independent film, in the genre of drama and comedy, which deals with what for many is an interesting topic, having a good reception and reviews in general, from what I read in the networks and some publications in the Movies & TV Shows community. What is the film about? The production tells us about Anora, a prostitute who meets a young Russian man whose parents have a lot of money, which the girl begins to live one of her best moments after not having had an easy life. Many tend to criticize the girls who dedicate themselves to this work, but as the saying goes, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone”. As human beings we are no one to judge people, even if it doesn't seem right to us, we never know why many women dedicate themselves to this life.
La película fue del año pasado, dirigida por Sean Baker, quien también fue el encargado del guion. Esta es una película independiente, del género de drama y comedia, que trata lo que para muchos es un tema interesante, teniendo un buen recibimiento y reseñas en general, por lo que leí en las redes y algunas publicaciones en la comunidad Movies & TV Shows. ¿De qué trata el filme? La producción nos habla de Anora, una prostituta quien conoce a un joven ruso cuyos padres poseen mucho dinero, lo cual la chica empieza a vivir uno de sus mejores momentos tras no haber tenido una vida fácil. Muchos suelen criticar a las chicas que se dedican a este trabajo, pero como dice el dicho “Quien este libre de pecado, que tire la primera piedra”. Como seres humanos nos somos nadie para juzgar a las personas, por más que no nos parezca bien, nunca sabemos el porqué muchas mujeres se dedican a esa vida.
What I did like about the plot is that it was a light film and not as predictable as one might imagine. A story that shows us the relationship between poor people and rich people, all the damage that the latter can cause them. Anora is a girl who knows what she is deciding to do, she has her feet on the ground, but many times we forget that we are all human beings and at some point we can't delude ourselves. A movie that I think is ok, it is quite original although I must say that it is not the best I have seen last year, like Jury Number 2 which is a movie that was one of the best I saw in 2024 and that did not have any Oscar nomination, not even Nicholas Hoult who played the role wonderfully. Don't get me wrong, every film has its merits, but many times we weigh the criteria for nominations and winners.
Lo que sí me gustó de la trama es que fue una película ligera y no tan predecible como uno se pudiera imaginar. Una historia que nos muestra la relación entre las personas pobres y las personas ricas, todo el daño que estas segundas les pueden causar. Anora es una chica que sabe a lo que decida, tiene los pies sobre la tierra, pero muchas veces nos olvidamos que todos somos seres humanos y en algún momento no podemos ilusionar. Una película que me parece que está bien, es bastante original aunque debo decir que no es lo mejor que me he visto del año pasado, como el Jurado Número 2 quien es una película que fue de lo mejor que vi del 2024 y que no tuvo ninguna nominación a los Premios Óscar, siquiera Nicholas Hoult quien interpretó maravillosamente el papel. No me malentiendan, cada película tiene sus méritos, pero muchas veces nos ponemos a pesar cuáles son los criterios que se basan para las nominaciones y los ganadores.
The story itself is good, but I don't think it's the best I've seen this year; however, I think it's quite original and with a worthwhile ending. What I find most transcendent in Anora is its message, a modern and very funny story if I could say so. The plot is worth it, although if I could complain about something it is the dialogues, many seemed boring and I expected more, but in the end in a balance you can say that a story that fulfills its purpose very well, it shows us how young people do not mature and do not assume the consequences of their actions, especially when their parents are rich and everyone solves it with power and money. Sean Baker did a great job in directing the film, winning the Oscar for best director.
La historia en sí es buena, pero no creo que sea lo mejor que he visto en el año; sin embargo, me quedo que es bastante original y con una final que sí vale la pena. Lo que más me parece trascendente dentro de Anora es su mensaje, una historia moderna y muy divertida si se podría decir así. La trama consideró que si vale la pena, aunque si me podría quejar de algo es de sus diálogos, muchos me parecían aburridos y me esperaba más, pero al final en un balance se puede decir que una historia que cumple muy bien su cometido, nos muestra como los jóvenes no maduran y no asumen las consecuencias de sus actos, más cuando sus padres son ricos y todos lo solucionan con el poder y el dinero. Sean Baker hizo un gran trabajo en la dirección del filme, ganándose el premio Óscar como mejor director.
I thought the performances of the cast of Anora were very good, where Mikey Madison brought Anora to life and took the best actress award, which was well deserved. On the other hand, we have Mark Eidelstein as Ivan, the young Russian whose parents were wealthy and powerful, a young man who likes to live the crazy life, who wanted to do everything he could to free himself from his parents' control, no matter what it would cost and if they end up hurting someone. We also have Yura Borisov as Igor, who was one of the boy's bodyguards and who had a very good participation in his supporting role in the story. In general, a very well selected cast in each of their roles and in what the story and the director, Sean Baker, asked of them.
Las actuaciones del reparto de Anora me parecieron muy buenas, donde Mikey Madison le dio vida a Anora y se llevó el premio de mejor actriz, que sí fue muy merecida. Por otro lado, tenemos a Mark Eidelstein como Iván, el joven ruso cuyos padres eran adinerados de mucho poder, un joven que les gusta vivir la vida loca, quien quería hacer todo lo posible de liberarse del control de sus padres, sin importarle lo que costara y si terminan hiriendo a alguien. También tenemos a Yura Borísov como Ígor, quien era uno de los guardaespaldas del chico y quien tuvo una participación muy buena en su papel secundario dentro de la historia. En general, un cast muy bien seleccionado en cada uno de sus papeles y en lo que le pedía la historia y el director, Sean Baker.
The cinematographer for the film Anora was Drew Daniels, doing a great job. I loved the different scenarios where the development of the story took place, the costumes were quite modern and striking. The soundtrack was quite good, very much in line with the story. Anyway, Anora is a good movie in general and even more so when it's independent. Is it the best I saw? Of the genre you could say yes, overall no, where I consider films like The Conclave and A Complete Stranger were better as a personal opinion. What I can say is that it is a movie that I recommend 100% that you see, because I don't know, maybe it's not the most memorable in the world of cinema, but you can get to like it, with a great message.
El encargado de la fotografía de la película Anora fue Drew Daniels, haciendo un gran trabajo. Me encantaron los diferentes escenarios donde se llevó a cabo el desarrollo de la historia, los vestuarios bastante modernos y llamativos. La banda sonora estuvo bastante bien, muy acorde a la historia. En fin, Anora es una buena película en general y más cuando es independiente. ¿Es lo mejor que vi? Del género se podría decir que sí, en general no, donde considero que películas como El Cónclave y Un Completo Desconocidos fueron mejores como opinión personal. Lo que sí puedo decir es que es una película que sí les recomiendo al 100% que la veas, porque no sé, tal vez no sea lo más memorable en el mundo del cine, pero sí que te puede llegar a gustar, con un gran mensaje.
Did Anora deserve the Oscar for Best Picture? Well, who am I to say that it didn't deserve it, I guess the voters saw something in it and in the end they chose it as the best. What I can say is that for me A Complete Stranger is a film that from my point of view is better than Anora and deserved this award. Even as I told you before, The Conclave also seemed to me an excellent film, but I was a little disappointed by its ending, since it was predictable and that is where Anora perhaps ended up winning. Anyway, if it deserved it, Anora did deserve it, since it is a film, but since the award is for the best production of the year, I don't know if it is, it depends on the taste and opinion of each viewer.
¿Merecía Anora el Óscar a la mejor película? Pues quién soy para decir que no lo merecía, supongo que algo le vieron los votantes que al final la terminaron eligiendo como la mejor. Lo que sí es que puede decir que para mí Un completo desconocido es una película que desde mi punto de vista es mejor que Anora y que merecía este premio. Incluso como les dije anteriormente, El Cónclave también me pareció excelente película, solo que su final me terminó decepcionando un poco, puesto que fue predecible y allí es donde tal vez Anora se terminó imponiendo. En fin, de merecer, Anora sí lo merecía, pues es una película, pero como el premio es a la mejor producción del año, eso sí que no sé si lo es, depende del gusto y opinión de cada espectador.
This blog is a personal journal of all the movies, Tv-Shows, & Games I consume during a year which enhances my overall experience. The ratings that I give are fully based on my personal preference and enjoyment at the time of watching and I'm writing spoiler-free reviews. (All HBD earnings are used to get extra Hive Power Delegations!)
I've been wanting to see Anora for a while having heard only really good things about it but never really was in the mood for a film about a sex worker somehow. The fact that it won the Oscar for best film however did make me more curious but in a strange way it kind of lowered my expectation. Generally Oscar winners are a miss from the ones that I have seen aside from some exceptions like Parasite & American Beauty which for me are in fact the best movies of those years. Oppenheimer I found overrated and a film with way too much courtroom talking, Everything Everywhere All at Once was just too much for me at the time that I watched it even though I did respect it for what it was. Anora in a way for me fits these kinds of movies as it didn't really do all that much for me and I don't fully understand the buzz about it.
Anora (6.6/10)
This movie is 2 hours and 20 minutes long while it easily could have been done in 90 - 100 minutes. It's directed by Sean Baker who I know from The Florida Project which was a film I really enjoyed at the time of watching but didn't really stick years later even though I do remember mainly the visual setting and location along with the main theme of poverty close by Disneyland. Anora kind of explores the same themes with the difference in class of a sex worker who does her job to get by and a son of a russian oliarch who is on the opposite side. That is also the main theme what the movie is actually about.
All-Explaining Movie Plot:
"A young escort from Brooklyn meets and impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch. Once the news reaches Russia, her fairy tale is threatened as his parents set out for New York to get the marriage annulled."
One of my main conserns with this movie was the plot as I feared that the breakdown of a stripper getting hired by a rich kid for them to get married followed by the family not being happy with it and trying to get the marriage reversed was it. I kind of hoped there would have been more to it but there wasn't aside from the main theme in the film that was explored and kind of came togheter in the end scene. It pretty much is a movie where in the first part you just see a lot of partying and sex where everything is great and fun and it the 2nd part a lot of cursing and some violence for it to end with some minor drama. This main story plotline was just very underwhelming for me as the 1 line just explains 95% of the movie
Surely the acting and filming was ok even though the russian accents at time became a bit annoying but for me these things only really go that far. What I look for in a movie mainly is to be blown away by a good story that takes me places where I didn't expect, makes me think about things or makes me emotional in either a way where I cry or am full of joy. The best Anora did in this regard was make me a bit horny with all the sex going on but nothing more really.
The trailer at the start states that it's a love story which for me it by no means it.
Conclusion
So overall this movie kind of confirmed my rather low expectation and it didn't get further than the plotline which pretty much is 95% of the actual movie. I still didn't hate it though and did kind of enjoy watching it even though I found it a bit too long. The fact that it won best movie feels more because of political correctness as it was time for a movie about a sex worker to get in the spotlight. 6.6/10
Anora (2024) is such a ridiculous cliche movie but in the good way, yes its 1000% predictable for the most part but it does throw you some curve balls, even without knowing who Ivan is, exactly who his parents were or why he is in Brooklyn we already know some of the possible outcomes, even if we take it from an adult stand point of view. Guy goes into a stripper club and becomes very close to an specific girl, yeah probably because she speaks some Russian as Ivan English was rough around the edges but still we know the ending before happens when he starts to throw money around, either one of them will ""fall in love"". Its a wild ride of raw energy with a bold storytelling of Ani, a New York City stripper who is entangled in a wild situation after getting marry with the son of a Russian oligarch.
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Story begins inside a high end strip club in New York, were there is Ani; role played by Mikey Madison, she is a very sleek girl, knowing the ins and outs of how to deal with her clients and she is not looking for any fairy tale ending, its like she is a realist and clearly knows who she is and where she is at. Things changes drastically for Ani (Anora) when she meet Ivan; too classic of a Russian name, role played by Mark Eydelshteyn. A rich Russian kid who is more interested in video games than he is in anything else, should be the first red flag for Ani but I guess she was the only one thinking they were not going to be that close at the end. The two close a business deal, an exchange of money for companionship, things get twisted and out of control when Ivan decides Ani and him to become exclusive, at first exclusive client, nothing around getting into a relationship, a deal close for $15k up front.
Eventually things do keep the same course and they fall into the idea of getting married, an idea that Ivan push with hidden reasons he only knew about at first, it was his intention to get a green card so he could stay in USA, probably escape to some place he could not be found all because he didn't want to return to Russia but also had no saying on his life to take this decision, this is why Ivan’s family sends out Toros; role played by Karren Karagulian, who was Ivan's godfather. He is not alone because Ivan’s father knew him too well and he would not come back that easy so they send out two of their bodyguards, Igor played by Yura Borisov and Garnick played by Vache Tovmasyan to set things right. They spend quite some time looking for Ivan who ran away across the New York City, the movie now turns into a mix and weird comedy between social commentary of how money and class differences can get in the middle of any relationship, facts.
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What really sells this movie and makes it special is its acting, we had to start from the point that Mikey Madison OWNS!!! Ani, there is not doubt that she is the star of the movie, not only that advertisement says so but she really backs it up, a perfect mix of toughness and vulnerability, she is delicate but can hit right back if ask, every other scene with her feels natural almost real, nothing fake or over the top. There even one scene where she breaks Garnick nose one of the goons from Ivan's family, she makes it look like she did have an impact on him but at the same time make it look funny. Next on the line with a probably even smaller role is Yura Borisov playing the role of Igor, a scary thug but as time goes on on the movie its reveal how soft he can be on the inside, specially for Ani, just another reason how the movie is very cliche.
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The ending of Anora is different than anything else in the movie, switching from all that wild energy to this quiet moments between Ani and Igor, probably sending an specific message "don't talk cause you going to ruin it. We are given this raw scene in Igor’s car after everything that has happened from the failed marriage, Ivan’s chaos, Ani’s dreams crashing down. It's not just another transaction when Ani tries to seduce Igor, it's more of her last attempt to control, the only way she knows how, I know it might not sound fair but the woman had a talent and she really knew how to use it but this was not the time, it's just that she never realize Ivan was a spoiled kid. Igor doesn’t take advantage of this, instead he shows her the first real moment of compassion she’s probably ever seen, just holding her while she cries. There are just these two people who have spent the entire movie fighting against each other now have found a moment of real human connection. The movie doesn’t have a happy ending, but it feels real and authentic how these characters have been and who they are.
I give the movie a solid 7/10, I know it might sound too low for all the glory it has been given since it won at the Canes and was a success from many online rating sites like IMDB but in my book the movie was just too predictable, a 7 is not a bad score but if Ani was played by Mia Goth or directly a Maxine version; would have been a total different movie, I think could have been a better movie, this time was more like grownup unscrew the situation that two ignorant childish kids made up. The movie made me laugh a lot and had a good time but its not a drama I wanted to know more about and there was nothing new that we have not seen before, its worth watching for a good time.
›Anora - Passion, Desire, Strippers, and Prostitution | Film Review [En-Es]@neruel513d
The walls are pink. An ice cream melts, and her hips sway as $100 bills fall under her feet. A delirious relationship in the middle of a murky, chaotic, and erratic world. Fantasy is the wealth amidst an immature tide.
Anora is a film directed and written by Sean Baker. It also won the Oscar for Best Picture. I cannot deny that the film deserves the award because of its synthetic nature. Anora explores the Cinderella archetype and turns it into a monster that self-destructs due to the desire to escape the muddy pit in which the protagonist finds herself.
I watched this film a few weeks ago, and I was surprised it won the award. I didn't expect it, even though it was nominated. There are small details that are technically weak in the production. I’m referring to the first 40 minutes, which depict explicit sex. This narrative consolidation makes the scenes feel cliché due to the immaturity of the two main characters. But after those 40 minutes, the film transforms into an explosion of emotions, where anguish is the dominant feeling. I would say that’s the most important aspect.
What most surprises about the film is how the events unfold. It perfectly shows what happens in a strip club, how harsh that life is, and what women do in the world’s oldest profession. The word “whore” is heard in the plot with no censorship, yet you feel an immense heaviness when hearing it.
