Manito
viewers reviews
'Sentiment: Positive 🙂'
This is the story of two brothers in a Latino area of a big city. The older brother has just been released from prison and is determined not to let his younger brother, Manny (the title is an affectionate nickname), follow the same path. Manny has excelled in school and is graduating from high school, but he is not home free yet.The film takes place over 48 hours, and was filmed in 25 days in a gritty, documentary style. The actors were mostly new to film, which probably added to the realism. It's the performances that make this film, which won a Special Jury Prize for ensemble acting at Sundance. As is often the case, it's not an easy film to watch, but it's worth it. Seen at Cinequest (the San Jose, CA film festival) on 2/24/2002.
'Sentiment: Positive 🙂'
"Manito" tells of urban life in a NYC Puerto Rican hood as it follows a buff ex-con, Junior (Franky G), and his little bro, Manny (Minaya), as Manny graduates High School only to see his dreams for the future derailed. You'll find little story in this open-ended slice-of-life-in-da-hood flick which is quick to get down and dirty with family issues and personal problems. What story is in this short 78 minute flick is nothing we haven't seen before but it is very well done, especially for an indie. With kudos from all corners, "Manito" may not be for the public at large but it's grit and realism, good jiggle cam work, ethnic music, and convincing performances make it a rock solid little movie. Recommended for anyone into indie "street" flicks. Mostly English with subs for the Spanish and no CC's. (B)
'Sentiment: Positive 🙂'
The beauty of the movie lies in it's grittiness. It's a small intimate portrait that subscribes to the idea that there are stories every where that's worth being told and we as audience members have the responsibility to appreciate that. Manito isn't wholly original, nor is it groundbreaking, but it is a story, and a strong story at that which provides a certain truth that has been a long absent from the regular Hollywood fare. Take the time to watch this film. I guarantee you won't be dissapointed.
