Coda

Coda

Based on a French Film La Famille Belier, CODA, Child Of Deaf Adults, Ruby (Emilia Jones) Is the only hearing person in her family. As the family leans more and more on her, Ruby pushes toward gaining a spot at Berkley College Of Music. Her decision could ruin her families fishing business.

Let me get on my soap box for a minute. Oscar rules need to change. This film was shown for a week in maybe 5 theaters in the US to make it eligible for a nomination. Then the film was moved it to Apple+. I mean really? Films should be in theaters for at least 3 weeks and a certain percentage of theaters. The public should be able to see the darn film in a theater. It is almost elitist.

Now off my soapbox. As for Coda....it is one of the best films of the year.

Positives:

-The screenplay by director Sian Heder is just wonderful. It warms your heart. It makes you cry. It makes you laugh. There are brilliant decisions like the 3 minutes during the concert where we hear nothing just like the Rossi's (My heart). The moment when Ruby is singing and Frank holds her throat to feel the vibrations (again my heart). So many good decisions. Then as you hold your heart she brings a touch of humor to let us breathe, So good!!! Then throw in the prejudice against the hearing impaired which we do see on display but not as a lecture, it just blends into the story. Best screenplay of the year?!

-Lead actress Emilia Jones, fantastic as the only hearing member in the Rossi family. Often she has to show anger and love without talking. Then throw in..WHAT A SINGING VOICE!!

-Costars:

Troy Kotsur as the Father Frank Rossi. A deaf actor, he gets his first Oscar Nomination here.

Daniel Durant as Brother/son. A deaf actress. He is the person in the family who feels a bit less because he cannot hear and help like his sister. He is great and maybe a bit under recognized here.

Marlee Matlin as the mother Jackie Rossi who seems to keep pushing back on Ruby's plans, maybe out of fear. Well we know she is good, she won the first Oscar as a deaf individual years ago. Here, she takes a backseat to the bigger or more aggressive performances but in the end she shines.

Eugenio Derbez the great, underrated, Mexican actor plays the music teacher Bernardo Villalobos. He is, as always, wonderful here adding humor and love.

Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, yes from the great film Sing Street, plays Ruby's singing partner and love interest. Perfectly cast in a soft, small role.

Other than a few scenes that seem forced upon us and not necessary this film is..well a perfect 5 out of 5 for CODA. I wish everyone could just see it.

From the shadows as always thanks for your time.