What lies behind that person? What led her to work this way? Why is she there? These are questions you ask halfway through the film. You hope the protagonist’s life will surprisingly change, but what you expect is nothing more than a bitter sip of coffee. Changing a reality like this is very difficult. That’s why the use of the Cinderella archetype is incredible in this film, where the protagonist is a stripper who encounters a unique opportunity: a prince charming.
The prince charming can take her out of the place where she is and completely change her life. Something fantastical, but possible. The problem lies in the values of that so-called prince charming. In my opinion, he had more problems than she did.
The story unfolds in a Russian neighborhood in Brooklyn. The images of the brothel are raw, and you can clearly see the scenes. In one of them, Anora Mikheeva says something peculiar: “I’m going to do this, but it’s prohibited.” Keep in mind that the setting is a club, and prostitution is supposed to be illegal there (federal laws). However, this changes when you see her lying with Ivan.
I must highlight that the photography allows you to connect with the world’s darkness. The color palette reflects sadness and pain. It deeply explores the world of sex workers and what it means for them to escape from it. Social prejudice will always be the same.
In this film, you’ll find yourself in a nightclub, on the streets of New York, and then in the city of Texas. Each of these settings perfectly connects with the scenes and events that occur.
Mikey Madison is not a very well-known actress, but her performance as Anora Mikheeva is exceptional. Mainly because of her emotional range. Many things happen, and you notice that she is strong, brave, loving, full of hope, broken, and deeply human. You connect with the emotions of the character. It’s not about pity but about deep reflection.
As for Mark Eydelshteyn's performance as Ivan "Vanya" Zakharov, he perfectly conveys the role of the fool, the immature, insecure child. He’s one of the most toxic characters I’ve seen, but Mark skillfully shows the weaknesses of a person dominated by their parents, arrogance, and drugs. It’s clear: the end of someone like this is inevitable.
Social Message
The message of the film sets aside romanticism and evokes a reality that exists in our society: the use of another person for satisfaction or personal gain. The plot clearly establishes that the most painful thing is imagining a different world amidst personal chaos. The rawness of that reality leaves an impression on the viewer, but it also points out that no one is exempt from being hurt by their own desires.
Finally, I must clarify that love is not a material externalization; rather, it’s a reciprocal form of emotions that are tangible and probable. Not for the benefit of one person or for liberation from family burdens or personal circumstances. I hope you can enjoy this film filled with chaotic emotions and drama.
Images: IMDB 1 - 2. Designs Canva. Content by @neruel. English translation and grammar correction: Chatgpt - DeepL - Languagetool. Disclaimer: This is a personal opinion and does not reflect the facts or official views of the film.
SPANISH VERSION (click here!)
Anora - Pasión, Deseo, Stripper y Prostitución
Las paredes son de color rosa. Un helado se derrite y las caderas de ella se mueven mientras los billetes de 100 dólares caen bajo sus pies. Una relación delirante en medio de un mundo turbio, caótico y errático. La fantasía es la riqueza en medio de una marea inmadura.
Anora es un film dirigido y escrito por Sean Baker. Además, ganó el Óscar como mejor película. No puedo negar que el film merece el premio debido a la sintética que posee. Anora explora el arquetipo de Cenicienta y lo convierte en un monstruo que se autodestruye por el deseo de salir del pozo de lodo donde la protagonista se encuentra.
Vi está película hace unas semanas y me sorprendió que ganara el premio. No lo esperaba, a pesar de que estaba nominada. Hay pequeños detalles que técnicamente son débiles en la producción. Me refiero a los primeros 40 minutos, que muestran sexo explícito. Esa consolidación argumental hace que sientas trilladas las escenas debido a la inmadures de los dos personajes principales. Pero después de esos 40 minutos, el film se convierte en una explosión de emociones, donde la angustia es lo predominante. Diría que eso es lo más importante.
Lo que más sorprende del film es la manera como los hechos se desarrollan. Muestra perfectamente lo que sucede en un club de strippers. Lo dura que es esa vida y lo que hacen las mujeres que ejercen la profesión más antigua del planeta. La palabra: ¡Puta! Se escucha en la trama sin ningún tipo de censura, pero sientes una pesadez inmensa al escucharla.
¿Qué hay detrás de esa persona? ¿Qué la llevó a trabajar de este modo? ¿Por qué esta allí? Son preguntas que te haces en la mitad del film. Esperas que la vida de la protagonista sorprendentemente cambie, pero lo que esperas no es más que un trago amargo de café. Cambiar una realidad como esta es muy difícil. Por eso la utilización del arquetipo de Cenicienta resulta increíble en este film donde la protagonista es una stripper que se cruza con una oportunidad única: un príncipe azul.
El príncipe azul puede sacarla del lugar donde esta y cambiar por completo su vida. Algo fantasioso, pero que puede ocurrir. El problema son los valores de ese supuesto príncipe azul. A mi parecer, él tenía más problemas que ella.
La historia se desarrolla en un barrio ruso en Brooklyn. Las imágenes del prostíbulo son crudas y puedes ver claramente las escenas. En una de ellas, Anora Mikheeva dice algo peculiar: “Voy a hacer esto, pero está prohibido”. Recuerda el escenario es un club imaginas que la prostitución esta prohibida allí (leyes federales). No obstante, esto cambia cuando la ves acostándose con Iván.
Debo destacar que la fotografía hace que te conectes debido a la oscuridad de este mundo. La paleta de colores refleja tristeza y dolor. Explora de manera profunda el mundo de las trabajadoras sexuales y lo que significa para ellas salir de él. El prejuicio social siempre será el mismo.
En este film estarás en un Club nocturno, en las calles de Nueva York y luego en la ciudad de Texas. Cada uno de esos escenarios conecta perfectamente con las escenas y los hechos que ocurren.
Mikey Madison no es una actriz muy conocida, pero su trabajo interpretando a Anora Mikheeva es excepcional. Principalmente, por el manejo de las emociones. Hay muchas cosas que suceden ahí y notas que ella es fuerte, valiente, amorosa, se ilusiona, se quiebra y siente. Conectas con las emociones del personaje. No se trata de lastima, sino de una profunda reflexión.
En el caso de la actuación de Mark Eydelshteyn como Iván "Vanya" Zakharov, deja perfectamente claro el papel de idiota, niño inmaduro e inseguro. Es uno de los personajes más tóxicos que he visto, pero Mark muestra de manera certera las debilidades de una persona dominada por sus padres, la prepotencia y las drogas. Es claro: el final de alguien así.
Mensaje Social
El mensaje del film deja de lado lo romántico y evoca una realidad existente en nuestra sociedad. El uso de otra persona por satisfacción o por beneficio particular. La trama deja claramente establecido que lo más doloroso es imaginar un mundo diferente en medio del caos personal. La crudeza de esa realidad marca al espectador, pero también señala que nadie esta exento de ser lastimado por sus propios deseos.
Finalmente, debo dejar claro con el hecho de que el amor no es una exteriorización material; es más bien, una forma reciproca de emociones que son tangibles y probables. No a beneficio de uno y tampoco de una liberación ya sea del yugo familiar o de las circunstancias personales de cada persona. Espero que puedas disfrutar este film de emociones y drama caóticos.
Imágenes: IMDB 1 - 2. Diseños Canva. Contenido por @neruel. Traducción al inglés y corrección gramatical: Chatgpt - DeepL - Languagetool. Descargo de responsabilidad: Esta es una opinión personal y no refleja los hechos ni las opiniones oficiales de la película.
¡Hola, Comunidad de Hive! Hoy les comparto el enlace al video más reciente de mi canal de YouTube en el que hablo sobre ANORA (2024), dirigida por Sean Baker y la más reciente ganadora del Premio Óscar a la Mejor Película, lo cual ha levantado cierta polémica. Aquí les dejo mi opinión sobre esta cinta de corte independiente, donde además les recomiendo un cortometraje venezolano para ver en la misma plataforma.
Si este video es de su agrado, los invito a compartirlo y suscribirse a mi canal. Muchas gracias por leer.
All the screenshots in this post were taken directly from the movie by me.
Although I had pretty much neglected cinema in general for a couple of weeks now (especially when it came to relatively recent films), I couldn't ignore the hundreds of praises that Añora had received since its release, a coming-of-age story that told us the story of a stripper who ends up falling in love with a young millionaire who promised to figure out his life.
The cherry on the cake, obviously, was seeing that at the 97th edition of the Oscars, this film directed by Sean Baker managed to take home 3 of the most important awards of the entire ceremony: best director, best actress... and best film.
Hard to ignore, right? And after spending a couple of minutes on the film it's pretty obvious why, since even though I had a couple of general ideas about the route the work would take, the final result was something that still surprised me in the best of ways.
Starring a brilliant Mikey Madison (who many will remember from a small role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood or her recent appearance in the latest sequel of the Scream franchise), Añora stands as a breath of fresh air in an ocean of Hallmark movies and generic sequels, characterized by a beautiful and nostalgic visual style, with musical pieces that complement its deeper themes very well, and most importantly: a devastating story that perfectly represents the fleeting moment between a hedonistic man and a girl desperate to escape her own reality.
In this way, what begins as a sort of deconstruction of a Cinderella story (something I have read in dozens of reviews), Añora slowly becomes a nightmare that takes advantage of the bitterest aspects of its own premise to frustrate us and make us smile in almost equal amounts, to the point that it could remind us of the overloaded and desperate style of a film like Uncut Gems, with the peculiarity that it ends up being more delicate.
It's hard to find anything bad to say about Anora, a film that can hypnotize and bombard us with sex and excess in its first half, only to then bring us down (like its protagonist) to devastating reality.
It's a story that flows, is funny, moving, and very deserving of all the praise it has received. It reminds us that coming-of-age stories don't necessarily have to be set in adolescence, and paints a much more interesting (and human) view of that portion of society with which we are not in contact.
Anora es la última película de Sean Baker que ha causado un revuelo en Cannes y todo el mundo habla maravillas de ella, la película trata sobre una stripper en Nueva York que se ve envuelta en un romance con un niño ruso rico, esta es la premisa básica de la película pero tiene tantos cambios que al final no estaba segura de si estaba viendo una comedia, un drama o algo más. Enseguida me di cuenta de que esto no iba a ser una historia romántica común ya que la película es cruda y real y Baker muestra un lado no tan elegante de la ciudad de Nueva York, el escenario muestra la ciudad con una crudeza casi documental que hace que todo parezca súper real y las escenas del club de striptease me hicieron sentir como si estuviera allí mismo con los personajes.
La película me sorprendió de formas que no esperaba, algunas buenas, otras malas, como el cambio de una comedia casi romántica en la primera mitad a algo mucho más oscuro y serio, aunque no siempre es fluida y me perdí en lo que la película intentaba decir sobre la clase, el amor y la supervivencia, las actuaciones son bastante buenas y el interés hace mucho para mantenerte mirando mientras la trama se complica. Ani trabaja en este club de striptease de Manhattan haciendo lo suyo, tratando de llegar a fin de mes cuando conoce a Ivan este tipo ruso superrico que básicamente vive del dinero de su padre en una lujosa mansión de Brooklyn, se llevan bastante bien y lo siguiente que sabes es que Ivan le paga para que sea su novia durante una semana en Las Vegas, lo que realmente suena como el escenario para una comedia romántica realmente mala o un drama realmente oscuro, y de alguna manera esta película intenta ser ambas cosas. Esto los lleva a casarse durante todo el viaje a Las Vegas, que es donde las cosas se ponen complicadas.
Ani renuncia a su trabajo después de la boda pensando que ha ganado el premio gordo pero los padres de Ivan descubren que su hijo se ha casado con una stripper y se desata el infierno, envían a tres tipos llamados Toros, Igor y Garnick para que se encarguen de anular el matrimonio pero antes de que puedan hacerlo Ivan huye como un cobarde dejando a Ani sola para lidiar con estos tipos y comienzan a buscarlo por toda la ciudad de Nueva York antes de que lleguen sus padres de Rusia. Lo mejor de esta película es Mikey Madison como Ani, tiene esa energía ruda en el papel que es muy creíble tratando de mantener la compostura incluso cuando todo a su alrededor se desmorona, Mark Eydelshteyn es Ivan y aunque hace un buen trabajo me hubiera gustado que mostrara más profundidad aunque quizás ese era el punto ser un niño rico consentido al que nada le importa, Yura Borisov es Igor uno de los tipos enviados para resolver lo del matrimonio al principio parece un matón pero hay algunos de los momentos en los que parece tierno.
Me ha gustado lo que el director quiso hacer con esta película que era mostrarnos este choque de mundos y la manera en que el dinero y la clase pueden afectar a las relaciones, aunque a veces sentí que tenía muchas ideas y no hallaba que hacer con ellas, la película pasa de un romance casi de cuento de hadas a una historia mucho más de supervivencia y lucha de clases y aunque esto es algo interesante no tuvo mucho éxito, además de que es algo ya bastante trillado. Me parece que esta no es la mejor película de Sean Baker aunque logra capturar las experiencias humanas crudas que es típico en él hay algo en esta película que no me convence, aunque la película equilibra demasiados elementos como romance, comedia y comentario social hay momentos en los que se siente forzada, hay algunas escenas en las que el tono no parece el mismo como durante la búsqueda de Ivan por la ciudad de Nueva York.
El final no es muy satisfactorio en un sentido tradicional, es un final honesto para la historia que cuenta para nada es un final de cuento de hadas, representa la realidad que se produce cuando los sueños se enfrentan con la realidad. Después de tanto correr por Nueva York tratando de encontrar a Ivan, no hay un gran enfrentamiento dramático, ni un reencuentro romántico cuando finalmente lo encuentran de fiesta en el club de striptease donde trabajaba Ani, hay un momento de reflexión para Ani cuando lo ve que está completamente borracho apenas en pie y demostrando que no le importa nada de lo que está sucediendo, aquí se le cae toda la magia a ella, llegan los padres de Iván que la ignoran por completo y le dan 10 000 dólares para que firme los papeles de anulación, el hecho de que llegue al final sin que Ani intente luchar en absoluto, es como si finalmente se diera cuenta de la verdad que todo era una fantasía que nunca iba a durar, la escena es fuerte porque te das cuenta de que lo más difícil no es perder el sueño, sino aceptar que el sueño nunca estuvo realmente ahí, yo le doy un 7.2/10.
Anora is the latest film by Sean Baker that has caused a stir at Cannes and everyone is raving about it. The film is about a stripper in New York who becomes involved in an affair with a wealthy Russian boy. This is the basic premise of the film but it has so many changes that in the end I wasn't sure if I was watching a comedy, a drama or something else. I quickly realized that this was not going to be a common romantic story as the film is raw and real and Baker shows a not-so-elegant side of New York City. The setting shows the city with an almost documentary-like rawness that makes everything seem super real and the strip club scenes made me feel like I was right there with the characters.
The movie surprised me in ways I wasn't expecting, some good, some bad, like the change from an almost romantic comedy in the first half to something much darker and more serious, although it's not always smooth and I got lost in what the movie was trying to say about class, love and survival, the performances are quite good and the interest does a lot to keep you watching as the plot thickens. Ani works in this Manhattan strip club doing her thing, trying to make ends meet when she meets Ivan, this super-rich Russian guy who basically lives off his father's money in a luxurious Brooklyn mansion. They get along quite well and the next thing you know, Ivan pays her to be his girlfriend for a week in Las Vegas, which really sounds like the setting for a really bad romantic comedy or a really dark drama, and in some ways this movie tries to be both. This leads them to get married during the whole trip to Las Vegas, which is where things get complicated.
Ani resigns from her job after the wedding thinking she has won the jackpot but Ivan's parents discover that their son has married a stripper and all hell breaks loose. they send three guys called Toros, Igor and Garnick to take care of annulling the marriage but before they can do it Ivan runs away like a coward leaving Ani alone to deal with these guys and they start searching all over New York City for him before his parents arrive from Russia. The best thing about this movie is Mikey Madison as Ani, he has that raw energy in the role that is very believable trying to keep his composure even when everything around him is falling apart, Mark Eydelshteyn is Ivan and although he does a good job I would have liked him to show more depth although maybe that was the point being a spoiled rich kid who doesn't care about anything, Yura Borisov is Igor, one of the guys sent to sort out the marriage. At first he seems like a thug but there are some moments when he seems tender.
