FeistyUpper If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

TrueHello Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

Robert Joyner The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Lucia Ayala It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

akash_sebastian 'Gloria' is a simple, charming and thought-provoking movie. Going through the last stage of life without a partner, to share it with, can be a really tedious and sad journey. This is the story of the daily life of a divorced mother-of-two, whose children are already settled in their life. She visits clubs, house gatherings, etc., all in the search of a decent and suitable man with whom she can spend the rest of her life with. Not only is it a tiring thing to do at that point of your life, but because of the person's maturity and experience in life, the person won't settle for someone random just for the sake of it.The movie might seem quite simple to many, and it is, in many ways. But the subtle way in which the humour, joy, and sadness are shown keeps you intrigued till the end, and makes you wish that you or anyone you love doesn't have to go through such a phase.It's Paulina García's acting as titular character that holds the movie together' Gloria's intelligence, perseverance and dignity shine through radiantly through Miss Garcia.

l_rawjalaurence The plot of Sebastian Lelio's film is straightforward: Gloria, a middle-aged divorcée (Paulina Garcia), visits a singles club, falls in love with Rodolfo (Sergio Hernandez), and then discovers the truth about him. After having been stood up twice, she takes her revenge on him and resolves to stand up to the world on her own. What makes GLORIA such a memorable experience is the way it is shot: there are very few external sequences, suggesting that the characters are somehow prisoners of their natures. Gloria's apartment appears particularly claustrophobic, the walls hemming her in both physically and emotionally. Lelio's shooting-style reinforces the sense of imprisonment; through a series of tight close-ups on Gloria's side profile we get the feeling that she cannot escape her destiny. Although fond of her children Pedro (Diego Fontecila) and Ana (Fabiola Zamora), she understands that she has little no influence in their lives anymore; with no family of her own, she does not have much to look forward to other than a life of emotional imprisonment. Nonetheless the film ends on a note of qualified optimism; after having wrought a satisfying revenge on the spineless Rodolfo, Gloria goes on her own to a party, and sees a peacock spreading its plumage. This is an important symbol, suggesting pride in one's appearance: Gloria stares as it and returns to the dance-hall, where she refuses yet another offer from a male consort to dance, and strikes out on her own. The film ends with the song "Gloria" on the soundtrack, and an extended shot of her gyrating to the music, while spreading her arms peacock-style. Although the daily grind of life might not have changed for her, she feels more confident in herself to take pride in what she has. This is her passport to escape from the mental prison which hitherto has inhibited her. With no music on the soundtrack, save for the sounds in the discos, singles clubs and hotels, Lelio's film is an intense experience, refusing to allow the audience the release of sentimentality. Garcia's performance in the central role is little short of wondrous; it must have been difficult to sustain that level of intensity, especially with the camera so relentlessly focused on her profile. All in all, a memorable cinematic experience.

connie_huante I saw this film on a fluke last night and found it surprisingly enjoyable. I thought Paulina Garcia was excellent in her portrayal of the middle- aged, divorced "Gloria" attempting to find herself now that her kids are grown and have lives of their own. Her "romantic" encounter is pretty heartbreaking and realistically portrayed. I thought the film was a great character analysis of the challenges that the new "golden aged" generation in many Western countries deal with; a bit of isolation (as kids grow and start their own families), conflicting loyalties to lovers versus family (for those that are divorced), commitment to work, finding how to fit in as older adults, in a youthful and rapidly changing society.

Larry Silverstein After reading many glowing reviews of this film, I had quite high expectations. In truth, I was ready to toss those high hopes out the window, as the film seemed to be more and more difficult to watch as an exercise in sadness. However, after thinking about it and being blown away by the last 20 minutes of the movie, I came down on the side that it was an inspiring and powerful experience.Paulina Garcia, as Gloria, is magnificent and mesmerizing here as an attractive but terribly lonely middle-aged Chilean woman, who frequents some of the local dance clubs. It's here that one night she meets Rodolfo, who is very strongly portrayed by Sergio Hernandez. They're immediately attracted to each other and quickly begin a relationship.Unfortunately, Rodolfo turns out to be a rather despicable character, who's more interested in being completely enmeshed and co-dependent with his ex-wife and their two daughters, than in developing an adult relationship with Gloria. Even though Gloria sees the "handwriting on the wall" she has to decide whether she will succumb to this hurtful environment or return to her lonely existence.I thought this movie, directed and co-written ( with Gonzalo Maza) by Chilean filmmaker Sebastian Lelio, lost its' way at times and became difficult to watch. Also, I thought the explicit sex scenes and graphic nudity seemed to be more often done for effect than anything else.However, Garcia's incredible performance proved to be the key for me here, as her portrayal of Gloria gave me a strong feeling of her bravery and this movie has been one I've thought about well after it was over.