Wow! I just saw Sea of dreams, the truth is that I didn't want to see it after Paty Chapoy and all his crew have said that it was a great movie. Since when they became movie critics? Well, anyway I just saw it and let me tell you that I loved it What an amazing movie, great plot, great photography, great music, lovely places and very, very good looking actors, I love Grecia and Marcelo, They are beautiful as well as Sebastian what a body!!! and his friend Luis, he has an amazing body too especially when they are carrying him with the cross, and the boy Benjamin, what a babe! And Grecia as a teenager... And of course Sonia Braga, she's still a very sexy woman I highly recommended this movie, especially if you like to see beautiful actors in screen in a very deep and beautiful story For me Sea of dreams should have been called Sea of wet dreams Go see it!!!!!
15 Reviews
Very weak story
parkergw25 September 2007
I agree that the female lead is beautiful and the photography very good, but that's it. This movie is designed for an illiterate, superstitious audience. It's all about silly religious mythology that most religions have outgrown, and doesn't really go anywhere.
The lead as a little girl and an a young teen were also quite cute as were the other young people. The acting was spotty at best. Such things as gold fish, black water, a plethora of beached starfish were all taken as signs from some powerful fairytale entity rather than even considering any natural solution.
This is the kind of movie that could have been metaphorical, an allegory, or a morality tale. I figured that would have been its only saving grace,but it just didn't have any of these as the basis for the story.
The guy in front of us at the theater fell asleep and his wife had to wake him at the end of the movie. I figure he was the fortunate one. Terrible waste of my time.
The only good part was that my girlfriend paid for the tickets as a birthday present for me. I would have hated to throw the admission money away.
Jerry
The lead as a little girl and an a young teen were also quite cute as were the other young people. The acting was spotty at best. Such things as gold fish, black water, a plethora of beached starfish were all taken as signs from some powerful fairytale entity rather than even considering any natural solution.
This is the kind of movie that could have been metaphorical, an allegory, or a morality tale. I figured that would have been its only saving grace,but it just didn't have any of these as the basis for the story.
The guy in front of us at the theater fell asleep and his wife had to wake him at the end of the movie. I figure he was the fortunate one. Terrible waste of my time.
The only good part was that my girlfriend paid for the tickets as a birthday present for me. I would have hated to throw the admission money away.
Jerry
Lack of passion and just a pretty painting
isalazar-122 November 2005
I was expecting this movie because the trailer was nice, and the promotion in Mexican TV was good. Unfortunately, it is not a good movie. During the movie in the cinema, I was trying to really enjoy the film, but there are a lot of flaws in there that I'm was very disappointed. However, I can say that Pepe (the director) made a good effort and it is a the beginning of his career. I can mention the following good and not good things in the movie: 1. Good cinematography 2. Good music 3. Some good elements in the story (Mexican culture)
But the main elements in any movie were not strong enough: 1. Not good acting in some cases. 2. Not convincing characters. Grecia character is not clear enough. 3. The tension-relationship-plots between characters are not believable. 4. Why it is an English movie? I know, the answer is why not. But the English was really bad specially during the first part of the movie. I'm Mexican and the accent was annoying, and it didn't match with the environment. We'll see what happens with the US audience. 5. The art direction was poor. We only saw the market in the village. I was wondering what would be the result of this in other hands (maybe Brigite Broch the same art director of "Moulin Rouge" and "Romeo and Juliet"). 6. Big continuity mistakes. You'll see them. They are pretty obvious. 7. But I think the biggest problem of the movie is the story. There is not connection with the audience or the characters. We have heard the story other times, that we wanted something really convincing. And the problem is not the magic in the situations, the problem is the script. Grecia's motivations are not clear at the end, and Marcelo is not as strong as the character could be. 8. Maybe some passion or sexual scenes would help. I'm not saying nudity, but there were NOT passion at all.!!
In general, we can see that this movie was made by a film-making student. However, I really expect Pepe can improve himself and learn from this experience and opportunity. My summary for this movie is: lack of passion and just a pretty painting.
But the main elements in any movie were not strong enough: 1. Not good acting in some cases. 2. Not convincing characters. Grecia character is not clear enough. 3. The tension-relationship-plots between characters are not believable. 4. Why it is an English movie? I know, the answer is why not. But the English was really bad specially during the first part of the movie. I'm Mexican and the accent was annoying, and it didn't match with the environment. We'll see what happens with the US audience. 5. The art direction was poor. We only saw the market in the village. I was wondering what would be the result of this in other hands (maybe Brigite Broch the same art director of "Moulin Rouge" and "Romeo and Juliet"). 6. Big continuity mistakes. You'll see them. They are pretty obvious. 7. But I think the biggest problem of the movie is the story. There is not connection with the audience or the characters. We have heard the story other times, that we wanted something really convincing. And the problem is not the magic in the situations, the problem is the script. Grecia's motivations are not clear at the end, and Marcelo is not as strong as the character could be. 8. Maybe some passion or sexual scenes would help. I'm not saying nudity, but there were NOT passion at all.!!