I liked what the director wanted to do with this film, which was to show us this clash of worlds and the way that money and class can affect relationships. although sometimes I felt that he had a lot of ideas and didn't know what to do with them, the film goes from an almost fairytale romance to a story much more about survival and class struggle and although this is interesting it wasn't very successful, apart from the fact that it's already quite hackneyed. I don't think this is Sean Baker's best film, although he manages to capture the raw human experiences that are typical of him, there is something about this film that doesn't convince me. Although the film balances too many elements such as romance, comedy and social commentary, there are moments when it feels forced, there are some scenes where the tone doesn't seem the same, such as during Ivan's search through New York City.
The ending is not very satisfying in a traditional sense, it is an honest ending for the story it tells, it is not a fairy tale ending, it represents the reality that occurs when dreams are confronted with reality. After running all over New York trying to find Ivan, there is no great dramatic confrontation, nor a romantic reunion when they finally find him partying in the strip club where Ani worked, there is a moment of reflection for Ani when she sees him, completely drunk, barely standing and showing that he doesn't care about anything that is happening, here all the magic is taken away from her, Ivan's parents arrive and completely ignore her and give her 10,000 dollars to sign the annulment papers, the fact that she gets to the end without Ani trying to fight at all, it's as if she finally realizes the truth that it was all a fantasy that was never going to last, the scene is powerful because you realize that the hardest part is not losing the dream, but accepting that the dream was never really there, I give it a 7.2/10.
›Anora: comedy, drama, romance | My opinion and review [Eng - Spa]@soyunasantacruz521d
Welcome 💖 Bienvenidos
If you saw Anora you know that it offers you just what they mention in its title, comedy, drama and romance, a little bit of everything, watching it reminded me of Pretty Woman a movie that in its time was very famous for presenting these genres, I think they are stories inspired by the tale of fairies the Cinderella, where the female character lives the suffering of poverty and is rescued by a prince, if we adapt the story to today and modernize our Cinderella would be a pretty young woman who works as a prostitute and her prince a millionaire who gets her out of that work.
Anora is our protagonist, an exotic dancer, who lives with her sister and some children she supports, it was not clear to me if they were her children or her sister's, but she does have a dysfunctional family. Anora understands Russian because she learned it from one of her grandmothers, she speaks it little, however, it helped her to communicate with one of the bar's customers, a Russian who came to the United States to have fun.
Spanish Version
Si viste Anora sabes que te ofrece justo lo que mencionan en su título, comedia, drama y romance, un poco de todo, mirarla me recordó a Mujer bonita una película que en su tiempo fue muy famosa por presentar estos géneros, creo que son historias inspiradas en el cuento de hada la cenicienta, donde el personaje femenino vive el sufrimiento de la pobreza y es rescatada por un príncipe, si adaptamos la historia a la actualidad y la modernizamos nuestra cenicienta sería una mujer joven bonita que trabaja la prostitución y su príncipe un millonario que la saca de esa labor.
Anora es nuestra protagonista, bailarina exótica, que vive con su hermana y unos niños que ella mantiene, no me quedó claro si eran sus hijos o los de su hermana, pero sí que tiene una familia disfuncional. Anora entiende el Ruso porque lo aprendió de una de sus abuelas, lo habla poco, sin embargo, le sirvió para comunicarse con uno de los clientes del bar, un ruso que llegó a los Estados Unidos a divertirse.
This man was a millionaire who hired Anora for a dance, he was very generous and invited her to his house, a mansion that left her impressed. From that moment on, a collaborative romance began between them, he paid for the company and sexual service and she began to feel confident and eager to change her life. He hired her for a full week that included a trip to Las Vegas and between the rides, the adrenaline of the casinos and the drugs they decided to get married. Anora thought she had her life figured out and I was so excited for her, I began to admire her for her cunning, but I knew the drama would soon begin.
Anora's husband's family, her in-laws found out and obviously did not accept her as a daughter-in-law, sending some mobsters to solve everything, from that moment began a persecution between them because Anora's husband did not want to face his parents, in this part the comedy and drama that Anora lives merge, if you want to know if they got divorced or managed to keep that union you will have to watch the movie.
In the final part I felt moved by Anora, I felt pity and a lot of sadness, poverty is hard and with hunger desperate measures are taken plus deep down she is a lonely girl, who needs to be protected and loved, with low self-esteem and all the anger and strength she showed was a protective shield. The last scene is a sample of this, she is shown a little respect and affection and she pays with sex, because she does not know how to express otherwise a thank you, a reflection of low self-esteem and loneliness. In this movie you will find besides comedy, drama and romance and some suspense. It's good for a good time.
Spanish Version
Este hombre era millonario que contrato a Anora para un baile, fue muy generoso y la invitó a su casa, una mansión que la dejó impresionada. Desde ese momento inició un romance entre ellos de forma colaborativa, él pagaba por la compañía y servicio sexual y ella comenzó a sentirse segura y con deseos de cambiar su vida. La contrató por una semana completa que incluía un viaje a Las Vegas y entre los paseos, la adrenalina de los casinos y las drogas decidieron casarse. Anora pensó que tenía la vida resuelta y yo me emocioné tanto por ella, que comencé a admirarla por su astucia, pero sabía que pronto comenzaría el drama.
La familia del esposo de Anora, sus suegros se enteraron y obviamente no aceptaron como yerna, enviando unos mafiosos a solucionar todo, desde ese momento comenzó una persecución entre ellos porque el esposo de Anora no quería enfrentar a sus padres, en esta parte se fusionan la comedia y drama que vive Anora, si quieres saber si llegaron a divorciarse o lograron mantener esa unión tendrás que ver la película.
En la parte final me sentí conmovida por Anora, sentí lástima y mucha tristeza, la pobreza es dura y con hambre se toman medidas desesperadas además en el fondo es una chica sola, que necesita ser protegida y amada, con baja autoestima y toda la ira y fortaleza que mostraba era un escudo protector. La última escena es una muestra de esto, a ella le muestran un poco de respeto y cariño y ella paga con sexo, pues no sabe expresar de otra forma un agradecimiento, reflejo de baja autoestima y soledad. En esta película encontrarás aparte de la comedia, el drama y el romance y algo de suspenso. Es buena para pasar un rato.
Synopsis: The life of a young prostitute from Brooklyn changes completely after she meets, gets involved with and ends up marrying a young oligarch from a Russian family. However, what seemed like a “fairy tale” turns into an immeasurable headache when the boy's parents discover what happened and decide to annul the marriage.
Sex. Greed. Drugs. Power. Lust. Love? At a certain point in this movie you may wonder if all this is a viable combination for such a young couple formed by a prostitute and an idle young man from a Russian family who has no perspective in life. Ironically yes, because the script really manages to make us believe in the love story between Ani and Ivan, mainly because the plot brings a unique perspective on Ani's view of the whole situation. Everything revolves around it, but what potentially starts doesn't keep that pace.
Being a little over two hours long, I think the script wastes a lot of time trying to establish a love story that we knew from the beginning wouldn't work (and ends up making the rest of the cast very oblivious). The signs of the failed relationship are clear from the beginning, but it is very interesting to see how the plot branches out to make us create some empathy for the couple. In the midst of so many announced disasters, we hope to see them together, but that's why the movie ends up getting lost along the way, because the plot loses this focus.
We get to know Ani and Ivan with different stories in depth. While Ani's routine is shown within some sensual sequences lit by neon light, Ivan's routine is too vague (although this initially matches the essence of the character himself). However, as Ani's entire plot is deepened, Ivan's plot remains stagnant until the moment he marries Ani. So, from this moment on, the script had everything to dive deep into this plot, but the decision to turn it into a “dramatic comedy” is not so good.
All the possible complications that the script tries to present as obstacles to the young couple's lives do not tend to be really dangerous due to the way the plot presents them. In particular, the trio of henchmen from Ivan's family, who are actually portrayed in the movie as three idiots (and this becomes extremely clear in the long, and sometimes very tiring, sequence inside Ivan's family mansion... where an “invasion” takes place, which ends up becoming the most fun moment, but also the most embarrassing moment in the entire movie) without any action plan.
In this particular sequence that I mentioned above, the script manages to deliver all of its “weird” side by having a childish approach to a situation that should show the audience a sense of urgency in relation to what was being told. The plot called for actions more in keeping with the reality of the facts, but the script opted for comical confusion (and here it is necessary to mention the excess of shouting and broken objects) to try to offer a break in expectations to the public. I know for many people this must have worked, but for me it was annoying.
Anyway, this was a relatively very interesting moment for managing to “connect” the supporting characters with the protagonist. From this point on, Igor (one of the three henchmen) ends up gaining prominence for having a narrative approach that is slowly linked to Ani (at this point, it is precisely possible to notice how their plots intersect in a physical way... Ani being exploited for sexual pleasure, and Igor being exploited for his bodily strength). In other words, it's like they can read themselves without having to actually talk about anything.
The “Cinderella tale” lived by Ani begins to collapse from this point onwards and when the threat coming from Ivan's family becomes real, Ani understands that the house of cards is going to fall. Although the script does not delve into anything in depth about this (leaving countless possibilities open), there is an important narrative weight here (basically the overlap of the rich in relation to the poor, as if one class were “consumers” of the other within the system). A very valid type of social criticism, in fact... But it would need more time to be better developed.
Mikey Madison brings to life a complex character full of different layers. Initially, she is a very determined woman, although lost within her own certainties and expectations (which ends up being confirmed in the final scene of the movie, where she delivers a heart-wrenching dramatic charge), but who manages to adapt to your needs easily. This is Madison's best work yet. Alongside her, Mark Eydelshteyn is so carefree that he becomes irritatingly convincing as the extremely spoiled young adult who only thinks about sex and drugs.
Among them, it is worth highlighting Yura Borisov's performance as Igor, who despite having few speaking roles in the script, becomes a fundamental weight within the story as it is constructed in its specific details in relation to Ani's fate. His presence in the scenes shared with Ani highlights his importance within the story. This cast was put to great use by director Sean Baker (who, incidentally, also wrote the script for this movie), because he managed to extract the best from them and even managed to outline the plot with alternating moments.
Anora is an engaging movie, but it lacks depth. Although it deals with heavy themes (the essence of Ani herself being her worst nightmare, because she needs to use sex as a means of survival and finds violence to be the only type of language she knows in relation to the men she interacts with), the script really chooses to make everything lighter through the constant comic insertions (which, by the way, aren't even that funny most of the time). Technically it is a simple film, but captivating due to its good photography and very functional soundtrack.
[ OFFICIAL TRAILER ]
CRÍTICA DE PELÍCULA: “Reality” (2024)
Sinopsis: La vida de una joven prostituta de Brooklyn cambia por completo después de conocer, involucrarse y terminar casándose con un joven oligarca de familia rusa. Sin embargo, lo que parecía un “cuento de hadas” se convierte en un dolor de cabeza inconmensurable cuando los padres del niño descubren lo sucedido y deciden anular el matrimonio.
Sexo. Codicia. Drogas. Fuerza. Lujuria. ¿Amar? En cierto punto de esta película cabe preguntarse si todo esto es una combinación viable para una pareja tan joven formada por una prostituta y un joven ocioso de familia rusa que no tiene perspectivas en la vida. Irónicamente sí, porque el guión realmente logra hacernos creer en la historia de amor entre Ani e Ivan, principalmente porque la trama aporta una perspectiva única sobre la visión de Ani sobre toda la situación. Todo gira en torno a ello, pero lo que potencialmente comienza no sigue ese ritmo.
Al tener poco más de dos horas de duración, creo que el guión pierde mucho tiempo intentando establecer una historia de amor que sabíamos desde el principio que no funcionaría (y acaba haciendo que el resto del reparto se olvide mucho). Los signos de la relación fallida son claros desde el principio, pero es muy interesante ver cómo la trama se bifurca para hacernos crear cierta empatía con la pareja. En medio de tantos desastres anunciados esperamos verlos juntos, pero por eso la película termina perdiéndose en el camino, porque la trama pierde ese enfoque.
Conocemos en profundidad a Ani e Ivan con diferentes historias. Mientras que la rutina de Ani se muestra dentro de algunas secuencias sensuales iluminadas por luces de neón, la rutina de Ivan es demasiado vaga (aunque inicialmente coincide con la esencia del propio personaje). Sin embargo, a medida que toda la trama de Ani se profundiza, la trama de Ivan permanece estancada hasta el momento en que se casa con Ani. Entonces, a partir de este momento, el guión tenía todo para profundizar en esta trama, pero la decisión de convertirla en una “comedia dramática” no es tan buena.
Todas las posibles complicaciones que el guión intenta presentar como obstáculos en la vida de la joven pareja no suelen resultar realmente peligrosas por la forma en que la trama las presenta. En particular, el trío de secuaces de la familia de Ivan, que en realidad son retratados en la película como tres idiotas (y esto queda muy claro en la secuencia larga, y a veces muy agotadora, dentro de la mansión familiar de Ivan... donde se produce una “invasión”, que termina convirtiéndose en el momento más divertido, pero también en el más embarazoso de toda la película) sin ningún plan de acción.
En esta secuencia particular que mencioné anteriormente, el guión logra mostrar todo su lado “raro” al tener un enfoque infantil de una situación que debería mostrar a la audiencia un sentido de urgencia en relación con lo que se está contando. La trama pedía acciones más acordes con la realidad de los hechos, pero el guion optó por la confusión cómica (y aquí hay que mencionar el exceso de gritos y objetos rotos) para intentar ofrecer una ruptura de expectativas al público. Sé que para muchas personas esto debió haber funcionado, pero para mí fue molesto.
De todos modos, este fue un momento relativamente muy interesante para lograr “conectar” a los personajes secundarios con el protagonista. A partir de este momento, Igor (uno de los tres secuaces) acaba ganando protagonismo por tener un enfoque narrativo que poco a poco se va vinculando a Ani (en este punto, precisamente es posible notar cómo sus tramas se cruzan de manera física... Ani siendo explotada para el placer sexual, e Igor siendo explotado por su fuerza corporal). En otras palabras, es como si pudieran leerse a sí mismos sin tener que hablar de nada.
El “cuento de Cenicienta” vivido por Ani comienza a derrumbarse a partir de este momento y cuando la amenaza proveniente de la familia de Iván se vuelve real, Ani comprende que el castillo de naipes se va a derrumbar. Aunque el guión no profundiza nada en esto (dejando abiertas innumerables posibilidades), hay aquí un peso narrativo importante (básicamente el solapamiento de los ricos en relación con los pobres, como si una clase fuera “consumidora” de la otra dentro del sistema). Un tipo de crítica social muy válida, de hecho... Pero necesitaría más tiempo para desarrollarse mejor.
Mikey Madison da vida a un personaje complejo lleno de diferentes capas. Inicialmente, es una mujer muy decidida, aunque perdida en sus propias certezas y expectativas (lo que termina confirmándose en la escena final de la película, donde entrega una carga dramática desgarradora), pero que logra adaptarse a sus necesidades con facilidad. Este es el mejor trabajo de Madison hasta el momento. Junto a ella, Mark Eydelshteyn es tan despreocupado que resulta irritantemente convincente como el joven extremadamente mimado que sólo piensa en sexo y drogas.
Entre ellos, cabe destacar la interpretación de Yura Borisov como Igor, quien a pesar de tener pocos papeles hablantes en el guión, se convierte en un peso fundamental dentro de la historia ya que se construye en sus detalles específicos en relación al destino de Ani. Su presencia en las escenas compartidas con Ani resalta su importancia dentro de la historia. Este reparto fue muy aprovechado por el director Sean Baker (quien, por cierto, también escribió el guión de esta película), porque supo extraer de ellos lo mejor e incluso logró perfilar la trama con momentos alternos.
