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Luz

By Golu
The term “masculinity” still continues to have a very problematic definition when it comes to homophobia and misogyny. In that sense, the first thing that you notice is the latino masculinity that the director is going for through this film. There is no gay stereotype and our protagonists are as masculine as anyone can be. A love story set in prison, lets see does this film have anything different to offer.

After crossing with the mafia, Reuben is sent to prison, leaving his young daughter behind. His cellmate Carlos is not the friendliest but slowly teaches him the ways of prison and how to survive. With each passing day the two start to understand each other better and soon their relationship changes from mentor, to friendship to being lovers. But this love is cut short when its time for Carlos to get out. Some time passes before Reuben is also out. After some search, he is able to find Carlos, not knowing what the future holds for the two men. They reunite, and with a very positive support from Carlos's mother, they actually manage to build a happy life for themselves. Although Reuben still needs to figure out a way to get his daughter out from the mafia. In a very weird (and confusing finale), he does manage to get his daughter out and the two men have. Happy ending waiting for them now.

Neither of the two men here are in your face gay. The fact that they make a sexual and loving bond is the prison, doesn't come as a huge surprise. What's to be seen is that whether either of them thinks that this relationship can last outside of prison. Now this thoughts something that not make makers have explored. They both carry a huge emotional baggage that we see throughout the film and come from different backgrounds. But their love for each other is strong. As actors both leads do a very string job as expected out of their characters. Now, looking at some negatives, the film is extremely slow. At almost 2 hours duration, the film can easily be trimmed by 30 minutes, even more. Also why does Reuben think of getting his daughter back only after he gets a call from mafia. He had more than enough time before that while setting his life, so I am not sure what did I miss there. Reuben's fascination with a trans woman before prison time, I am not sure of that added anything and was necessary at all. The film deals with masculinity , sexuality and a happy ending but its not a film that everyone would enjoy watching. I really wanted to, but I found myself losing interest at multiple points. Also at many places, the audio was barely audible and it was really hard to understand what the two of them were talking to each other.

Its a beautiful story, but somehow let down but a slow direction which is unable to hold the viewers attention. (5/10)
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