In general, we can see that this movie was made by a film-making student. However, I really expect Pepe can improve himself and learn from this experience and opportunity. My summary for this movie is: lack of passion and just a pretty painting.
Pleasant Surprise at the San Diego Film Festival
annanncal15 March 2006
This movie was a pleasant surprise at the San Diego Film Festival.
More than any other of the movies I got to see, this one was able to transmit warmth trough the colors, textures, actors and music.
Talking about award winning music, the score is still playing in the back of my mind. My favorite part of the movie is absolutely the ending, all the storytelling drives you without warning to a classical ending that I enjoyed so.
The clothes that the women wear are fantastic also.
I recommend to see this movie with your husband, a relative or a close friend.
More than any other of the movies I got to see, this one was able to transmit warmth trough the colors, textures, actors and music.
Talking about award winning music, the score is still playing in the back of my mind. My favorite part of the movie is absolutely the ending, all the storytelling drives you without warning to a classical ending that I enjoyed so.
The clothes that the women wear are fantastic also.
I recommend to see this movie with your husband, a relative or a close friend.
Huge let down
shell_21728 September 2007
After seeing all the reviews from other users, I was excited when the film was released in Tucson, Arizona. I was also interested in seeing Pepe Bojorquez's first film. I always support young Mexican filmmakers. The cast, it seemed, was phenomenal. You can tell it was a pretty big production for the quality of actors, but some, especially Sonia Braga, let me down. Her witchy character made me feel like I was watching a melodramatic soap opera and not a film. Her acting made no sense to me.
But let me first focus on the positive aspects: the cinematography. You can tell that a lot of care was taken to achieve beautiful shots and that is greatly appreciated.
The elements of the film I thought were hokey include the storyline. Being Mexican and knowing the Latin American cultures, I am fond of the magical realism. Believe me, I have enjoyed films such as Like Water for Chocolate, Santitos, even Woman on Top with Penelope Cruz. All these films, I felt, provided me with a good interpretation of magical realism... but Sea of Dreams was an IN YOUR FACE forced magical realism that became predictable, cliché. It went down the way of the magical realism that we all laughed at when watching films such as Zapata. The story, in itself, could have been more interesting, less predictable ans simplistic.
Also, the dialogs became pathetic. It was all way to spelled out. It seemed as if the screenwriter does not believe the audience has ever seen any other film so they have to tell us EXACTLY what is going on without letting us interpret anything. Again, seemed more like a soap opera.
Finally, what time period is this in? I saw a VW bug, then I saw a Rolliflex camera, and then I saw 1980 print dresses and 1940 type costuming. I was thoroughly confused. This just added to the eye-rolling I experienced when watching the film.
I love Mexican Cinema. I love contemporary Mexican Cinema, but in this case, I was really let down. I have seen that Mexican Cinema has some good films, not dealing with social turmoil and violence, coming out of Mexico, but this is not one of them. I feel this film contributes to Mexico for Export/ Mexican Curios films which is overplayed at this point. I hope Pepe Bojorquez's next film proves to be more engaging and less cliché. Maybe start with a better script?
But let me first focus on the positive aspects: the cinematography. You can tell that a lot of care was taken to achieve beautiful shots and that is greatly appreciated.
The elements of the film I thought were hokey include the storyline. Being Mexican and knowing the Latin American cultures, I am fond of the magical realism. Believe me, I have enjoyed films such as Like Water for Chocolate, Santitos, even Woman on Top with Penelope Cruz. All these films, I felt, provided me with a good interpretation of magical realism... but Sea of Dreams was an IN YOUR FACE forced magical realism that became predictable, cliché. It went down the way of the magical realism that we all laughed at when watching films such as Zapata. The story, in itself, could have been more interesting, less predictable ans simplistic.
Also, the dialogs became pathetic. It was all way to spelled out. It seemed as if the screenwriter does not believe the audience has ever seen any other film so they have to tell us EXACTLY what is going on without letting us interpret anything. Again, seemed more like a soap opera.
Finally, what time period is this in? I saw a VW bug, then I saw a Rolliflex camera, and then I saw 1980 print dresses and 1940 type costuming. I was thoroughly confused. This just added to the eye-rolling I experienced when watching the film.
I love Mexican Cinema. I love contemporary Mexican Cinema, but in this case, I was really let down. I have seen that Mexican Cinema has some good films, not dealing with social turmoil and violence, coming out of Mexico, but this is not one of them. I feel this film contributes to Mexico for Export/ Mexican Curios films which is overplayed at this point. I hope Pepe Bojorquez's next film proves to be more engaging and less cliché. Maybe start with a better script?