Anora es una película atractiva, pero le falta profundidad. Aunque trata temas pesados (la esencia de Ani es su peor pesadilla, porque necesita usar el sexo como medio de supervivencia y encuentra que la violencia es el único tipo de lenguaje que conoce en relación con los hombres con los que interactúa), el guión realmente opta por hacerlo todo más ligero a través de constantes inserciones cómicas (que, por cierto, ni siquiera son tan divertidas la mayor parte del tiempo). Técnicamente es una película sencilla, pero que cautiva por su buena fotografía y su banda sonora muy funcional.
CRÍTICA DE FILME: “Anora” (2024)
Sinopse: A vida de uma jovem prostituta do Brooklyn muda por completo depois que ela conhece, se envolve e acaba casando com um jovem oligarca de família russa. No entanto, o que parecia ser um “conto de fadas” se transforma em uma dor de cabeça imensurável quando os pais do rapaz descobrem o que aconteceu e decidem anular o matrimônio.
Sexo. Cobiça. Drogas. Poder. Luxúria. Amor? Em um certo momento deste filme você pode se perguntar se tudo isso é uma combinação viável para um casal tão jovem formado por uma prostituta e um jovem desocupado de família russa que não tem nenhuma perspectiva de vida. Ironicamente sim, porque o roteiro realmente consegue nos fazer acreditar na história de amor entre Ani e Ivan, principalmente porque a trama traz uma perspectiva única sobre o olhar que Ani tem sobre toda aquela situação. Tudo gira em torno dela, mas o que começa potencialmente, não mantém esse ritmo.
Tendo um pouco mais de duas horas de duração, eu acho que o roteiro perde muito tempo tentando sedimentar uma história de amor que desde o início sabíamos que não daria certo (e acaba tornando o restante do elenco bem omisso). Os sinais do relacionamento fracassado são claros desde o início, mas é muito interessante perceber como a trama se ramifica para nos fazer criar alguma empatia pelo casal. No meio de tantos desastres anunciados, torcemos para vê-los juntos, mas é por causa disso que o filme acaba se perdendo no meio do caminho, porque a trama perde esse foco.
Nós conhecemos Ani e Ivan com aprofundamentos de estórias diferentes. Enquanto a rotina de Ani é mostrada dentro de algumas sequências sensuais iluminadas por uma luz neon, a rotina de Ivan é vaga demais (embora isso combine à princípio com a essência do próprio personagem). No entanto, à medida em que toda a trama de Ani é aprofundada, a trama de Ivan fica estagnada até o momento em que ele casa com Ani. Então, a partir deste momento o roteiro tinha tudo para mergulhar fundo nesse enredo, mas a decisão de transformar isso numa “comédia dramática” não é tão boa.
Todas as possíveis complicações que o roteiro tenta apresentar como obstáculos para à vida do jovem casal não tendem a ser realmente perigosas pela maneira como a trama as apresenta. Em especial, o trio de capangas da família do Ivan, que são realmente retratados no filme como três bobalhões (e isso fica extremamente claro na longa, e por vezes bem cansativa, sequência dentro da mansão da família do Ivan... onde acontece uma “invasão”, que acaba se tornando o momento mais divertido, mas também o momento mais constrangedor de todo o filme) sem qualquer plano de ações.
Nesta sequência em especial que eu mencionei acima, o roteiro consegue entregar todo o seu lado “esquisito” por ter uma abordagem infantilizada sobre uma situação que deveria mostrar ao público um senso de urgência em relação ao que estava sendo contado. A trama pedia ações mais condizentes com a realidade dos fatos, mas o roteiro optou pelas confusões cômicas (e aqui é preciso mencionar o excesso de gritaria e de objetos quebrados) para tentar oferecer uma quebra de expectativa ao público. Eu sei que para muitas pessoas isso deve ter funcionado, mas para mim foi irritante.
De qualquer forma, esse foi um momento relativamente bem interessante por conseguir “conectar” os personagens coadjuvantes com a protagonista. A partir desde ponto, Igor (um dos três capangas) acaba ganhando destaque por ter uma abordagem narrativa que lentamente vai sendo ligada a Ani (neste ponto, precisamente é possível notar como as tramas deles se cruzam de forma física... Ani sendo explorada pelo prazer sexual, e Igor sendo explorado por sua força corporal). Em outras palavras, é como se eles pudessem ler a si mesmos, sem ter que realmente conversar sobre nada.
O “conto de cinderela” vivido por Ani começa a ruir a partir deste ponto e quando a ameaça vinda por parte da família de Ivan se torna real, Ani entende que o castelo de cartas vai cair. Embora o roteiro não se aprofunde em absolutamente nada quanto a isto (deixando em aberto inúmeras possibilidades), há um peso narrativo importante aqui (basicamente a sobreposição dos ricos em relação aos pobres, como se uma classe fosse “consumidora” da outra dentro do sistema). Um tipo de crítica social muito válida aliás... Mas, que precisaria de mais tempo de tê-la para ser melhor desenvolvida.
Mikey Madison dá vida a uma personagem complexa e repleta de diferentes camadas. Inicialmente, ela é uma mulher bem decidida, embora perdida dentro das suas próprias certezas e expectativas (o que acaba sendo confirmado na cena final do filme, onde ela entrega uma carga dramática de cortar o coração), mas que consegue se adaptr as suas necessidades facilmente. Esse é o melhor trabalho da Madison até então. Ao lado dela, Mark Eydelshteyn é tão relapso que se torna irritantemente convincente como o jovem adulto extremamente mimado que só pensa em sexo e drogas.
No meio deles, vale à pena destacar a atuação de Yura Borisov como Igor, que apesar de ter poucas falar no roteiro, se torna um peso fundamental dentro da estória à medida em que ela vai sendo construída nos seus detalhes específicos em relação ao destino de Ani. A presença dele nas cenas compartilhadas com Ani evidenciam a importância dele dentro da estória. Esse elenco foi muito bem aproveitado pelo diretor Sean Baker (que aliás, também escreveu o roteiro deste filme), porque ele conseguiu extrair o melhor deles e ainda conseguiu delinear a trama com alternâncias de momentos.
Anora é um filme envolvente, mas peca pela falta de profundidade. Embora lide com temas pesados (sendo a essência da própria Ani o seu pior pesadelo, porque ela precisa usar o sexo como meio de sobrevivência e encontra na violência o único tipo de linguagem que ela conhece em relação aos homens com os quais ela se relaciona), o roteiro realmente opta por tornar tudo mais leve pelas constantes inserções cômicas (que aliás, nem são tão engraçadas assim na grande maioria das veze). Tecnicamente é um filme simples, mas cativante por ter uma boa fotografia e trilha sonora muito funcional.
›Anora, una Película que te hará Reír y Llorar (Reseña) // Anora, a Movie that will make you laugh and cry (Review)@maeugenia537d
Saludos queridos cinéfilos, bienvenidos a mi blog y a la comunidad de #MoviesTVShow, les deseo un feliz y productivo día. Como ya les había mencionado mi familia y yo estamos viendo las películas nominadas a los Oscar de este año, en esta oportunidad tocó el turno de Anora y aunque no tenía muchas expectativas sobre esta película debo confesar que me encantó, es divertida, fresca y con personajes muy interesantes.
Greetings dear movie lovers, welcome to my blog and the #MoviesTVShow community, I wish you a happy and productive day. As I had already mentioned, my family and I are watching the movies nominated for this year's Oscars, this time it was Anora's turn and although I didn't have many expectations about this movie, I must confess that I loved it, it's fun, fresh and with very interesting characters.
Anora me recordó a la película Mujer Bonita protagonizada por Richard Gere y Julia Roberts, pero no tan romantizada y con un final crudo y apegado a la realidad de lo que generalmente ocurre en este tipo de relaciones. Anora es una chica de ascendencia rusa que se gana la vida como estríper, lleva una vida modesta, se ocupa de atender a sus clientes y de congeniar con sus iguales en el club, una noche conoce en el club a Vanya, un joven millonario de origen ruso muy apuesto que le pide que baile para él a cambio de mucho dinero, Anora se siente eclipsada por el dinero de Vanya.
Anora reminded me of the movie Pretty Woman starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, but not so romanticized and with a raw ending and attached to the reality of what generally happens in this type of relationship. Anora is a girl of Russian descent who makes a living as a stripper, leads a modest life, takes care of serving her clients and getting along with her peers at the club, one night she meets Vanya at the club, a very handsome young millionaire of Russian origin who asks her to dance for him in exchange for a lot of money, Anora feels overshadowed by Vanya's money.
Luego Anora es invitada por Vanya a su casa y comienza así una inusual relación entre ambos cuando él le pide pagarle una semana exclusiva solo con él. Viven una semana de desenfreno, fiesta, drogas y sexo, nada es imposible para Vanya que tiene recursos ilimitados. Luego las cosas se salen de control y las personas contratadas por los padres de Vanya para cuidar de él entran en escena, ellos deben enmendar el gran error que ha cometido Vanya.
Then Anora is invited by Vanya to her house and an unusual relationship begins between them when he asks her to pay for an exclusive week with him alone. They live a week of debauchery, partying, drugs and sex, nothing is impossible for Vanya who has unlimited resources. Then things get out of control and the people hired by Vanya's parents to take care of him enter the scene, they must correct the great mistake Vanya has made.
Me gustó mucho la película, nos muestra el lado humano de sus personajes, Anora es una joven que la vida le enseñó a cuidarse y ocultar sus sentimientos, a no dejarse vencer ante su dura realidad, pero en el fondo tiene un lado vulnerable y sueña con que su vida puede cambiar al conocer a Vanya, pero todos sabemos que en la realidad esto es muy improbable. Por su parte Vanya es un joven malcriado acostumbrado a obtener todo lo que quiere sin importar los sentimientos de las personas a su alrededor.
I really liked the movie, it shows us the human side of its characters, Anora is a young woman who life taught her to take care of herself and hide her feelings, to not let herself be defeated by her harsh reality, but deep down she has a vulnerable side and dreams that her life can change by meeting Vanya, but we all know that in reality this is very unlikely. For his part, Vanya is a spoiled young man accustomed to getting everything he wants regardless of the feelings of the people around him.
También aparece en escena el personaje de Igor, uno de los custodio de Vanya y que aporta mucha calidez y ternura a la película, él de alguna manera siente empatía por Anora y no entiende cómo una joven como ella está envuelta en esa situación, se convierte en tímido príncipe siempre cerca de ella y a la vez tan lejos. Amé a Igor, su lado sensible y tímido me enamoraron.
The character of Igor, one of Vanya's guardians, also appears on the scene and brings a lot of warmth and tenderness to the film. He somehow feels empathy for Anora and does not understand how a young woman like her is involved in that situation. He becomes a shy prince, always close to her and yet so far away. I loved Igor, his sensitive and shy side made me fall in love.
Mikey Madison en su personaje de Anora lo hizo excelente, ha nacido una estrella y tiene muy merecido su nominación como mejor actriz en los Oscar, es mi favorita y deseo que gane la tan codiciada estatuilla. Te recomiendo ver Anora, como ya te mencioné es una película muy bonita y a la vez desgarradora que te hará reír y llorar. Espero te guste, me despido de ustedes, hasta la próxima queridos cinéfilos.
Mikey Madison did an excellent job as Anora. A star is born and she has well deserved her nomination for best actress at the Oscars. She is my favorite and I hope she wins the coveted statuette. I recommend you watch Anora. As I already mentioned, it is a very beautiful and at the same time heartbreaking film that will make you laugh and cry. I hope you like it. I say goodbye to you, until next time, dear movie buffs.
En los Critics' Choice Awards del pasado fin de semana un film emergió sin hacer mucho ruido para llevarse el premio a la mejor película y es que en efecto creo que nadie daba por sentado que Anora pudiera llevarse tal reconocimiento aún sabiendo su calidad. Esta era uno de los films que más quería ver por la gran cantidad de reseñas que he leído alabando la película de Sean Baker y la cual también está nominada a los Oscars; es posible que lo gane? - creería que no pero no me pondría para nada molesto si esa sorpresa llegase a pasar. Mikey Madison y su papel e interpretación creo que la van a catapultar, ella ya es un poco conocida en el cine pero creo que lo hecho con Anora está en otro nivel.
At last weekend's Critics' Choice Awards a film emerged without making much noise to take the award for Best Picture and indeed I don't think anyone took for granted that Anora could win such recognition even knowing its quality. This was one of the films I most wanted to see because of the great amount of reviews I have read praising Sean Baker's film and which is also nominated for the Oscars; is it possible that it will win? - I wouldn't think so, but I wouldn't be upset at all if that surprise were to happen. Mikey Madison and her role and performance I think will catapult her, she is already a bit known in the movies but I think what she did with Anora is on another level.
Anora es una estriper, prostituta, escort, como lo quieran llamar, que trabaja en un club en Nueva York. Ella es rusa-americana y es de las mujeres más solicitadas en su trabajo. Un buen día conoce a Iván "Vanya" (Mark Eidelstein) quien es un joven adinerado e impulsivo hijo de un oligarca ruso de suma importancia en su país. Atraída por el dinero ella decide pasar más tiempo con él del que debería al punto de que en un viaje a Las Vegas Iván le propone que se case con él con la promesa de vivir la vida soñada a lo que ella sin pensarlo mucho aceptó. Puede que lo haya hecho por un tema económico o porque en el fondo realmente si quiere cambiar su forma de vida.
Anora is a stripper, prostitute, escort, whatever you want to call her, who works in a club in New York. She is Russian-American and is one of the most sought after women in her job. One day she meets Ivan “Vanya” (Mark Eidelstein) who is a wealthy and impulsive young man, son of a Russian oligarch of great importance in his country. Attracted by the money she decides to spend more time with him than she should to the point that on a trip to Las Vegas Ivan proposes that she marries him with the promise of living the dream life to which she without much thought accepted. She may have done it for economic reasons or because deep down she really wants to change her way of life.
El tema acá es que cuando la familia de "Vanya" se entera de esto decide por todos los medios tratar de anular dicho matrimonio dando pie a las situaciones más cómicas y surreales que he visto en el cine en mucho tiempo. Comienza entonces el declive de la vida de casada de "Ani" lo que la hará darse cuenta de una serie de cosas de manera introspectiva que serán un golpe al estómago. Este film es una combinación de comedia, drama y romance siendo la primera lo más marcado y lo que le da el toque especial a esta película. Es imposible aburrirse con algo así, el film tiene un aura o trasfondo pesado que está disfrazado con escenas realmente graciosas. Es casi como una tragicomedia.
The point here is that when “Vanya's” family finds out about this, they decide by all means to try to annul the marriage, giving rise to the most comical and surreal situations I've seen in cinema in a long time. Then begins the decline of “Ani's” married life, which will make her realize a series of things in an introspective way that will be a punch to the stomach. This film is a combination of comedy, drama and romance with the former being the most pronounced and what gives this film its special touch. It is impossible to get bored with something like this, the film has a heavy aura or undertone that is disguised with really funny scenes. It's almost like a tragicomedy.
Lo más importante aquí es que Sean Baker no da ningún tipo de información de la vida de Anora por lo que es el espectador quien tiene que deducirlo solo y sacar sus propias conclusiones. No es muy complicado tampoco hacer ese ejercicio porque el patrón es casi siempre el mismo pero si hace mucho más interesante la trama. Yo lo veo como un reflejo de lo que realmente pasa en la sociedad; hay temas de violencia, de amor por conveniencia, carencia de afecto, prejuicios, marginación por clases sociales, etc. Más allá de reirte sabes que lo que realmente le pasa a Anora es serio y es que creería yo que no tiene nada de malo tratar de encontrar el amor verdadero en un trabajo como el de ella. Que es complicado? - si pero eso ella asumo lo tiene bastante claro.
The most important thing here is that Sean Baker does not give any information about Anora's life so it is up to the viewer to deduce it by himself and draw his own conclusions. It is not very complicated to do that exercise either because the pattern is almost always the same but it does make the plot much more interesting. I see it as a reflection of what really happens in society; there are issues of violence, love for convenience, lack of affection, prejudice, marginalization by social classes, etc. Beyond laughing you know that what really happens to Anora is serious and I would think that there is nothing wrong with trying to find true love in a job like hers. That it's complicated? - Yes, but I assume she's pretty clear about that.
