The Real Reason ‘Emilia Perez’ Isn’t Oscar Worthy

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Yes, “Emilia Pérez” doesn’t deserve as many Oscar nominations as it scored last month.

thirteen? To compare it with timeless masterpieces such as “The Godfather” (11), “Citizen Kane” (9), and “Raging Bull” (8) is almost disrespectful.

The controversy surrounding “Emilia Pérez” escalated further as a journalist rediscovered and shared Karla Sofia Gascón’s past tweets, reminding us of the cancel culture phenomena from not too distant past.

The real issue is the movie itself.

Few movies exhibit such questionable ethical guidance as “Emilia Pérez.” This stands out, considering the film industry’s affinity for complex characters like antiheroes and assassins. Modern Hollywood struggles to portray a character as morally upright as Superman.

(Let’s hope James Gunn reverses that trend with July’s “Superman” reboot)

The movie ‘Emilia Pérez’ is a soap opera on steroids, and this isn’t always a negative thing. This intriguing production revolves around a ruthless drug lord named Gascón, who masterfully orchestrates his own demise and undergoes a transformation into a woman.

Voila, Emilia Pérez is born.

Story Spoilers Ahead:

Emilia isn’t cold-hearted or ruthless like a stone killer. Instead, she’s affectionate and caring towards her kids, much like the gentle caregiver in the movie “Mrs. Doubtfire” but on a lighter scale.

They’re not wrong.

Besides being willing to assist, she’s equally keen on aiding her relatives discover the outcome regarding their missing kin in Mexico, particularly those who lost their lives under the notorious Emilia’s cartel. It is suspected that Emilia and her former associates have knowledge about the locations where these innocent victims were buried.

Literally.

From a passionate filmgoer’s perspective, while I appreciate the valiant attempt, I find it hard to extend universal praise. The narrative portrays Emilia as a hero for her activism, yet her questionable past casts a shadow that no amount of activism can completely erase. Interestingly, Emilia seems to lack remorse for the tragedies she indirectly caused.

A more effective strategy could involve compelling cartels to reform their harmful behaviors. It’s possible that “Emilia Pérez 2” could tackle this issue.

RELATED: ‘EMILIA PEREZ’ DIDN’T GET AN OSCAR BOUNCE

It’s been shared that Emilia has transformed into a compassionate individual, deserving of our empathy. Her previous troubling traits associated with traditional masculinity have been effectively addressed and improved upon.

Just. Like. That.

Heck, the past is the past, and she’s literally a new person now.

I’m sorry, but we find ourselves unconvinced. The film’s endeavor to restore the protagonist’s reputation is disappointingly inadequate. Furthermore, it becomes apparent in the final act that her transformation isn’t as profound as suggested earlier on.

1. She stubbornly holds onto the funds she earned from her criminal background.

2. She looks down upon Selena Gomez, the mother of her children, for having the audacity to relocate their family to a new residence.

3. She persistently maintains dominance over Rita Mora Castro (Zoe Saldaña), the attorney who initiated Emilia’s transformation.

In a somewhat different phrasing: The characters Rita and Emilia were intended to convey empowering themes within the movie, yet neither fully embodies this empowerment. One might wonder why Rita remains so devoted to Emilia, could it be due to financial reasons? But if that’s the case, why doesn’t she seem content?

The film’s final moments all but deify Emilia, a stunning choice given the film’s events.

Narrators are free to choose their own ethical course. After all, they’re creators, and occasionally, they invite us to empathize with characters who should be serving time behind bars instead of living freely.

Think Tony Soprano.

Even with its criminal undertones, ‘The Sopranos’ retained a sense of moral direction, exploring the complex shades of morality within the mob world. It portrayed that wealth, pleasure, and recognition could not heal a gangster’s troubled spirit.

Some might argue that Emilia Pérez’s critics were overly critical. The movie showcases commendable creativity and should be acknowledged as such. It weaves an extravagant storyline about a transgender criminal attempting to balance her NGO work, romantic entanglements, and family responsibilities.

It’s the opposite of cookie-cutter storytelling. That’s refreshing.

Characters burst into melodies in various styles, ranging from elaborate musical sequences reminiscent of traditional Broadway shows to more conversational singing similar to “Joker: Folie à Deux” and the style used in Woody Allen’s 1996 film “Everyone Says I Love You.

Your results may vary.

Critics on social media found the movie’s transgender surgery scene questionable, but its rhythmic, trance-inducing vocals captivated many viewers.

OR

Social media users criticized the film’s portrayal of transgender surgery, yet its compelling, hypnotic singing style drew in audiences.

You don’t often encounter this innovative flair in today’s creations, but this movie certainly stands out as unique, so let’s give it a round of appreciation!

No wonder Netflix gobbled it up.

The movie’s questionable moral aspects aren’t addressed by this explanation, and it’s irrelevant whether or not the main character is transgender.

The Oscars are designed to honor the finest and most brilliant movies. However, “Emilia Pérez” only just meets the criteria. For those who still appreciate it, the movie’s problematic essence disqualifies it from receiving the prestigious statuette.

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2025-02-03 06:03