Luciérnagas (Spanish/English) [Fireflies]

This was a very interesting film and definitely not for everyone. Most immigrants may relate to it one way or the other. It's never easy when you leave your country in hope for greener pastures, but you are never fully prepared for the uncertainties and the loneliness thats about to surround you and may eat you up. It's about, how you keep yourself settled and grounded during these times and give yourself and the new place an opportunity.

Ramin is a foreigner from Iran in the port town of Vera Cruz, Mexico and is doing odd jobs as a laborer. He is looking around to see if a boat can take him to Greece or Turkey but he doesnt have enough money. He is staying at a cheap motel owned by Leti. We soon find out that Ramin is gay and is away since he ran away. He was trying to escape to EU but somehow got to mexico and is now stuck here without knowing the language, the people, the culture. We also later in the movie see that he has scars on his back which were probably because of him being gay. So he keeps his sexuality to himself unsure how locals would react, despite him seeing a very pen cruising area. He befriends Leti and they together teach language to each other. Leti's ex-bf is also visiting from US but thats a chapter of her life that she is not willing to get into again and hence very clearly tells her ex to stay away. Another laborer from work soon becomes friends with Ramin, who is also a migrant worker looking to move to US and then to Canada for a better life. He thinks he is getting mixed signal from his friend so ends up kissing him but gets beaten. Slowly, days pass and it's time for carnival and he celebrates with Leti. The film ends with Leti seeing Ramin with a smile on his face kissing another man. Finally Ramin can be himself.

You know, I didn't think much of the film when I was watching it. In fact, I was even confused at certain points, but the more I think about it and am trying to replay scenes in my mind, This is such a sad story but also a story that tells us that there is light at the end of tunnel. Ramin is very lonely and is trying to find friendly people and places but lack of language prevents him from doing so. He is not very sure of where his relationship with his bf back at home stands. He wants to leave Mexico but cant and is stuck. He ventures in the city to find gay haunts but is still very afraid to do anything with it given that his country Iran would punish being gay by law. Ramin is not sure if Mexicans are freer to flaunt their sexuality in public? He takes a chance with his buddy but that backfires. His chemistry with Leti was also interesting. We have two characters with contradictory feelings towards their past loves. One is longing for a visit while the other is dreading it. I have personally moved to 3 completely new countries in my life not knowing a single soul or the language so I could so well relate to Ramin feeling lonely and trying to make friends. It's easy to make new friends when you are in college or at work, but other wise it's really hard. We all put up a barrier. The last scene where Ramin is hugging and kissing a man passionately without any worries of how people would react was beautiful. He has a smile on his face which hasn't been there ever since he arrived to Mexico and Leti is also so happy for him. Maybe finally Ramin will  find love and tranquility in this part of the world?

This was a very very beautiful film. In fact, after a long time, there is a film that I can see myself watching again at some point. The film takes time to grow on you. If, like me, you connect with the character, you are in for an amazing film, otherwise others may find it average. After all, movie watching is all about an individual's perspective. (8/10)