Buena fotografía, la paleta de colores está muy bien estudiada, va a acorde a los estados ánimos y situaciones que van transcurriendo en el film; visualmente está muy lograda a pesar de ser algo "simple". Mikey Madison, como ya lo dije, hace un papel extraordinario, el peso de la película lo tiene ella de principio a fin, es una montaña rusa de emociones la cual ella sabe gestionar a la perfección. Si no existiera una tal Demi Moore el Oscar pudiera ser para ella sin ninguna duda. Disfruté mucho ver este film, de los mejores de esa lista de nominados al Oscar. Le doy un 9/10, gran trabajo de Sean Baker. Dura poco más de 2 horas pero se las recomiendo sin pensarlo mucho. Les dejo el tráiler por acá abajo.
Good photography, the color palette is very well studied, it goes according to the moods and situations that occur in the film; visually it is very successful despite being something “simple”. Mikey Madison, as I already said, plays an extraordinary role, she carries the weight of the film from beginning to end, it is a roller coaster of emotions which she knows how to manage perfectly. If there was no Demi Moore, the Oscar could be for her without any doubt. I really enjoyed watching this film, one of the best in that list of Oscar nominees. I give it a 9/10, great work by Sean Baker. It's a little over 2 hours long but I recommend it without thinking too much. I leave the trailer below.
Sean Baker is one of the contemporary directors I hold in the highest regard. I couldn't say he is one of my favorite directors, because unlike others that come to my mind, none of Sean Baker's films can be listed as one of my favorite films or a film that I would watch again every so often, however, I have to admit that he is a director that has captivated me a lot with a short career and a very interesting vision of life and humor. For those who don't know him, Sean Baker is the director of great movies like Florida Projet or Red Rocket, movies that show how horrible is the United States but also somehow manage to see with a romantic look the suburbs and the rotten life in the streets.
Sean Baker es uno de los directores contemporáneos a los que les tengo más aprecio. No podría decir que es uno de mis directores favoritos, porque a diferencia de otros que me llegan a la mente, ninguna de las películas de Sean Baker puede figurar como una de mis películas favoritas o una película que volvería a ver cada cierto tiempo, sin embargo, tengo que admitir que es un director que me ha cautivado mucho con una corta carrera y una visión muy interesante de la vida y del humor. Para quien no lo conozca, Sean Baker es el director de grandes películas como Florida Projet o Red Rocket, películas que muestran lo horrible que es estados unidos pero que a su vez también de alguna forma logran ver con una mirada romántica los suburdios y la podrida vida que hay en las calles.
So Sean Baker somehow manages to make us connect with his protagonists, who most of the time are workers or sex workers, and his latest film, Anora, is an example of this, since the protagonist is a dancer in a bar. And so, the film shows us as if it were a fairy tale, Anora's life and how she is “rescued” by a “prince charming”, who is a rich boy who ends up falling in love with her and decides to marry her a week after they meet. This could be spoiler but it is something that is shown in the trailer, and Anora is one of those movies where it is not the story that matters, but how the story is told, because, yes, it can be “a realistic and modern fairy tale”, it can also be an experience that does not go anywhere in particular, and that serves more to entertain than to tell something.
Entonces Sean Baker de alguna forma logra hacer que conectemos con sus protagonistas, que la mayoría del tiempo son trabajadores o trabajadoras sexuales, y su última película, Anora, es un ejemplo de esto, ya que la protagonista es una bailarina en un bar. Y así, la película nos muestra como si de un cuento de hadas se tratase, la vida de Anora y como es “rescatada” por un “príncipe azul”, que es un niño rico que termina enamorado de ella y decide casarse con ella a la semana de conocerse. Esto podría ser spoiler pero es algo que se muestra en el tráiler, y Anora es una de esas películas dónde no importa la historia, sino el cómo se cuenta la historia, ya que, si, puede ser “un cuento de hadas realista y moderno”, también puede ser una experiencia que no va a ningún lugar en concreto, y que sirve más para entretener que para contar algo.
And well, I have to warn of spoilers here: Anora is split into two parts. Even though there is no screen or advertisement warning of the film's split, it is obvious the change of pace and plot in the middle of the film, where for many it may improve incredibly and for others it may fall, but for me, they complement each other perfectly. If the first part of Anora wants to tell us a fairy tale, the second is based on crumbling it and showing a very interesting chemistry between the characters that rises to a very high point of tension in the last minutes of the film, which feels like a perfect ending.
Y bueno, tengo que avisar de spoilers aquí: Anora se divide en dos partes. A pesar de que no hay una pantalla o un anuncio que avise la división de la película, es obvio el cambio de ritmo y de trama a mitad de película, dónde para muchos puede que mejore de forma increíble y que para otros puede que caiga, pero para mí, se complementan las dos a la perfección. Si la primera parte de Anora nos quiere contar un cuento de hadas, la segunda se basa en desmoronarlo y mostrar una química muy interesante entre los personajes que va subiendo hasta llegar a un punto altísimo de tensión en los últimos minutos de la película, que se sienten como un final perfecto
If you have seen uncut gems and liked it, I am sure you will love Anora, and if you are a loyal fan of Sean Baker or cinema in general, you need to see this amazing movie in theaters. Not only because of how good it gets in several scenes, but also because I know it's going to get some laughs out of you, and also because it's a favorite to win the Oscar for Best Picture. Without a doubt, Anora is a great movie that people will want to see several times and with friends.
Si has visto uncut gems y te gustó, estoy seguro de que Anora te va a encantar, y si eres fiel seguidor de Sean Baker o del cine en general, es necesario que veas esta asombrosa película en cines. No solo por lo buena que llega a ser en varias escenas, sino porque también sé que te va a sacar alguna carcajada y, además, porque está favorita a ganarse el Oscar a mejor película. Sin duda, Anora es una gran película que la gente va a querer ver varias veces y con amigos
›5 Great Movies Like Anora You Have to Watch Right Now@thereadingman539d
In 1990 we had Pretty Woman, but nowadays we have Anora. Hello guys, be welcome to my new movie post. I went to see Anora last month and thought about other movies like it you don’t want to miss.
“There's some butter in the kitchen.” – Marlon Brando as Paul in Last Tango in Paris (1972)
Glad to be back after more than a month, be welcome to my first movie post since last December and my first of this 2025.
I went to see Anora last month and really liked it. It occurred to me later to write a post about it and other movies like this one. But first, let’s talk a bit about Anora.
Anora (2024)
Anora (2024) (via: collider.com)
This movie caught my attention from the moment I saw the poster and later the trailer. It is basically the Cinderella story, but with a few twists and a sad ending; in 1990 we had Pretty Woman, but nowadays we have Anora. Ani, a young stripper/prostitute from Brooklyn meets one day while stripping a young stupid client with money to burn, his name is Vanya, the son of a Russian billionaire oligarch. This Vanya contracts Ani for a week and one day, while in Las Vegas, they decide to get married. Ani thinks she has solved all of her life problems. But things will go bad for her as the Russian’s parents find out about the marriage and to make matters worse they send a priest and two goons to crush Ani’s life plans.
Anora won the Palme d'Or in 2024, and it’s the first American film to do so since Terrence Malick’s masterpiece The Tree of Life of 2011. The movie deals with themes of prostitution, drugs, religion, corruption and, everyday life in New York City’s strip clubs. It was made on a $ 6 million budget, and has made more than three times that amount. The opening shot, where you can hear a rework of Take That’s Greatest Day, is just amazing. The whole atmosphere of strip clubs, friendships and rivalries are really well-portrayed by director Sean Baker. It has its sad parts but others are really funny and people couldn’t stop laughing at the theater.
Check trailer:
ANORA - Official Redband Trailer
If you haven’t seen it, I strongly recommend you to do so. It has caused a little controversy and has been accused of being a misogynistic movie. But don’t pay attention to those woke naysayers and enjoy a great work of art that deals with themes that we, as a society, don’t like to be reminded of.
So, whether you’d like to see beautiful shots of New York City, want to listen to great soundtracks, want to know more about the prostitution business, or you just care to see people fucking, the five movies below are works you cannot miss.
Without further ado, let’s begin:
5 – Last Tango in Paris (1972)
Last Tango in Paris (1972) (via: collider.com)
This is the story of an American widower who starts a secret affair with a young Parisian woman. They get together in an apartment to have unrestricted sex and they don’t know anything about each other, not even their names. Their lives in the outside world will continue as usual but things will take a major turn when the man wants to take things further.
A movie that caused a severe controversy around the world at the moment of its premiere in 1972. Director Bernardo Bertolucci and both actors Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider were given order of capture in several countries; also the infamous and improvised “butter scene” caused such an uproar that it’s still talked about these days. Nevertheless, Last Tango in Paris is an excellent story about eroticism and deception; it was a box office success, and it’s one of Bernardo Bertolucci’s best movies ever, and certainly my favorite.
Beautiful lightning by Italian master cinematographer Vittorio Storaro, and nice soundtrack courtesy of Argentine jazz musician Gato Barbieri, who infused the atmosphere with great smoky sax pieces. Marlon Brando gave an impressive performance as the mourning American expat and owner of a little hotel, and this was one of the movies that made him relevant again after a decade of successive flops. I love also how the Parisian life of back then was captured here. So, don’t miss this gem of 1970s cinema, I guarantee you will love it.
Watch the trailer here:
Last Tango in Paris (1972) ORIGINAL TRAILER
4 – Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Requiem for a Dream (2000) (via: collider.com)
The lives of four people from Coney Island, a Jewish junkie, his mother, his beautiful girlfriend, and his black friend, set this story in motion where addictions take a major place. They all want to thrive and get ahead in a materialistic society that only cares about results. But their dreams will be shattered when they have to face the harsh reality of the situations they’re stuck in. Delusion, perversions, and suffering are at the end the only things available to them.
I remember the controversy around this movie at the moment of its release. It was something shocking and vulgar for some, but held as a great work of art by others. It is director Darren Aronofsky’s masterpiece, and received critical acclaims and many award nominations. It has a great cinematography and is also remembered for its editing, particularly those quick, intense, shots of people taking drugs.
This was one of Jared Leto’s early performances that put him and the beautiful Jennifer Connelly in consideration of a wider public after many years as secondary actors. But it is actress Ellen Burstyn, born in 1932 and owner of a legendary film career, the one that gives the most impressive performance here as the TV addict Jewish yenta, mother of a junkie. She was nominated for a plethora of awards, including an Oscar, and her performance has been praised as one of the best of this century. It is also worth mentioning that this movie can boast of having a killer music theme, which is Lux Aeterna, an orchestral composition by English musician Clint Mansell that fits perfectly as the leitmotif of this story.
This movie features nudity, addiction, corruption, and one of the most disturbing montages ever put on film. So, be discreet but be sure to enjoy a great work of art.
Check trailer here:
Requiem for a Dream (2000) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers
3 – Princesas (2005)
Princesas (2005) (via: rtve.es)
After almost getting into a fight, two prostitutes form a special friendship while their everyday lives continue with its hardships, sorrows, secrets, and some happy moments. Caye, a young woman from Madrid, keeps a secret life as a prostitute when by chances of fate she meets the exotic Zulema, a Dominican who entered illegally to Spain and is constantly extorted by a corrupt police officer. Together, they help each other to survive the dangerous line of work they’re in. When Zulema discovers she has contracted a terrible disease and Caye sees her other secret “normal” life crush into pieces, they will have to decide what they will do with their lives.
Spain is the number one country in the world for sex tourism. After the death of Dictator Francisco Franco and the return of democracy, certain social norms were relaxed, and now people go and swim naked at beaches, and women take their tops off in public parks. Also, drugs and prostitution are rampant in that country.
Princesas is a movie I discovered in 2006 when I went to festival of international films. I really liked it a lot, and while it may not bring anything new to the table it’s a movie that is worth watching for its pace, story, dialogues and settings. It is also one of the best movies of this 21st century that captures the dangerous business of prostitution. Director Fernando León de Aranoa did a fine job here, and the movie received nine nominations for the prestigious Goya awards wining three, including one for the actress who played the troubled Caye.
Don’t miss this piece of cinema made outside of the Hollywood system, and check the trailer here:
Princesas - Trailer
2 – Taxi Driver (1976)
Jodie Foster and Robert De Niro sit together at a diner in Taxi Driver (via: gettyimages.com)
This cult classic starts when a Vietnam War veteran named Travis Bickle takes a job as a night shift taxi driver to cope with his insomnia. He will see all kinds of shocking things while in his cab, all of which will fuel his urge for violent action. After getting rejected by a beautiful but commonplace woman, his loneliness will lead him to plan the assassination of a political figure; but when this fails he will set himself to rescue a young teenage prostitute from the clutches of her pimp.
Taxi Driver won the Palme d'Or in 1976 and was nominated for four Academy Awards. It solidified Martin Scorsese as one of the best directors of all time, and has since become a cult classic with a strong fan base. Robert De Niro did a superb performance as the psychopathic Travis Bickle and created one of the most memorable characters in cinema history; he also delivered some of the best quotes ever (“You talking' to me?”). This movie was boost for both Harvey Keitel and a 14 year old Jodie Foster who even received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
The movie has been criticized by the depiction of a teenage prostitute and its graphic violence. But in overall is considered one of the greatest films ever made, and a film I’m proud to count between my favorites. It was made with a budget of just $1.9 million, with a script by the legendary Paul Schrader; it also boast of having a great cinematography where the use of reds was predominant. The soundtrack and its unforgettable sax main theme was composed by Bernard Herrmann and finished just hours before his death.
I think I don’t have to say more about this masterpiece, check trailer:
TAXI DRIVER [1976] - Official Trailer (HD)
1 – Boogie Nights (1997)
The cast of Boogie Nights (via: collider.com)
It’s the 1970s in the San Fernando Valley and a young and naïve Eddie Adams wants to make it big, but in the meantime he works as a dishwasher at a night club. Opportunity presents for him when a legendary director of porn movies chooses him for his next movie. The kid changes his name to Dirk Diggler and with that will come along a life of excess, drugs, sex, parties, music, fast cars, you name it. When the 1980s arrive, the reckless life Dirk Diggler has been living will bring his downfall.
I was lucky enough to have watched this movie on the big screen at the moment of its release. It was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had inside a movie theater. I remember people couldn’t stop laughing and feeling mesmerized by what they were seeing; at the end, people in the parking lot were still talking about it.
Boogie Nights received 3 Oscar nominations and won a lot of other awards. It marked a somewhat comeback for the seasoned Burt Reynolds, gave Julianne Moore more exposure, and launched the career of Mark Wahlberg as an A-List movie star. The story was loosely based on porn star John Holmes and the infamous Wonderland incident. Made on a $15 million budget, the movie has a great cinematography, a very efficient production design, and a killer soundtrack in which Night Ranger’s Sister Christian stands out. But it was also very criticized for its profanity, drugs, and graphic sex scenes. Since the moment of its release it has become a cult classic that made director Paul Thomas Anderson one of the best of his generation, and now it’s considered as of the best films of all time.
So, if you haven’t seen Boogie Nights yet, what are you doing with your life? Anyway, be sure to watch it soon and check the trailer here:
Boogie Nights (1997) Official Trailer #1 - Paul Thomas Anderson Movie
Conclusion
Anora (2024) (via: screenrant.com)
There you have it, guys, this has been my take on movies like Anora. I hope you watch them soon, and if you have watched them before, let me know what you think of them the comment section.
Which one caught your attention the most? Which one do you plan to watch first? Have you seen Anora already? I’ll be waiting for your answers.
Since you’re here, check now 5 great movies with Natalie Portman:
Amigos me he propuesto un reto increíble, decidí ver todas las películas que están nominadas en la categoría de “Mejor película” en los Oscars 2025 y al final diré mi veredicto sobre cual creo yo que debería ganar.
En esta oportunidad le toca “Anora” sin duda es una pelicula que me ha dejado impactada y debo decir que me gusto, la disfrute mucho a pesar de que en este video no detalle las cosas que no me gustaron, sin embargo, algo que diría de malo seria que el interés romántico de “Anora” en definitiva no hay química, debo decir que solo conecte con la protagonista, del resto no.
