Left field romance beautifully set in Porto (quaintly pictured in bad weather) playfully and a bit irritatingly shifts the perspectives on its story; artful and excellently played but not quite substantial.
13 Reviews
Left field romance
Billiam-417 January 2022
we are not doing it, this is happening TO us
jendy122623 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I did not expect this to be so powerful when I checked the trailer. Two ordinary human beings ran into each other just at the right place and right time at different locations, and then, they fell in love. As I grow older, i understand why this film was made. It tells people how life works and how unpredictable it is. you can't anticipate anything nor grasp anything in life. things just happen.
states of memory. or states of soul
Kirpianuscus26 February 2018
I admitt - I saw this film especialy for Anton Yelchin. and this motif whas enriched by each scene. because "Porto" is a love story but so special, poetic, delicate , unconventional, old fashion, fascinating, lirical , than it is more than one of many stories about love. because to defines it as an old fashion love film is wrong. it is a subtle, precise and real rare exploration. of yourself. old romancies. people across your life. links who, after decades, remains unique and precious and defining everything from you are. "Porto" is a story about states. as magic expressions. and it is enough. for write a deep trait. in your memory. sure, like others films in which Anton Yelchin gives admirable roles.
Tedious Beauty
ivans53614 March 2019
Very predictable art movie. Since it lacks a real script, it settles instead for artsy ramblings on life and love. The director doesn't do the actors any favors, as this clunker hinges on the performances of the two leads, who, although coming off great, don't manage to have us emotionally involved. Clocking in at only 75 minutes, it still manages to be tedious and overlong, and comes off as a great student short film that was unfortunately stretched out to a feature length.
Anton Yelchin does a lot with the material he is given, and his heartbreak is almost palpable, although the viewer has no idea where it's coming from. The female lead is also good, playing off of Yelchin rather well. The only other redeeming quality are the vignettes of Porto that populate the film, and show the city in the most beautiful light possible (spoken as someone who lived there).
Liked: the photography Yelchin's performance Porto
Disliked: The script The story The pacing The editing The music (although beautiful it was far too intrusive)
Anton Yelchin does a lot with the material he is given, and his heartbreak is almost palpable, although the viewer has no idea where it's coming from. The female lead is also good, playing off of Yelchin rather well. The only other redeeming quality are the vignettes of Porto that populate the film, and show the city in the most beautiful light possible (spoken as someone who lived there).
Liked: the photography Yelchin's performance Porto
Disliked: The script The story The pacing The editing The music (although beautiful it was far too intrusive)
Brilliant in its simplicity.
RobinRF8717 March 2018
After hearing of one of my favorite actor's, Anton Yelchin, passing - I was devastated. I wanted to watch what he had left to be seen beyond his death, film wise.
This was the final movie he filmed before his passing & was just now able to view it, after waiting almost two years.
It is a simple glimpse into a single night, shared between two lovers. It gives a view from each perspective, both before and after their passionate night, and shows how a single night can leave a lingering effect on the heart and soul. Some loves are meant to last and some, like theirs, never gets to live beyond a night. There are no special effects, CGI, or drawn out plot points, which is why this movie communicates more in its hour and ten minute (not including credits) than the standard Hollywood fare.
Created on actual film stock vs. the standard digital format, it gives it a more timeless feel and gives it more warmth. Not to say this is a warm movie - it is heartbreakingly beautiful in its tone and content.
As a fan of Richard Linklater, it reminded me very much of Before Sunrise, but without near as much dialogue. It is also works well as a final goodbye from a tremendously talented actor, who was taken from the world way to soon.
This was the final movie he filmed before his passing & was just now able to view it, after waiting almost two years.
It is a simple glimpse into a single night, shared between two lovers. It gives a view from each perspective, both before and after their passionate night, and shows how a single night can leave a lingering effect on the heart and soul. Some loves are meant to last and some, like theirs, never gets to live beyond a night. There are no special effects, CGI, or drawn out plot points, which is why this movie communicates more in its hour and ten minute (not including credits) than the standard Hollywood fare.
Created on actual film stock vs. the standard digital format, it gives it a more timeless feel and gives it more warmth. Not to say this is a warm movie - it is heartbreakingly beautiful in its tone and content.
As a fan of Richard Linklater, it reminded me very much of Before Sunrise, but without near as much dialogue. It is also works well as a final goodbye from a tremendously talented actor, who was taken from the world way to soon.
Not a movie, but a scene
easyprateek26 December 2019
Raw, real and beautiful - a real meeting for real people
blzs9 June 2017
Honestly, I am very glad someone made this film in a time when love-movies seem to have everything except love. It's one of those films that lives with you long after watching it. Because it is raw, it feels real, it is deeply sad and simply beautiful. But it is definitely not for everyone. Porto is that kind of film only those will really appreciate who had something similar in their lives. A very strong connection with someone that lasted just a brief period of time. A week... maybe only a night.
It is shot on film, and looks fantastic, it feels poetic though it is never over stylised.
It shows love and connection in a painful yet very elegant and poignant way. The peace is slow, the atmosphere is strong. A truly independent and "human" film.
It doesn't show anything new, it might be a bit too simple - but its honest approach makes it absolutely watchable. For those who have ever really loved someone, and then they said goodbye - it could be an important experience.
It is shot on film, and looks fantastic, it feels poetic though it is never over stylised.
