Victoria (2015)

Raymond Hill said:Great movie. Watched it twice.
My take: Link
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The script is only about 12 pages long, which basically translates to 12 minutes of runtime. It’s just a collection of plot points meant to steer the direction of the story; everything else is pure improvisation.

The whole point of the first half hour is to get inside their heads—to actually grasp what they’re doing later, their motives, and why they make certain moves. Why does that matter? Well, people are different, you know? Everyone operates based on their own lens. If I’m a saintly, honest guy, I assume everyone else is too. If my idea of a perfect life was just turning my head, going home, and rotting in front of the TV until I die, I'd expect the whole world to function that way. But they don't. You have to realize that people live in totally different circumstances, come from all sorts of backgrounds, and carry these heavy life experiences that shape who they are. Victoria is this girl who’s been completely shut away by life, and then one night, in just thirty minutes surrounded by a group of guys, she finally feels and recognizes everything she’s been craving her whole life. It's that raw, genuine friendship that isn't just about grabbing coffee or walking through a park, but being there when things actually hit the fan. She felt something with them that you rarely stumble upon. As a viewer, I could really feel that sense of freedom and that unbreakable connection between them. You can also see in how they act that they really are "good guys who just did bad things," which plays out later. They didn't hurt anyone; they didn't even try to force her into their mess, they just gave her the space to decide for herself. In the heist, nobody gets hurt—the only real wrong they did was returning fire against the cops.
Everything is interconnected and makes sense if you just watch the movie for what it is. I’m not going to waste my energy trying to connect dots that aren't meant to be connected.

Obviously, some people are going to find it boring or whatever. But before you even pressed play, you knew what you were getting into. So why the hell did you click it if you thought it wasn't for you? Why would I, a fan of The Beatles, go to a Nicki Minaj concert just because people are talking about her or because she's popular? Or why would a Nicki Minaj fan show up to a Beatles show just because they’re considered musical icons? Don't watch stuff when you already know you aren't on the same wavelength. Superheroes break every box office record, fine, but you all enjoy that; just don't force me to fit into something that doesn't align with my brain, my nature, or my soul. Just let me hang out with Victoria in peace.

p.s. This post isn't a direct rebuttal to the quoted user; it's just using that as a jumping-off point.

Bravo, William Roberts2. That was an exceptional response to the many negative comments circulating on this forum.

What particularly bothers me is how the majority of the negativity seems to target the questionable motivations of the main characters, especially Victoria. It is quite sad, really, but those making such claims are simply declaring that they have completely missed the essence of the story. I believe the exploration of her motivation is more than clear, deep, and meaningful; after all, the world is teeming with foolish young women who stumble into crime without any significant existential needs, particularly during their rebellious phases...

...much like what we see in both the transitional parts of America and the more exploitative regions abroad.

Additionally, many people have latched onto Victoria's unrealistically low wage. I must admit that I also spent a few minutes during the film dwelling on that, and I found it somewhat irritating myself, but if that seems unrealistic for "just one New York City," then please look at her companions—specifically the fact that at the beginning of the film, they didn't even have "damn six dollars" to get into that hole-in-the-wall techno club.

Try putting those two facts into perspective for a moment.

The film is exceptional, and the actress is outstanding. I was truly impressed by how she handled that final scene in the hotel after Sonny passed away; seeing her swayed by her own sobbing from the very depths of her soul, letting out years of accumulated pain through those exhausted cries—anyone who didn't feel that building tension throughout the movie, damn it, didn't feel it in that final scene either, nor did they notice those "cries" (if there is a better term) and the sheer brilliance of that acting feat!

And yes, I am head over heels in love with the actress. Especially after watching the Elon Musk YouTube link where Laila talks about the film...

Without a hint of makeup, such natural beauty, such a combination of eloquence and primal vulgarity... I think she remains deeply immersed in the role. 🙂

Yeah, she’s got this massive, commanding presence. Her energy is basically what carries the entire movie.

@neonviper8/">@@neonviper8
Could you provide the link?

William Roberts2 said:Of course some people are gonna find it boring, one way or another. But you knew what you were getting into before you even hit play, so why the hell did you bother if you thought it wasn't your vibe? Why would I, a huge Pink Floyd fan, go see an Nika Minaž show? Just because people are talking about her or they like her? Or why would an Nika Minaž fan go to a Pink Floyd concert just because they're musical legends? Don't go watching stuff when you already know you aren't on the same wavelength. Superheroes break every record out there, so just enjoy that and stop trying to force me to fit into something that isn't my brain, my nature, or my soul. Just let me hang out with Victoria in peace.

p.s. This post isn't a direct rebuttal to the author being quoted; it's just using it as a starting point.

And why does it bother you so much if someone doesn't like a movie as much as you did? I watch all kinds of movies, and it never even crosses my mind to judge whether something is "for me" or not until I've actually sat through it. Once I finish it, then I can decide if it's my thing or not. 🍿

Based on everything I’d read and seen beforehand, I honestly expected this movie to be mediocre at best.
Maybe that’s why I ended up being so incredibly satisfied with how it actually turned out.

I get why some people might find it a bit slow and bail halfway through—it’s definitely not for everyone—but personally, I loved almost every minute of it (again, that’s just because my 😛 expectations were so low).

People have already said their piece about the acting, but I just want to add that F. Lau was absolutely spot-on as Sunny. Also, Victoria's foolish decision didn't give me a single "WTF" moment, mostly because I can totally see what drew her to a guy like that.
He’s a complete jerk and a total loser, sure, but he isn't some nobody. 😁

I wasn't bored for even a second, except for that very first scene where I was convinced the whole thing was going to be a dud, let alone great. 😳

goldenhound32 said:@neonviper8/">@@neonviper8
Could you please share the link?

Of course, here you go.

The interviews she did about the movie

http://europeanfilmawards.eu/en_EN/e...ith-laia-costa

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2016...film_b-gdnfilm

Grace Sanders24 said:The lead actress was the only thing worth watching. Honestly, the camerawork felt way too intense for me, and while some parts of the plot were cool, the pacing just felt... blunt. It’s totally overrated. I’m actually glad it didn't land an Oscar nomination.🍿

It missed out on an Oscar just because there was more English dialogue than foreign language stuff—otherwise, it would've been a lock.

Caught it last night. It’s a solid movie, but honestly? It’s way too long. I feel like they could have told the whole story in ninety minutes instead of dragging it out to nearly two and a half hours...
The acting was top-notch and the dialogue felt real enough, but I had a hard time buying her sudden urge to help a group of total strangers without even asking what they were up to. Plus, the whole "I've been totally isolated" bit felt a little thin. If this thing were an hour shorter, it would've been much better...
6 / 10