Sea of dreams is inspiring!!!
matthew-esper20 October 2006
I saw this movie for the first time at Turks and Caicos Film festival and it was amazing. It was really inspiring, the acting was phenomenal and the landscapes and seascapes were as pristine as they get. I encouraged everyone to go and see this movie; everyone in that movie is beautiful!!! The story line is very interesting and creative. The movie, Sea of Dreams really portrayed the true love in a story, where the prince risks life and death to be with the beautiful princess. The main actress Sendi Bar gives a very touching and emotional role rare to media in this day and age. It was amazing, two thumbs up for actors, directors and crew!!! GO AND SEE IT!!!
Best Thing I did during my stay in Mexico was to see this Movie
romabraz4 January 2006
As a Brazilian I had the moral duty of seeing this movie because Sonia Braga was in it.
I have seen all of her movies and TV Soap Operas, even her performance in Sex and the City, yet she delivers her best performance in Sea of Dreams. Even tough she portrays a very strong character she is still as seductive as ever if not more so.
I wonder if the Director/writer has lived in Brazil, as some scenes relate to deep Brazilian traditions that I had never seen portrayed in Cinema. The producers showed them elegantly reinforced with a sublime score.
I want to see it again in Brazil with my friends so we may comment on every detail.
I am sure it will be a huge success in Brazil.
I hope the producers read this comment: I tried to buy the soundtrack but none in Mexican main record store know anything about it.
Congratulations on your casting Sonia and a beautiful picture.
I have seen all of her movies and TV Soap Operas, even her performance in Sex and the City, yet she delivers her best performance in Sea of Dreams. Even tough she portrays a very strong character she is still as seductive as ever if not more so.
I wonder if the Director/writer has lived in Brazil, as some scenes relate to deep Brazilian traditions that I had never seen portrayed in Cinema. The producers showed them elegantly reinforced with a sublime score.
I want to see it again in Brazil with my friends so we may comment on every detail.
I am sure it will be a huge success in Brazil.
I hope the producers read this comment: I tried to buy the soundtrack but none in Mexican main record store know anything about it.
Congratulations on your casting Sonia and a beautiful picture.
Great movie, lovely story, you must see it.
contact-51618 November 2005
One of the best movies, it has the pure style of magical realism. Amazing art design, cinematography, music and acting. CONGRATULATIONS! You have to see it. It is for those who believe in love and magic. The main actress is beautiful, her acting is amazing, I believe everything that she said. Angelica Maria looks phenomenal and Sonia Braga superb. The music is incredible, all the pieces are very emotional and belong to the world that the director created. It is an excellent movie to see it with your family. Marcelo is full of energy and challenges the ocean very well. I believe that this film will go very very far, especially because is different and beautiful. People want to see this king of films. I love the ending.
Good Movie. Quite different and neat
graciela-zavala11 November 2005
Very good, movie with, an excellent international casting.
Beautiful Performance from Angelica Maria, Sonia Braga and Johnathon Schaech. The Ending quite unexpected. Good Movie. Quite different and neat.
The scenarios are magical.
The main song theme, it is very emotional and calm. Nice photography and Beautiful locations. It is very nice that now when we are surrounded by an atmosphere of fear we see a movie like this, I really enjoyed the 1:30 hours (close to) that I was seated in the movie theatre, I loved the colors shown is the movie that can take place in any Latin country
Beautiful Performance from Angelica Maria, Sonia Braga and Johnathon Schaech. The Ending quite unexpected. Good Movie. Quite different and neat.
The scenarios are magical.
The main song theme, it is very emotional and calm. Nice photography and Beautiful locations. It is very nice that now when we are surrounded by an atmosphere of fear we see a movie like this, I really enjoyed the 1:30 hours (close to) that I was seated in the movie theatre, I loved the colors shown is the movie that can take place in any Latin country
Sharing my experience
pabdanpipe19 November 2005
I went to see the movie last night compelled by the advertising on Mexican TV. Magic Realism allows the makers of the movie to enter the deepest parts of your person to magnify different feelings. My parents passed away when I was a child and I have mixed emotions linked to my memories at the sea. In this movie the sea is a character that as much as it gives it can also take, in some way it sparked memories of my parents, specially one scene where the starfish appear on the beach. After the movie ended an undescriptible feeling of inner peace embraced me.
The cinematography is magical, the music, casting and performances are very enjoyable.
I am very happy to have seen this movie and I can't wait to see this director/writer's next film.
The cinematography is magical, the music, casting and performances are very enjoyable.
I am very happy to have seen this movie and I can't wait to see this director/writer's next film.