It shows love and connection in a painful yet very elegant and poignant way. The peace is slow, the atmosphere is strong. A truly independent and "human" film.
It doesn't show anything new, it might be a bit too simple - but its honest approach makes it absolutely watchable. For those who have ever really loved someone, and then they said goodbye - it could be an important experience.
Anton Yelchin
cekadah31 March 2018
All I can say is to watch this film for Anton Yelchin! A wonderful actor who died way to young. He is outstanding here as a broken hearted man seeking the why to the rejection from the woman he so loved.
Beautiful photography which creates the mood so necessary in this story!
Beautiful photography which creates the mood so necessary in this story!
Serendi-porto-pity
kosmasp10 June 2021
Sometimes when you meet one person ... you feel something. And while I don't necessarily mean love on first sight, it is something similar for sure. And you can see and feel that there is a connection here with the two individuals we see. And to be honest who can blame Anton Yelchin (or his character for that matter), when it comes to the wonderful Lucie Lucas? But as always it is not as easy as it may seem at first.
And just because there is a connection or a spark, does not mean that they both will be able to explore that ... or will they? You may feel that she acts irrational at a certain moment, but you will see that there is more to it. Yes we make decisions that are not always in our own best interest ... especially when it comes to love ... how are we supposed to know at that exact moment? Sometimes it is nice to get a second chance .. will that be the case here?
And just because there is a connection or a spark, does not mean that they both will be able to explore that ... or will they? You may feel that she acts irrational at a certain moment, but you will see that there is more to it. Yes we make decisions that are not always in our own best interest ... especially when it comes to love ... how are we supposed to know at that exact moment? Sometimes it is nice to get a second chance .. will that be the case here?
enchanting film scenes!
lizaiesec19 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
PORTO tells accidental love story between a woman who wanna find someone lift her luggage to new apartment and a guy who cares their short-time relationship too much. (well, I'm kidding) The composition of film is very beautiful, from city views of Porto to restaurant, actress' flat, even natural while charming beauty of actress. Actor's performances on emotions are quite striking, so only part makes me sad is that his actor Anton Yelchin passed away in 2016, R.I.P.
Charming and Poetic
Drazic8221 December 2021
A Night to Remember?
tomsview20 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Jake Kleeman (Anton Yelchin) meets beautiful Mati Vargnier (Lucie Lucas) in a bar. Something clicks and they have an evening together full of self-revelation and breathtaking sex.
He is an intense guy and feels he has reached another level of connection with the sort of woman he could only dream about; he wants the magic to continue. She is more pragmatic. For her, the cold light of morning has dissipated some of the magic. He has an aimless, uncommitted lifestyle, too much in his head. She on-the-other-hand has plenty of commitments. She is ready to say goodbye, but he doesn't read the signals. He outstays his welcome and his ardour becomes a problem. He makes a pest of himself.
It's finished; however the evening they had together lingers in both their memories.
This film caught the intensity that those unplanned liaisons can have. We start with snippets of the evening, then the morning after, and even 10 years later, before returning to a full reveal of the evening.
The story is seen from the point of view of Jake and then Mati, and finally both together. An interesting location adds colour, Porto, Portugal. Old streets and neon-lit strips create an unfamiliar setting.
Maybe I gained a little extra from the film because I did not know the stars. I had no preconceptions about their film personas; I just bought into their characters. Google filled the gap in my knowledge about Lucie Lucas. Anton Yelchin I had never noticed before, although I had seen movies he was in. It's a backhanded compliment really; he is an actor that cloaked himself in his roles including this one. I was shocked to learn of his death not long after the film was made. Sadly it gives a further dimension to his performance.
Of course we bring a lot of our own feelings to a film such as this; it could be the difference between whether it resonates or not. We learn some things as the film progresses, but that which is left to our imaginations helps make "Porto" even more intriguing.
He is an intense guy and feels he has reached another level of connection with the sort of woman he could only dream about; he wants the magic to continue. She is more pragmatic. For her, the cold light of morning has dissipated some of the magic. He has an aimless, uncommitted lifestyle, too much in his head. She on-the-other-hand has plenty of commitments. She is ready to say goodbye, but he doesn't read the signals. He outstays his welcome and his ardour becomes a problem. He makes a pest of himself.
It's finished; however the evening they had together lingers in both their memories.
This film caught the intensity that those unplanned liaisons can have. We start with snippets of the evening, then the morning after, and even 10 years later, before returning to a full reveal of the evening.
The story is seen from the point of view of Jake and then Mati, and finally both together. An interesting location adds colour, Porto, Portugal. Old streets and neon-lit strips create an unfamiliar setting.
Maybe I gained a little extra from the film because I did not know the stars. I had no preconceptions about their film personas; I just bought into their characters. Google filled the gap in my knowledge about Lucie Lucas. Anton Yelchin I had never noticed before, although I had seen movies he was in. It's a backhanded compliment really; he is an actor that cloaked himself in his roles including this one. I was shocked to learn of his death not long after the film was made. Sadly it gives a further dimension to his performance.
Of course we bring a lot of our own feelings to a film such as this; it could be the difference between whether it resonates or not. We learn some things as the film progresses, but that which is left to our imaginations helps make "Porto" even more intriguing.
Poopycaca
thepassenger-1000716 September 2018
At no point in your rambling incoherent movie were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought everyone is now dumber for having seen this, I award you no points and may god have mercy on your soul.
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