Reaching for the Moon
Reaching for the Moon

Reaching for the Moon

2013Movie118 minPortuguese

In 1951, New York poet Elizabeth Bishop travels to Rio de Janeiro to visit Mary, a college friend. The shy Elizabeth is overwhelmed by Brazilian sensuality. She is the antithesis to Mary’s dashing partner, architect Lota de Macedo Soares. Mary is jealous, but unconventional Lota is determined to have both women at all costs. This eternal triangle plays out against the backdrop of the military coup of 1964. Bishop’s moving poems are at the core of a film which lushly illustrates a crucial phase in the life of this influential Pulitzer prize-winning poet.

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Insights

IMDb5.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes63%
Metacritic57/100
Google Users67%
Director: John Patrick ShanleyGenres: Romance, Drama, History

Plot Summary

Set in the 1950s, this film tells the story of a young woman from Mississippi who moves to New York City to become a poet. She unexpectedly falls in love with a charismatic and successful architect, leading to a tumultuous and passionate relationship that challenges societal norms and her own aspirations. The narrative explores themes of love, ambition, and the complexities of artistic life.

Critical Reception

Reaching for the Moon received mixed reviews from critics, with many praising the performances of its lead actors, particularly Elisabeth Moss. However, some found the film's pacing and narrative development to be uneven, while others debated the historical accuracy and emotional depth of the depicted relationship.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for strong performances, especially from Elisabeth Moss.
  • Criticized for an uneven narrative and pacing issues.
  • Debate over the film's portrayal of the central relationship and its historical basis.

Google audience: Audience reviews are generally positive, with many appreciating the film's romantic elements and Moss's compelling performance. Some viewers found the story to be a bit slow but ultimately rewarding, while others felt it didn't fully capture the emotional intensity of the real-life romance it's based on.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the life of poet Elizabeth Bishop and her relationship with Lota de Macedo Soares, though the film fictionalizes and dramatizes certain aspects of their lives and relationship.

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