Sea of Dreams (2006)

Too much of everything

It's no definitive masterpiece but it's damn close.

Clever, believable, and super fun to watch. It totally has replay value.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

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?

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.

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.

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.