A Sweet Leap Into Fantasy Set in the Streets of Rio: A Review of Kites
The Heart of Kites
Recipient of a special jury mention at the esteemed Tribeca Festival, Walter Thompson-Hernandez’s debut film, Kites, invites viewers to engage on its own terms. From its inception, Kites boldly declares its narrative through a heartfelt blend of reality and fantasy.
A Time for Truth and Magic
Opening with stark newsreel footage depicting the tragic murder of young men by police in Brazil, the film quickly pivots into a realm where magical realism thrives. While a belief in guardian angels is not a prerequisite for enjoyment, an openness to the idea that a turbulent world may benefit from a sprinkle of enchantment is essential. Set against the backdrop of Rio de Janeiro’s gritty favelas, Kites evolves into an earnest narrative about a man’s quest to provide his community with a tender sanctuary amidst unfathomable injustice.
Navigating the Streets: Duvo’s Journey
Enter Duvo, played by the talented Daniel Fernando do Prado Dorea Lima. A small-time hustler striving to carve out a better life, he’s ensnared by the relentless clutches of gang life. A pivotal leap takes place when Phil (Phillipe Augusto da Silva Souza), a murdered comrade, appears to Duvo as an angel, complete with radiant wings. Phil’s spectral presence urges Duvo to reassess his choices, nudging him toward a better path. When a beloved kite festival in the favelas is abruptly canceled, Duvo embarks on a mission to reinstate it—not just to honor Phil, but to rekindle his own humanity and altruism.
Layers of Love: Larissa’s Secret
While Duvo grapples with his own tumultuous existence, his partner Larissa (Larissa Borges) leads a life he remains blissfully unaware of. Though she’s cognizant of his wandering eye, Larissa harbors a secret: she’s deeply in love with another woman. A charming scene unfolds as she paints her nails with friends, her joy radiating when discussing her romantic aspirations. This moment beautifully contrasts the tension-filled interactions Duvo has with his male friends, suggesting that feminine energy acts as a nurturing force, akin to angels watching over those thriving in hardship.
Guardian Angels: A Collective Embrace
As the narrative unfolds, a mosaic of guardian angels envelops the story, introducing the uplifting notion that every character possesses an ethereal protector. Refreshingly, these spirits are not tied to any religious dogma; instead, they are the departed loved ones who once walked among the living. Their gentle presence, while often delivering platitudes, adds a glow to the story that uplifts despite the gravity of the subject matter.
Character Development: A Mixed Palette
While Thompson-Hernandez’s screenplay offers clarity and straightforwardness, enabling the audience to navigate the film’s multiple layers, character development falters at times. Only Duvo emerges as a fully fleshed-out character, while others, like Larissa, often feel like mere sketches—caught between two worlds. The children central to the kite-flying narrative drift into the background, lacking distinct personalities and becoming tools to drive the plot rather than individuals with their own dreams.
Visual Poetry: Cinematic Beauty
Kites stands out not only in storytelling but in its visual presentation. Guardian angels are captured against a serene hand-painted sky, infusing the film with a uniquely whimsical touch amidst a harsh reality. Cinematographer Michael Fernandez deserves commendation for illuminating the rich hues of Rio’s landscape, especially at night, creating memorable silhouettes of Black and Brown Brazilians. Each frame is enriched with evocative shadows, honoring the beauty within adversity.
The Duality of Kites
Ultimately, Kites showcases Thompson-Hernandez’s ability to interlace multiple genres within a single narrative. Gritty realism juxtaposes with heartwarming tales of hope and love, crafting a healing counterbalance to the violence of its setting. Rather than vividly portraying brutality, Kites offers a soft reprieve from despair, urging viewers to believe in the possibility of compassion and connection.
In conclusion, Kites stands as a remarkable cinematic achievement, blending the harsh realities of life in Rio’s favelas with a surreal yet heartfelt narrative. It’s a film that challenges us to embrace the fantastical within our everyday struggles, reminding us that sometimes, a little magic is precisely what the world needs.