Pero ustedes díganme si les gusto o no, espero su feedback .
Gracias por todo. nos vemos en la proxima!
Hey Movie Tv Show friends.
Friends I have set myself an incredible challenge, I decided to see all the movies that are nominated in the category of “Best Picture” at the Oscars 2025 and at the end I will give my verdict on which one I think should win.
This time it's the turn of “Anora” without a doubt is a movie that has left me shocked and I must say that I liked it, I enjoyed it a lot even though in this video I don't detail the things that I didn't like, however, something I would say bad would be that the romantic interest of “Anora” definitely there is no chemistry, I must say that I only connect with the protagonist, the rest is not.
But you tell me if you like it or not, I'm waiting for your feedback.
Thanks for everything, see you next time.
Translated into: DeepL
Portada hecha en Canva
Video editado en Capcut
In my top of the best films of last year without discussion is Anora. It was one of my early favorites before awards season started. Sean Baker is a master when it comes to portraying marginalized characters. His filmography is not as extensive as others, but all of his films are wonderful. His name is not well known by the masses, but within the independent circuit he has already carved out a great career.
Starlet, Tangerine, The Florida Project and Red Rocket are his previous works that everyone should seek out and see. Stories with very human and underdog characters. This is also the nature of Anora. Characters that are easy to empathize with, complex and human enough to feel identified with in some way, even if you have no relation to what they do in those stories.
I think Anora is giving Baker more international exposure and I hope that more audiences can enjoy his productions. His characters are neither good nor bad, the filmmaker also writes the scripts of his films and endows the characters with humanity. In Anora that produces many beautiful scenes. Moreover, in this film he also mixes different film genres, which makes it very entertaining to watch.
What there is no doubt about is how much fun Anora is. The film lasts more than two hours but it doesn't get tiring, too many things happen and both in structure and cinematic rhythm it is perfect. Even in the moments when everything seems to turn into a thriller and there is violence, they are still hilarious moments. I had a great time with this movie.
En mi top de las mejores películas del año pasado sin discusión está Anora. Fue una de mis primeras favoritas antes de que empezara la temporada de premios. Sean Baker es un maestro a la hora de retratar personajes marginados. Su filmografía no es tan extensa como la de otros, pero todas sus películas son maravillosas. Su nombre no es muy conocido por las masas, pero dentro del circuito independiente ya se ha labrado una gran carrera.
Starlet, Tangerine, The Florida Project y Red Rocket son sus trabajos anteriores que todo el mundo debería buscar y ver. Historias con personajes muy humanos y desvalidos. Esta es también la naturaleza de Anora. Personajes con los que es fácil empatizar, complejos y lo suficientemente humanos como para sentirte identificado de alguna manera, aunque no tengas ninguna relación con lo que hacen en esas historias.
Creo que Anora está dando a Baker una mayor proyección internacional y espero que más público pueda disfrutar de sus producciones. Sus personajes no son ni buenos ni malos, el cineasta también escribe los guiones de sus películas y dota a los personajes de humanidad. En Anora eso produce muchas escenas hermosas. Además, en esta película también mezcla diferentes géneros cinematográficos, lo que hace que sea muy entretenida de ver.
De lo que no cabe duda es de lo divertida que es Anora. La película dura más de dos horas pero no cansa, pasan demasiadas cosas y tanto en estructura como en ritmo cinematográfico es perfecta. Incluso en los momentos en los que todo parece convertirse en un thriller y hay violencia, no dejan de ser momentos divertidísimos. Me lo pasé muy bien con esta película.
Love is complicated, love is hard, love is a business. For some, the film demolishes the idea of many that life is like a fantastic Cinderella story. There is no happily ever after. The film has also been called by others the b-side of Pretty Woman. For me it is the Pretty Woman of Generation Z and with a denouement more in keeping with reality.
Anora, the protagonist, may have some affection for Vanya. But in the end it's only about money. She is a young, beautiful and charming prostitute. But from the first moment we see her on screen, her motivation is money. She is a prostitute, one who knows how to manipulate men very well to get what she wants. She's not a saint, she's not a villain, she's just a woman looking to achieve the American dream and have a lot of money. Isn't that what 99% of people want?
Vanya is a spoiled child. He was born a millionaire, his parents are important people in Russia and he spends some time in America. Enjoying his parents' money. He is an immature young man in the extreme, who only wants to fuck, drink and play video games. He is a boy in a man's body. Getting entangled and marrying a prostitute will be the trigger of the conflict.
I saw no love between them. She just sees an opportunity to have everything she wants. Money, clothes, jewelry. What many women look for, a handsome and millionaire man who gives her everything she wants (nowadays many get a millionaire, but old and fat) For him it is just a good time, a game since he is a perfect idiot. In none of the sex scenes between them I could feel love. He even fucks badly, he is an asshole with money. Anora just pretends pleasure, it's perceived in all those scenes. So genuine love between these characters does not exist, true love will arise spontaneously but with someone else.
El amor es complicado, el amor es duro, el amor es un negocio. Para algunos, la película echa por tierra la idea de muchos de que la vida es como un cuento fantástico de Cenicienta. No hay felices para siempre. La película también ha sido calificada por otros como la cara b de Pretty Woman. Para mí es la Pretty Woman de la generación Z y con un desenlace más acorde con la realidad.
Puede que Anora, la protagonista, sienta algo de afecto por Vanya. Pero al final sólo se trata de dinero. Es una prostituta joven, guapa y encantadora. Pero desde el primer momento en que la vemos en pantalla, su motivación es el dinero. Es prostituta, una que sabe manipular muy bien a los hombres para conseguir lo que quiere. No es una santa, no es una villana, sólo es una mujer que busca alcanzar el sueño americano y tener mucho dinero. ¿No es eso lo que quiere el 99% de la gente?
Vanya es una niña mimada. Nació millonario, sus padres son gente importante en Rusia y él pasa una temporada en Estados Unidos. Disfrutando del dinero de sus padres. Es un joven inmaduro en extremo, que sólo quiere follar, beber y jugar a videojuegos. Es un niño en el cuerpo de un hombre. Enredarse y casarse con una prostituta será el detonante del conflicto.
No vi amor entre ellos. Ella sólo ve una oportunidad de tener todo lo que quiere. Dinero, ropa, joyas. Lo que muchas mujeres buscan, un hombre guapo y millonario que le de todo lo que ella quiere. ( hoy dia muchas consiguen un millonario, pero viejo y gordo) Para él es sólo un buen momento, un juego ya que es un perfecto idiota. En ninguna de las escenas de sexo entre ellos pude sentir amor. Incluso folla mal, es un pendejo con plata. Anora solo finge placer, se percibe en todas esas escenas. Asi que el amor genuino entre estos personajes no existe, el verdadero amor surgirá de forma espontanea pero con otro.
Mickey Madison looks lovely. A star is born with this film. He builds his character in a fantastic way, giving him toughness and candor at the same time. It is impossible not to be fascinated by her character and her performance. Between her and Demi Moore should be the Oscar winner. When you see her, you will realize the interpretative difference between her and the one who is pushing for a nomination in the best actress category (I'm sure you know who I mean). By the way, I saw a news where they criticized the actress because she asked not to need an intimacy director in the sex scenes. Something I applaud. That figure of intimacy directors seems idiotic to me.
The rest of the cast is fabulous. Mark Eydelshteyn plays Vanya and does it so well it makes you slap that asshole. Yuriy Borisov, who is also nominated for an Oscar, will mesmerize everyone with his character of Igor. Karren Karagulian and Vache Tovmasyan are the other two who star in hilarious scenes.
This one has a lot of deserved nominations for the different awards. I highly recommend it. Let me know what you think in the comments.
Mickey Madison está encantadora. Ha nacido una estrella con esta película. Construye su personaje de forma fantástica, dándole dureza y candidez al mismo tiempo. Es imposible no sentirse fascinado por su personaje y su interpretación. Entre ella y Demi Moore debería estar la ganadora del Oscar. Cuando la veas , te percataras de la diferencia interpretativa entre ella y quien esta uruspando una nominación en esa categoria de mejor actriz (seguro que sabes a quien me refiero). Por cierto, vi una noticia donde criticaban a la actriz porque pidió no necesitar un director de intimidad en las escenas de sexo. Algo que aplaudo. Esa figura de los directores de intimidad me parece una idiotez.
El resto del reparto es fabuloso. Mark Eydelshteyn interpreta a Vanya y lo hace tan bien que te hace abofetear a ese imbécil. Yuriy Borisov, que también está nominado al Oscar, fascinará a todos con su personaje de Igor. Karren Karagulian y Vache Tovmasyan son los otros dos que protagonizan escenas divertidísimas.
Esta tiene mucho de merecidas las nominaciones a los diferentes premios. Te la recomiendo. Déjame saber tu opinión en los comentarios.
Gifs and separators made by me in photoshop. Translation with Deepl
As Cinderella is the name of the princess story with a happy ending (let's face it, the Disney effect on the ‘collective unconscious’ is undeniable) that every little girl has grown up with. And everything would be fine, if only it all ended there, with just another fictional story. But no, it has become an integral part of the romanticised and idealised representation that many women around the world possess. And what's worse, it's not just women who are the protagonists. Men are also part of it, and Anora, as a film, as part of its plot, takes that premise on board and destroys it completely?
Within the catalogue of films with a chance of winning an Academy Award, Anora is undoubtedly the most complete representation of originality. This is not to say that the other films fail to achieve this subjective goal, but rather that they lack (in my opinion) the elements of creativity, artistry, cinematography, screenplay and direction that I find in this surprising (for the better) feature film that I can't put into two words... Some would link it as a comedy-drama, others as a comedy-tinged fiction, but the truth is that in its almost 2 and 15 minutes of running time, the film crosses 4 different film genres. Go and see it.
No spoilers. It's one of my must-have values when it comes to reviews. However. Anora is a different film because of the powerful way in which it is directed. Without knowing it, or perhaps without admitting it, we have all been Ani at some point in our lives. Struggling day by day against the economic and social realities we are prevented from. Spending our youth and beauty on being more productive? And obviously, when a shortcut comes into our sight, we hesitate; instinct tells us that it is a danger and that we should not accept it but it is so strong the temptation to leave where we come from, to also be loved and respected.... Oh, our little Cinderella...
Behind the longing for a better life and the opportunities to finally enjoy and get pleasure without giving sacrifices in return. Anora describes and conveys a very wide power of emotions and feelings. Laughter, lust, anger, nerves, fear, scepticism, indignation, catharsis. All in a short time. Without being a mess. In a typical and classic linear chronology but with love, passion and a majestic execution that is noticeable from the first shot with which the film opens to the last. Personally, it did me a lot of good to watch this film. I connected a lot with Ani, I understand her too well...
Visually, the film is a beautiful piece of work. Humanly, the character of Anora and Igor (a very Carl Jungian hero archetype, but one that gives the film an unimaginable richness) bring a closeness to us, the audience. In the end, the world of fantasy and luxury and power is so far away from most of us, let's be honest.... It is not at all difficult for us to imagine, empathise, dream and even get angry like Ani, Anora... By the way, I would love to talk about the ending of this film but I just implore you to go and see it. Wherever you are, but go see it. It's a post-pandemic masterpiece. Sorry to disagree with Tarantino (whom I love and admire) but cinema didn't die in 2019.... Anora is the hope of this art.
›[ENG/ESP] ANORA (2024) - Cruel and touching90@andr3apat1no550d
This year I made it a point to see as many of the movies nominated for the academy awards before the ceremony and having already seen a few it was time for Anora, a movie directed by Sean Baker and rumored to have a premise similar to Pretty Woman, but this couldn't be further from the truth because it ended up being one of the saddest movies I've seen in quite some time.
The plot of the movie tells the story between Anora (Mikey Madison) and Vanya (Mark Eidelsten) who meet at the strip club where she works. There, he begins to buy her time privately, which leads to a love bond between them, which added to the need for an immigration solution, leads them to get married quickly... unfortunately not everything is rosy and Vanya's parents return to the United States as soon as they know about it to force them to annul the alliance.
One of the things that I found impressive is all the characterization of Anora, honestly it's amazing to see all the facets that she goes through during the whole movie, from all the erotic when she worked at the club and how she lets her guard down as she gets to know Vanya, to empower herself and build up the courage to defend herself from everything that is happening to her, I hadn't heard so many swear words in a long time but it's scary, inspiring and comical at the same time. Besides all this gives rise to a very interesting discussion about the vulnerability of women against people in positions of power, in this case for being millionaires and all the stigma surrounding sex workers even in the XXI century.
Besides, it's not only about what I mentioned, because this is also a story of heartbreak and we see Anora living that duel until the last minute of the film with an interesting plot twist.
In general the film even though it is a bit long it has a cinematography and a storytelling that you can't get enough of and you can tell that it is a Sean Baker's work because it is very much in his style, it really deserves all those nominations and I recommend to watch it I give it 4.5 out of 5.
That's all for today, thanks for making it this far. Greetings!
📹📹📹📹📹📹📹📹📹📹📹📹📹📹📹📹
Este año me he propuesto ver la mayor de películas nominadas a los premios de la academia antes de la ceremonia y habiendo ya visto algunos era el momento de Anora, una pelicula dirigida por Sean Baker y que se rumoraba con una premisa similar a Pretty Woman, pero esto no podía estar más lejos de la verdad porque termino siendo una de las películas tristes que he visto en bastante tiempo.
El plot de la película nos cuenta la historia entre Anora (Mikey Madison) y Vanya (Mark Eidelsten) quienes se conocen en el club de striptease donde trabaja ella. Allí, él comienza a comprarle su tiempo de manera privada lo que hace que surja entre ellos un vínculo amoroso, que sumado a la necesidad de una solución migratoria, los lleva a contraer matrimonio rápidamente... lastimosamente no todo es color de rosa y los papás de Vanya regresan a Estados Unidos no más saben de esto para obligarlos a anular dicha alianza.
Una de las cosas que me pareció impresionantes es toda la caracterización de Anora, honestamente es increíble ver todas las facetas que atraviesa durante toda la película, desde todo lo erótico cuando trabajaba en el club y como va bajando la guardia al ir conociendo a Vanya y el empoderarse y armarse de valor para defenderse de todo lo que le está pasando, tenía tiempo sin escuchar tantas groserías pero es al mismo tiempo aterrador, inspirador y cómico. Además todo esto da pie a una discusión muy interesante sobre la vulnerabilidad de la mujer contra personas en posiciones de poder, en este caso por ser millonarios y todo el estigma que rodea a las trabajadoras sexuales aún en pleno siglo XXI.
Además la cosa no queda en lo que mencione, porque está también es una historia de desamor y vemos a Anora vivir ese duelo hasta el último minuto de la película con un plot twist interesante.
En general la película a pesar de qué es un poco larga tiene una cinematografía y un storytelling del que no te cansas y puedes notar que es una obra de Sean Baker porque es muy a su estilo, de verdad merece todas esas nominaciones y recomiendo verla le doy 4.5 de 5
Esto es todo por hoy, gracias por llegar hasta aquí ¡Saludos!
›[ENG/ESP] 💅✨Review y Fan art de "Anora "✨💅Review and Fan art of "Anora"100@mily23m581d
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Hola cinéfilos ! Cómo pasan estos días navideños ? Espero que la estén pasando muy bien en conjunto con sus familiares o seres queridos ✨y que puedan aprovechar estos días en dónde tal vez estén un poco más libres para disfrutar de ver películas 😉 (bueno a menos los que pueden y no trabajan por turnos o en la salud ,mis saludos especiales para ustedes). Hoy les quiero compartir una película que llevaba meses queriendo verla y esperándola con las buenas reseñas que tenía, y aúnque con todo el fenómeno de Emilia Pérez la crítica de ha estado volviendo una fuente no muy confiable, por lo que estaba muy ansiosa de ver sí está película sí cumplía con todas esas críticas tan buenas que ha tenido.
