ROMA – Rated R – 2 hrs. 15 mins
DIRECTOR/WRITER: Alfonso Cuaron
STARRING: Yalitza Aparicio, Marina de Tavira, Diego Cortina Autry
Mexico, circa early 1970’s is the backdrop for the best foreign film of 2018 by far, as we meet sweet housekeeper and Nanny Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio). As Cleo works to make a life of her own, amidst taking care of the middle-class family who employs her, she finds that the outside world, and people in her life, aren’t all they are cracked up to be. As the trials and tribulations of her own existence, and that of the family she must protect become more skewed with each passing moment, it seems that Cleo must learn to face many harsh realities of this life…without anyone by her side…
I give ROMA a rating of MUST SEE ON THE BIG SCREEN: Accolades should abound for this very touching, dramatic foreign film. It doesn’t take but a few minutes before you are totally engrossed within its frames, and in Cleo’s (Yalitza Aparicio) existence, as she faces struggles that would bring most of us to our knees. Director/Writer Alfonso Cuaron has managed to tell a tale with so much realism and imagery, that you can’t help but be moved to your core while viewing this film. It’s been a long time since a film shot in black and white, and with subtitles, has touched my soul like this film did. And if the storyline itself doesn’t tug and your heartstrings the whole way through, the incredible cinematography throughout is destined to invigorate your senses. Netflix has garnered a true gem with the production of this film, which thus far has received 3 Golden Globe nominations, and I’m sure they are in hopes that Oscar will come a calling too. You truly want to see what all the fuss is about, even if you aren’t fond of black and white movies, or foreign films for that matter, you still need to check out ROMA at a theater near you! But know too, its popping on Netflix tomorrow, 12/14, for your viewing pleasure. So, regardless of how you choose to view this film, it doesn’t really matter, just as long as you do, I just think that viewing it one the big screen adds depth and dimension to this very moving film…
Kathy Kaiser
MATINEE CHAT with Kathy Kaiser 