A great movie!!!!!!!!!
tammyshh23 November 2005
I don't understand why people (just some people) are saying that this is not a good movie. Maybe is because they are very angry at life or maybe because they are full on envy. Let me tell you, that this is one of the best movie I ever seen, the story is very good, the music is great and I loved the actors, especially Sonia Braga... everybody is so beautiful Sendi Bar, Johnathon Schaech, Julio Bekhor, Daniela Schmidt, Jessica Valdes... Wow! The other day I was reading a bad review that said that the movie was too beautiful. What??? Since when beautiful is bad??? Well... the only thing I got to say is that I love beautiful things and I guess that this is the main reason I Loved the movie
Tam
!Que bonito es lo bonito!
Tam
!Que bonito es lo bonito!
Sonya Braga worth an award
almiranda0025 September 2007
This is Sonya Braga's best performance in many years, she still portrays a very seductive femininity. Worth the ticket price.
Sonya should be nominated for this movie.
The cast is as beautiful as the cinematography, and the details like the head on the beach set a magical mood that I appreciated.
When you are dating, you always need a movie like this as an excuse to touch your soft side.
I wonder when is the director's next project coming out.
I hope it has Sonya in it.
Good Luck.
Sonya should be nominated for this movie.
The cast is as beautiful as the cinematography, and the details like the head on the beach set a magical mood that I appreciated.
When you are dating, you always need a movie like this as an excuse to touch your soft side.
I wonder when is the director's next project coming out.
I hope it has Sonya in it.
Good Luck.
Sometimes the Movie Magic incorporates to the real places and people
expbaltas1 March 2006
A couple months ago I got to see this movie and loved it. I convinced my husband to travel to Veracruz last week (a 5 hour drive) for a long weekend to find the beautiful places this movie reveals.
We stayed at Tlacotalpan and drove to Roca Partida (there are no hotels in Roca Partida). This place is SO secluded, We had to ask directions every 15 minutes. Once you arrive, the place is overwhelming. Every person we met in Tlacotalpan or Roca Partida speaks about the production with pride. And in Tlacotalpan we did get to meet a few of the town people that actually appears in the movie which was an awesome experience.
The only thing I missed is not seeing the sculpture of the Angel seen in the movie.
My main taught is that you can't tell if the beautiful places and people we met inspired the director/writer or if in case he hadn't been there before, the places and people have in a way incorporated the story in the movie into their own customs and remembrances.
You have to see the movie, then visit the locations it's worth it.
We stayed at Tlacotalpan and drove to Roca Partida (there are no hotels in Roca Partida). This place is SO secluded, We had to ask directions every 15 minutes. Once you arrive, the place is overwhelming. Every person we met in Tlacotalpan or Roca Partida speaks about the production with pride. And in Tlacotalpan we did get to meet a few of the town people that actually appears in the movie which was an awesome experience.
The only thing I missed is not seeing the sculpture of the Angel seen in the movie.
My main taught is that you can't tell if the beautiful places and people we met inspired the director/writer or if in case he hadn't been there before, the places and people have in a way incorporated the story in the movie into their own customs and remembrances.
You have to see the movie, then visit the locations it's worth it.
Sweet movie
prockonat24 March 2006
I just saw this film at the San Diego Festival and felt tempted to write a comment.
I usually go to see romantic movies and yet I can not compare it to any other movie I have seen.
It is a fantasy story told in part by the beautiful images and by the award-deserving musical score.
I liked Nicholas Gonzalez character (I do not say more to avoid spoiling the movie), I can only say his character is the most challenged by the events.
His mother, Sonia Braga, takes the lead and delivers a very strong and enjoyable performance.
Regarding the art direction, the use of colors to set the moods and transmit emotions from colorful to rich darkness are amazing.
I can't wait for the DVD and CD to appear on the market just to see my favorite parts over and over again.
I usually go to see romantic movies and yet I can not compare it to any other movie I have seen.
It is a fantasy story told in part by the beautiful images and by the award-deserving musical score.
I liked Nicholas Gonzalez character (I do not say more to avoid spoiling the movie), I can only say his character is the most challenged by the events.
His mother, Sonia Braga, takes the lead and delivers a very strong and enjoyable performance.
Regarding the art direction, the use of colors to set the moods and transmit emotions from colorful to rich darkness are amazing.
I can't wait for the DVD and CD to appear on the market just to see my favorite parts over and over again.
I think that should be make in Spanish .
mariaalfonsalarios17 November 2005
I think that should be make in Spanish the movie because our language is very rich (i am studying English and I know that also the English is rich for the English culture).. but the movie the surroundings, everything make me remember to the Mexican culture., I am Mexican and I live in Mexico. and one thing with the culture is language. And I can't write this comment in Spanish :(. The music is pretty, the picture is better and Braga (the character that appears as Sebastian's mother) is really really beautiful. :). I think another thing that make me think (sorry for the repetition of words) that should be in Spanish is because I know that some actress were Mexican and the writer so that is why. But I really think that should be in Spanish with English subtitles.
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