! así que al fin pude verla y Me ha encantado!
Está película es Anora de Sean Baker, que ha estado creando muchísimo ruido desde que se estreno en Cannes,y prometía traer una especie de nueva versión de Cenicienta moderna con una stripper que termina casándose con el hijo de un oligarca Ruso.
English Version
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Hello movie lovers! How are you spending these Christmas days? I hope you are having a great time with your family or loved ones ✨and that you can take advantage of these days where maybe you are a little more free to enjoy watching movies 😉 (well at least those who can and do not work shifts or in health, my special greetings to you). Today I want to share a movie that I have been wanting to see for months and waiting for it with the good reviews it had, and even though with the whole Emilia Pérez phenomenon, the critics have been becoming an unreliable source, so I was very anxious to see if this movie did live up to all those great reviews it has had.
! So I finally got to see it and I loved it!
This film is Sean Baker's Anora, which has been creating a lot of buzz since it premiered at Cannes, and promised to bring a kind of modern Cinderella remake with a stripper who ends up marrying the son of a Russian oligarch.
*Fuente de las imágenes*(https://m.filmaffinity.com/es/film429924.html)
**Sinopsis**
Anora "Ani" es una stripper que trabaja en un barrio ruso en estados unidos ,y que termina siendo contratada por un joven rico ruso que pide una chica con la que se pueda comunicar, de un baile privado a pasar a pagarle por muchos días en su compañía , empieza a encapricharse con Anora y con la vida en estados unidos ,es por esto que le propone que se casen, el obtendría la ciudadanía y ella sería una esposa millonaria , consiguiendo la vida que tanto ha soñado ,el problema se presenta cuando los padres del joven Vanya se enteran de las noticias ,y es allí donde Anora se da cuenta que el cuento de hadas en el que pensó estar , se ha terminado antes de comenzar.
** Por cierto la película contiene bastante escenas explícitas así que te recomiendo que para verla en familia escojas algo mas family friendly 😉🤭**
English Version
Synopsis
Anora "Ani" is a stripper who works in a Russian neighborhood in the United States, and ends up being hired by a rich young Russian who asks for a girl with whom he can communicate, from a private dance to paying her for many days in her company, he begins to fall in love with Anora and with life in the United States, which is why he proposes that they get married, he would obtain citizenship and she would be a millionaire wife, getting the life she has dreamed of so much, the problem arises when young Vanya's parents find out about the news, and it is there where Anora realizes that the fairy tale she thought she was in, has ended before it began.
** By the way, the movie contains quite a few explicit scenes so I recommend that to watch it with your family you choose something more family friendly 😉🤭**
** Fan art que hice de Anora , con sus hilitos de brillos en su cabello y su abrigo que no es de visón , síno de un material mucho más caro ✨**
Opinion sin spoilers
Anora es una pieza de arte ,que en dos horas y media te sumerge tanto en la tensión ,comedia y acción entre los diálogos ,que apenas registras cuando ya la terminaste. Tiene un ritmo frenético en dónde va creando tensión, con momentos en dónde las sitúaciones van saliendo de control y aumentando y aumentando ↗️↗️↗️,para ser cortado de la nada y seguir con una escena en calma, por lo que estás en todo momento al borde de ver el espectáculo que está pasando ,y te lo pasas espectacular jajaj , siento que uno no sabe cómo va a terminar todo pero las situaciones parecen ir empeorando y poniéndose más divertidas y eso causa que te enganches un montón al mood de la película, otra cosa que hace muy bien es crear un ambiente y una estetica muy específica que te envuelve en toda esta historia, como tal vemos este mundillo de las strippers y trabajadoras sexuales, y contrastando con el escenario de riqueza y extravagancia de un chico rico y mimado como lo es Vanya, el que parece que siempre ha tenido todo lo que ha querido, y que dista mucho de Anora y su vida triste y humilde ,siempre con un falsa energía que usa para conseguir clientes. Y por supuesto la joya de la película que es Anora como protagonista, es la definición de "energía protagonista "💅✨ jajaja , ella es tan enérgica , diva y al mismo tiempo solitaria y cansada, pero se nota que está intentado en cada momento maquinar lo que sigue para obtener sus objetivos que es demasiada hipnótica de ver , es inevitable no empatizar con ella y querer que salga bien librada de todo este asunto.
English Version
** Fan art I made of Anora, with her glitter threads in her hair and her coat that is not made of mink, but of a much more expensive material ✨**
Opinion without spoilers
Anora is a piece of art, that in two and a half hours immerses you so much in the tension, comedy and action between the dialogues, that you barely register when you have already finished it. It has a frenetic pace where it creates tension, with moments where situations get out of control and increase and increase ↗️↗️↗️, to be cut out of nowhere and continue with a calm scene, so you are at all times on the edge of seeing the spectacle that is happening, and you have a spectacular time hahaha, I feel that one does not know how everything is going to end but the situations seem to get worse and funnier and that causes you to get hooked a lot on the mood of the movie, another thing that it does very well is create a very specific atmosphere and aesthetics that envelops you in this whole story, as such we see this world of strippers and sex workers, and contrasting with the scenario of wealth and extravagance of a rich and spoiled boy like Vanya, who seems to have always had everything he wanted, and who is far from Anora and her sad and humble life, always with a false energy that she uses to get clients. And of course the jewel of the film that is Anora as the protagonist, is the definition of "protagonist energy" 💅✨ hahaha, she is so energetic, diva and at the same time lonely and tired, but you can see that she is trying at every moment to plot what follows to obtain her objectives that she is too hypnotic to watch, it is inevitable not to empathize with her and want her to come out unscathed from this whole affair.
Reseña y opinión con spoilers
Creo que la película no era precisamente lo que yo me esperaba , desde que ví el trailer me pareció que era una especie de comedia romántica tipo Cenicienta, y que veríamos a Anora intentando recuperar a su esposo de su familia prejuiciosa ,jajaja no se porque me lo imaginé así, pero creo que el resultado es bastante mejor a lo que yo esperaba. Anora que prefiere que le digan Ani ,es una stripper de ascendencia rusa ,que termina siendo contratada por Iván o Vanya ( diminutivo ruso para Iván) , un hijo de un matrimonio de rusos millonarios que lo mandaron a estudiar a Estados Unidos. Aunque lo que nos muestra de ani es que es muy buena teniendo una vibra magnética que atrae a sus clientes , es una chica bastante joven que vive en una casa a las afueras de la ciudad, desolada y que parece bastante solitaria a diferencia toda esta vibrante encantó y personalidad que tiene en el trabajo.En un viaje a las Vegas Iván le termina proponiendo la idea de casarse para que se beneficien ambos, él puede obtener la ciudadania y huir de sus padres con los que tiene una mala relación, y ella tener la vida que siempre quiso , vamos es un cuento de Cenicienta, Ani pasará a tener todo el dinero que siempre quiso ,y el estilo de vida que sabe que nunca podrá tener , la vida se le resolvió , ella ya ganó o por lo menos es lo que cree. Los padres de Iván se toman como una ofensa y una niñería de su hijo, por lo que mandan a uno de sus secuaces a buscarlo y ver cuál es la situación , y es aquí en dónde ya la historia de Cenicienta va tomando un tinte oscuro y más realista , porque no hay forma que los padres de Vanya permitan que en su familia acaudalada entre alguien como Anora , y está que no conoce en sí la relación de Iván y sus padres es muy extraño como este no puede cumplir las expectativas que tenia ella de su relación, que vemos que Ani no es tonta y no va a renunciar a Iván(vanya) ahora que puede acceder a la vida soñada, esto lleva a Iván a dejarla completamente sola y a manos de los secuaces de sus padres mientras el huye, y a Ani le toca resolver la situación sola.
Creo que un detallazo de la película precisamente son estos secuaces ,tanto el jefe Toros ,que debo decir me pareció bastante gracioso, el típico personaje que parece mafiosos pero con códigos y que le toca lidiar con todas las niñerias que ha hecho Iván a lo largo de su vida ,y es que vemos que iban es un joven bastante encantador ,algo tonto ,y muy guapo que es ese típico niño rico que sus padres le han permitido todo ,y que todo esto que está pasando es simplemente una anécdota para él, a diferencia de Anora que se está jugando su futuro, o hasta el mismo Toros que se juega su trabajo solo para cubrir sus mal comportamiento.
Igor también es un personaje que aunque no es el principal termina dando la vuelta a la historia y lo vemos como un espectador ante la historia de locura que se desarrolla ante sus ojos , y como así como para él,y para nosotros ,Anora pasa a ser esta persona que simplemente no se vence y sigue luchando para conseguir esa vida con la que sueña, sin límites y con valor , siendo él el que a la final vemos como el único que empatiza con ella y que parece entender un poco ese sufrimiento que lleva Anora dentro de sí.
English Version
Review and opinion with spoilers
I think the movie was not exactly what I expected, since I saw the trailer I thought it was a kind of Cinderella-type romantic comedy, and that we would see Anora trying to get her husband back from his prejudiced family, hahaha I don't know why I imagined it that way, but I think the result is much better than I expected. Anora, who prefers to be called Ani, is a stripper of Russian descent, who ends up being hired by Ivan or Vanya (Russian diminutive for Ivan), a son of a Russian millionaire couple who sent him to study in the United States. Although what it shows us about Ani is that she is very good at having a magnetic vibe that attracts her clients, she is a fairly young girl who lives in a house on the outskirts of the city, desolate and who seems quite lonely unlike all this vibrant charm and personality that she has at work. On a trip to Las Vegas, Ivan ends up proposing the idea of getting married so that they both benefit, he can obtain citizenship and run away from his parents with whom he has a bad relationship, and she has the life she always wanted, come on it's a Cinderella tale, Ani will go on to have all the money she always wanted, and the lifestyle that she knows she can never have, life is resolved for her, she already won or at least that's what she thinks. Ivan's parents take it as an offense and a childishness of their son, so they send one of their henchmen to look for him and see what the situation is, and it is here where the story of Cinderella takes a dark and more realistic tone, because there is no way that Vanya's parents allow someone like Anora to enter their wealthy family, and she does not know the relationship between Ivan and his parents, it is very strange how he cannot meet the expectations that she had of their relationship, we see that Ani is not stupid and is not going to give up on Ivan (Vanya) now that she can access the dream life, this leads Ivan to leave her completely alone and in the hands of his parents' henchmen while he flees, and Ani has to solve the situation alone.
I think a great detail of the film is precisely these henchmen, both the boss Toros, who I must say I found quite funny, the typical character who seems like a mobster but with codes and who has to deal with all the childish things that Iván has done throughout his life, and we see that Ivan is a quite charming, somewhat silly, and very handsome young man who is that typical rich kid whose parents have allowed him everything, and that all this that is happening is simply an anecdote for him, unlike Anora who is risking her future, or even Toros himself who is risking his job just to cover up his bad behavior.
Igor is also a character who, although he is not the main one, ends up turning the story around and we see him as a spectator to the crazy story that unfolds before his eyes, and how, for him, and for us, Anora becomes this person who simply does not give up and continues fighting to achieve the life she dreams of, without limits and with courage, being him the one who in the end we see as the only one who empathizes with her and who seems to understand a little of the suffering that Anora carries within her.
Y Anora que es espectacular es un personaje con mucha carisma pero muy diva ,que tiene mucha valentía y me imagino ha vivido cosas muy fuertes como para dejar que las dificultades le quiten esa oportunidad de oro que se le presentó, al parecer el director escribió el personaje precisamente pensado en que Mikey Madison fuera la que la interpretará y siento que parece bastante acertado la increíble actuación que ella da , que no solo es una chica preciosa síno que el personaje tiene una vibra especial que hace que empatices con ella , y que termines esperando que sea cuál sea el final pueda tener uno Feliz😭. Ani/Anora está acostumbrada a este mundo oscuro y rudo del mundo de una trabajadora sexual, por lo que ha desarrollado una especie de careta de ser una chica ruda y fuerte pero que vemos a medida que las cosas se van entorpeciendo para Ani y esa posible nueva vida que solo rozó por unos momentos se aleja de ella ,se va volviendo más vulnerable, y llega justo esa escena final en dónde Igor la lleva a su casa para dejarla y justo antes que se baje este le da su anillo de compromiso 💍 (el anillo que Toros le quitó pero que Igor encontró la forma de devolverlo) como una especie de consuelo luego de toda la situación que ha estado viviendo en los últimos días,y Anora al ver esto piensa en "recompensarlo " o así lo intérprete yo , al vivir en este mundo de trabajo sexual está acostumbrado a que los hombres esperen algo en específico de ella ,por lo que cuando Igor se deja llevar y le sigue el juego,está parece estar cómoda ,hasta que él la mira a los ojos e intenta besarla y allí rompe este ambiente que se había creado entre los dos y ella intenta soltarse y alejarlo, pero Igor entendiendo de alguna forma, la contiene hasta que Anora finalmente se rompe y allí vemos la escena más vulnerable de Ani, para ser abrazada y consolada por Igor ,y es un final que he visto que levanto muchas críticas sobre como interpretarlo y si estuvo bien lo que significó para el personaje , al principio no me pareció porque siento que tal vez se podría mal interpretar que Igor siempre busco lo mismo que los demás, pero aquí creo que la clave fue precisamente esa escena siguiente de Anora sentirse vulnerable al darse cuenta que tal vez Igor no quería algo como sexo transaccional , síno que realmente desarrollo sentimientos y le importaba realmente Ani,y al ver esa intimidad del momento no pudo contenerse más y termino quebrandose luego de todo lo que le pasó , por lo que pensándolo mejor me pareció un final excelente, fiel al tono que tuvo toda la película, yo le doy un 5/5⭐ con una puntuación perfecta .
Y bueno amigos cinéfilos , se las recomiendo mucho ,me parece una joyita y que logró que su actriz principal se luciera demasiado en ese papel, esperemos a ver qué tal le va en los premios , cuéntenme ya la vieron? Que les pareció?
Y Feliz Navidad 🎄 ✨ y próspero año 2025
Ilustración creada en Ibis paint, fotos editadas en Pics art , gifs creados en app creador de GIFs, texto traducido en Google traductor.
English Version
And Anora, who is spectacular, is a character with a lot of charisma but a very diva, who has a lot of courage and I imagine has lived through very hard things to let the difficulties take away that golden opportunity that was presented to her. Apparently the director wrote the character precisely thinking that Mikey Madison would be the one to play her and I feel that the incredible performance she gives seems quite successful. Not only is she a beautiful girl but the character has a special vibe that makes you empathize with her, and that makes you end up hoping that whatever the ending may be, she can have a happy one. Ani/Anora is used to this dark and rough world of a sex worker, so she has developed a kind of mask of being a tough and strong girl but we see as things get difficult for Ani and that possible new life that she only touched for a few moments moves away from her, she becomes more vulnerable, and that final scene arrives where Igor takes her to his house to leave her and just before he gets off he gives her his engagement ring 💍 (the ring that Toros took from her but that Igor found a way to return) as a kind of consolation after all the situation she has been living in the last few days, and Anora seeing this thinks about "rewarding him" or that's how I interpret it, living in this world of sex work he is used to men expecting something specific from her, so when Igor lets himself go and plays along, she seems comfortable, until he looks her in the eyes and tries to kiss her and there he breaks this atmosphere that English:had been created between the two and she tries to break free and push him away, but Igor understanding somehow, contains her until Anora finally breaks and there we see Ani's most vulnerable scene, to be hugged and comforted by Igor, and it's an ending that I've seen that raised a lot of criticism about how to interpret it and if what it meant for the character was right, at first it didn't seem right to me because I feel that maybe it could be misinterpreted that Igor was always looking for the same thing as the others, but here I think the key was precisely that next scene of Anora feeling vulnerable when she realized that maybe Igor didn't want something like transactional sex, but that he really developed feelings and really cared about Ani, and seeing that intimacy of the moment she couldn't contain herself any longer and ended up breaking down after everything that happened to her, so thinking about it better it seemed like an excellent ending to me, faithful to the tone that the entire movie had, I give it a 5/5⭐ with a perfect score.
