THE WAY HE LOOKS (2014)

Sometimes a film comes along that reminds you how simply an effective, beautiful story can be told on-screen; such is the case with The Way He Looks, about Brazilian high school teenager Leonardo (played to perfection by Ghilherme Lobo), blind from birth, who mostly spends his days hanging out with his bestie Giovana and trying to prove to his overprotective parents that he's old enough to start being more independent.  Then a new student - Gabriel - arrives at school, changing the dynamics of Leo's and Gia's friendship as the duo becomes a trio ... and Leo's feelings for Gabriel grow beyond those of friendship.  The film's beauty lies in the way it honestly, poignantly depicts the pangs of first love, your first crush, and how those feelings of both melancholy and innocent bliss are universal to us all, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.  A great with and cast, with particular kudos to Ghilherme Lobo, who brings such depth and heart to Leo; so much so, I couldn't believe it when I learned he was a sighted actor in real life. (not rated)  A