Well, film buff friends, I highly recommend it to you. I think it's a gem and it made its lead actress shine a lot in that role. Let's wait and see how it does at the awards. Tell me, have you seen it yet? What did you think?
And Merry Christmas 🎄 ✨ and a prosperous 2025
Illustration created in Ibis paint, photos edited in Pics art, gifs created in the GIF creator app, text translated in Google translator.
Anora tells the story of Ani, an erotic dancer who, like a modern Cinderella, seems to find her Prince Charming in the figure of the naive and very immature Vanya, a 21-year-old boy who happens to be the son of a powerful Russian oligarch.
There is something crucial for the development of the film that beats in the encounter between the two young men, and it has to do with the way Ani understands relationships with men: in them there is always a mercantile dimension.
With Vanya it is no different, but her crazy vision of the world and her privileged economy act not only as promises of a better life, but also as propellants towards Las Vegas so that this life becomes official under the social precepts of marriage.
The device, of course, allows Baker to exploit the comic possibilities of the most classic (and hawksian) screwball comedy, which finds in Ani's strength and reasonableness the perfect counterpoint to Vanya's fragile and cowardly masculinity.
The marriage tipping point invokes three characters (hired thugs) who will attempt, with equal doses of enthusiasm and awkwardness, to overturn the marital bond.
And while Anora is a hilarious and hilarious film (this band of no-goods is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful ideas in the film), it is also profoundly sad.
Much of the blame for this lies in Ani's helpless situation, but also in the abysmal and disappointed gaze of Mikey Madison, who not only handles the more physically and sexually demanding lides with ease, but also excellently imbibes the miserable and desolate atmosphere of his character.
Ani knows that in an ultra-capitalist and mean world she will always be on the side of the losers: that is why her last gesture is beautiful and devastating (surely one of the best scenes Baker has ever filmed), because only love and understanding will be able to improve this world.
I leave for the end, the great performance of Mikey Madison, who is excellent, even though she has to scream excessively and is a foul-mouthed, but it is what her character requires, and she is credible both in the most dramatic scenes, as in those where she has to expose herself physically, and in the funniest moments.
A film easier to recommend to almost all audiences than others directed by Sean Baker, perhaps those who can not stand movies with so many swear words or many sex scenes, leave the theater angry.
Some of the films that have won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival have struck me as somewhat controversial (Titane in 2021, for example), to say the least, but that instance remains for me a reference point for world cinema (mainly European) and I'm always tempted to revisit the stories that are mentioned at the festival that introduced me to great films such as the masterpiece Anatomy of a Fall, the dramatic and very well-made 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days and the memorable and thoughtful Taste of Cherry.
Algunas de las películas que han ganado la Palma de Oro en el Festival de Cannes me han parecido algo controversiales (Titane en 2021, por ejemplo), por no decir más, pero esa instancia sigue siendo para mí una referencia del cine mundial (principalmente el europeo) y siempre estoy tentado a revisar las historias que son mencionadas en el festival que me dio a conocer grandes films como la obra maestra que es Anatomy of a Fall, la dramática y muy biein hecha 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days y la memorable y reflexiva Taste of Cherry.
So when I found out a few months ago that the Palme d'Or had gone to Anora, written and directed by Sean Baker, I added it to my to-watch list and waited for its release in Latin America so I could see it, which I did last Saturday. I knew nothing about the plot, I hadn't seen any trailers and all I knew about the film was that the poster promoted it as "a love story" and that someone, in a casual conversation, without going into too much detail, defined it like this: "it's like Pretty Woman, but hardcore". Now, after having seen the film, I understand both statements, but I don't agree with either of them. Yes, there is a remote resemblance to that classic story with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, but only that and a love story? Really? In my opinion, there was no such romance in the film, so I think it was false advertising. However, despite not agreeing with that promotion, I want to be emphatic about this, I do think it's a great movie. Anora begins with Ani (Mikey Madison) a Brooklyn prostitute in her early twenties who dances in a luxury nightclub with private rooms for something more to do. One day a young Russian guy with a lot of money named Ivan shows up at the club and asks for a girl he can communicate with in his native language and since Ani is the only one of the girls who speaks Russian, her boss asks her to take care of the guy, which obviously benefits the club due to the money he can leave in alcohol and services.
Así que cuando hace unos meses supe que la Palma de Oro se la había llevado Anora, escrita y dirigida por Sean Baker, la agregué a mi lista de pendientes y esperé a que se estrenara en latinoamérica para poder verla, cosa que hice el pasado sábado. No sabía nada de la trama, no había visto ningún avance y todo lo que sabía de la película era que en el poster se promovía como "una historia de amor" y que alguien, en una conversación casual, sin entrar en muchos detalles, definió así: "es como Pretty Woman, pero hardcore". Ahora, después de haber visto la película, entiendo ambas sentencias, pero no estoy de acuerdo con ninguna de ellas. Sí, hay una remota semejanza con aquella clásica historia con Julia Roberts y Richard Gere, pero sólo eso y ¿una historia de amor? ¿en serio? En mi opinión, no hubo tal romance en la película, así que creo que fue publicidad engañosa. Sin embargo, a pesar de no estar de acuerdo con esa promoción, quiero ser enfático en esto, sí creo que es una gran película. Anora comienza con Ani (Mikey Madison) una prostituta de Brooklyn que tiene poco más de veinte años y baila en un club nocturno de lujo con habitaciones privadas para hacer algo más. Un día aparece en el club un joven ruso con muchísimo dinero llamado Iván que pide una chica con la que pueda comunicarse en su lengua nativa y siendo Ani la única de las chicas que habla ruso, su jefe le pide que atienda al chico, lo que obviamente beneficia al club debido al dinero que pueda dejar en alcohol y servicios.
Ivan is slightly younger than Ani and like any young man in his early twenties (those who can afford it, of course) he only thinks about sex, parties and video games. And since he has the money for it and considers Ani a beautiful and talented girl at her job, he offers to pay her in exchange for meeting her at his mansion and not at the club, which she accepts. Thus begins an almost exclusively sexual relationship between this Russian heir who is vacationing in New York and a young American luxury escort.
Iván es ligeramente menor que Ani y como cualquier joven al principio de su veintena (los que se lo pueden permitir, claro está) sólo piensa en sexo, fiestas y videojuegos. Y como tiene el dinero para ello y considera a Ani una chica hermosa y talentosa en su trabajo, le ofrece pagarle a cambio de encontrarse en su mansión y no en el club, a lo cual ella acepta. Comienza así una relación casi exclusivamente sexual entre este heredero ruso que vacaciona en Nueva York y una joven escort de lujo norteamericana.
The first hour of the movie is all about that: Ivan squandering money and Ani sexually pleasing the young man. There are a lot of very explicit sex scenes and although it is logical for the type of story that is told, I don't know if perhaps they could have spared some. This is also where the "romance" between them develops, which I didn't see. Yes, it's true that Ani feels lucky and amazed with the possibility of earning money in this way, especially when she closes a deal with Ivan in which she will be his girlfriend for a week in exchange for tens of thousands of dollars, and I can understand that Vanya's (Iván) expensive gifts, the comfort of his mansion, the parties he throws, make her feel good to the point of wanting to have that life forever. Who, being young, wouldn't want to prolong the honey of fortune as long as possible? That is why I can understand that when Ivan has the crazy idea of proposing to Ani and convinces her that he is serious, she decides to marry him. So, sex? Yes, there was, and a lot of it. Courtship? Some, of course, gifts and comforts; but, love? At no time does Vanya's immaturity turn into love. He likes Ani, of course, she's young and beautiful, but he doesn't love her. Not enough to marry her. It was a crazy idea from a boy who lives having crazy ideas. And on Ani's side - and this is what, to me, doesn't fit with her personality - what could Ivan offer to make her fall in love with him? His contributions are only material things; and although he's a funny guy, he doesn't share anything about his life nor is he very interested in who Ani really is and I think she should have realized that, she's not that naive, judging by her character and that is much better appreciated after that first hour of the film.
La primera hora de la película se centra en eso: Iván derrochando dinero y Ani complaciendo sexualmente al joven. Hay una gran cantidad de escenas sexuales muy explícitas y aunque es lógico por el tipo de historia que se cuenta, no sé si quizás pudieran haberse ahorrado alguna. En esta parte también es donde se desarrolla el "romance" entre ellos, el cual yo no vi. Sí, es cierto que Ani se siente afortunada y maravillada con la posibilidad de ganar dinero de esa forma, especialmente cuando cierra un trato con Iván en el cual será su novia por una semana a cambio de decenas de miles de dólares, y puedo entender que los regalos caros de Vanya (Iván), la comodidad de su mansión, las fiestas que da, la hagan sentirse bien al punto de desear tener esa vida para siempre, ¿quién, siendo joven, no querría prolongar las mieles de la fortuna el mayor tiempo posible? Por eso puedo entender que cuando Iván tiene la loca idea de proponerle matrimonio a Ani y la convence de que habla en serio, ella decida casarse con él. Entonces, ¿sexo? sí hubo, y mucho, ¿cortejo? algo, claro, regalos y comodidades; pero, ¿amor? En ningún momento la inmadurez de Vanya se ve transformada en amor. Le gusta Ani, claro, es joven y hermosa, pero no la ama. No como para casarse. Fue una idea loca de un muchacho que vive teniendo ideas locas. Y del lado de Ani - y esto es lo que no me cuadra con su personalidad - ¿qué pudo ofrecer Iván para enamorarla? Sus aportes son sólo cosas materiales; y aunque es un tipo divertido, no comparte nada de su vida ni le interesa mucho quién es Ani en realidad y creo que ella debió darse cuenta de eso, no es tan ingenua, a juzgar por carácter que tiene y que se aprecia mucho mejor después de esa primera hora.
Because up to that point, there are approximately sixty minutes of exotic dancing, sex and a marriage proposal to a very wealthy young man (and well, that's what reminds people of Pretty Woman), but the film has progressed as an erotic drama with some romance and a lot of opulence. That's when something unexpected happens, at least for me, and the film transforms into a fast-paced adventure that will progress to the end as a hilarious black comedy.
Porque hasta allí, van aproximadamente sesenta minutos de bailes exóticos, sexo y una propuesta de matrimonio con un joven muy adinerado (y bueno, eso es lo que a la gente le recuerda a Pretty Woman), pero la película ha avanzado como un drama erótico con algo de romance y mucha opulencia. Es entonces cuando ocurre algo inesperado, al menos para mí, y la película se transforma en una trepidante aventura que avanzará hasta el final como una hilarante comedia negra.
When Ivan's parents, who are in Russia, find out that he has suddenly married a prostitute, their heir's vacation is over. His parents are coming to America, but before they do, a character called Toros, who acts as the boy's guardian, something like his godfather, calls him to order the annulment of his marriage, which infuriates Ani, who from then on shows her wildest side. In the second hour of the film there are some disagreements, chases, shouting conversations, calls, insults, obstacles and a lot of scenes that make the audience laugh out loud, all of it caused by the indomitable Ani. She's the hurricane that shakes the script of the film with an enormous natural force and turns it into the story that it is and behind that hurricane is the talented Mikey Madison. I know she's done other things, but I hadn't seen her since that small role she played in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (alongside the almost unknown Austin Butler, Sydney Sweeney and Maya Hawke) and I think she gave the performance of a lifetime in Anora. I've never met any prostitutes from Brooklyn who speak Russian and work in luxury clubs, but I have no doubt that they must behave like Ani does in the film and although she's capricious, haughty, vain, problematic and arrogant, the strength of her character (which reveals some tenderness and also fear) makes her an endearing character and, in my opinion, the reason why this film is what it is. There are still a few months until the awards season, but I do think that Madison deserves a few nominations for what she does with the character of Ani in this film.
Cuando los padres de Iván, que están en Rusia, se enteran de que se ha casado repentinamente con una prostituta, se le acaban las vacaciones a su heredero. Sus padres vendrán a América, pero antes, un personaje llamado Toros que hace las veces de tutor del chico, algo así como su padrino, lo llama a capítulo y le ordena la anulación de su matrimonio, lo que enfurece a Ani, quien muestra a partir de allí su lado más salvaje. En la segunda hora de la película hay algunos desacuerdos, persecuciones, conversaciones a gritos, llamadas, insultos, obstáculos y un montón de escenas que producen carcajadas a los espectadores, todo ello propiciado por la indomable Ani. Ella es el huracán que sacude con una descomunal fuerza natural el guión de la película y que lo convierte en la historia que es y detrás de ese huracán está la talentosa Mikey Madison. Sé que ha hecho otras cosas, pero no la veía desde ese pequeño papel que hizo en Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (junto a unos casi desconocidos Austin Butler, Sydney Sweeney y Maya Hawke) y creo que en Anora ha hecho la interpretación de una vida. No he conocido ninguna prostituta de Brooklyn que hable ruso y trabaje en clubs de lujo, pero no tengo dudas de que deben comportarse como lo hace Ani en la película y aunque sea caprichosa, altanera, vanidosa, problemática y soberbia, la fuerza de su carácter (el cual deja entrever algo de ternura y también de miedo) la convierten en un personaje entrañable y, en mi opinión, en la razón por la cual esta película es lo que es. Aún faltan algunos meses para la temporada de premios, pero sí creo que Madison merece unas cuantas nominaciones por lo que hace con el personaje de Ani en esta película.
From the "love story" thing on the poster, I was expecting a different kind of movie. From what happens in the first hour, I was expecting the rest to be different. But when Anora turns into a black comedy, accelerates to the climax and ends with an unexpectedly emotional and completely logical scene, it leaves us with a pleasant feeling, of having enjoyed a good script, great direction and above all a tremendous leading role and a character who, not for nothing, gives her name to this story that won the Palme d'Or over great films like The Substance and Kinds of Kindness. Do you agree with the award? Have you seen Anora yet? I read you in the comments.
Por lo de "una historia de amor" que decía el poster, esperaba otro tipo de película. Por lo que ocurre durante la primera hora, esperaba que el resto fuese diferente. Pero cuando Anora se transforma en comedia negra, acelera hasta el clímax y termina con una escena inesperadamente emotiva y completamente lógica, nos deja con una sensación agradable, de haber disfrutado de un buen guión, una gran dirección y sobre todo un papel protagónico tremendo y un personaje que no por nada da nombre a esta historia que ganó la Palma de Oro por encima de grandes películas como The Substance y Kinds of Kindness, ¿están de acuerdo con el premio? ¿ya fueron a ver Anora? Los leo en los comentarios.
Reseñado por @cristiancaicedo
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The Palme d’Or winner at this year's Cannes, which barely caused a stir until now (probably because of the recent Cinema Day celebration), is an impressive attempt, but that’s about it.
The plot? Pretty familiar stuff. It’s the story of a sex worker who meets a wealthy client—a scion of Russian oligarchs—and that kicks off their relationship, which eventually leads to marriage and, of course, the struggle for acceptance from her husband’s social circle.
The film’s a bit too long for its subject matter, dragging in places—mainly due to the screenplay’s attempts to build suspense around the outcome. If it had been cut by about half an hour, it might have packed more punch and maybe even tugged at the heartstrings a little more.
But what exactly makes this movie captivating? Without a doubt, its lead actress: 25-year-old Mikey Madison!
Yes, I immediately remembered her from her dark role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, where she caught my attention with her portrayal of a Manson follower who meets her unlucky match in Brad Pitt (one of Tarantino’s best scenes, by the way).
In Anora, Madison is everything. She plays a Brooklyn-based sex worker, slipping into the role with rare skill (I’d go as far as to place her close to Al Pacino's performance in Scent of a Woman). It’s a portrayal that will definitely raise her profile in the near future. Whether it’s her movements or her facial expressions, we’re witnessing a rare case of a role so bespoke that it may hold a timeless allure in cinema history. Will she win an Oscar? I’m skeptical.
In the end, though, we’ve seen far better Palme d’Or winners. I think they wanted to give it to Emilia Perez (which is in the running for many awards), and maybe in the spirit of supporting indie cinema—and with Netflix in the mix—they settled on Anora.