Boyd van Hoeij of '' The Hollywood Reporter '' gave the film a positive review , saying that " Ribeiro has impressively fleshed out the material into a full narrative , with not only added conflict and a convincing gallery of supporting characters but also an entirely new focus on the quest for independence of the blind lead . " Jay Weissber of the '' Variety '' remarked " Daniel Ribeiro 's gay coming-of-age debut has an undeniable appeal ... this is a gay story , done with tenderness and capturing the hesitancy of expressing affection when rejection can have ugly consequences . " Roger Walker-Dack writing for ''Queertiques.com '' , wrote " There is nothing at all extraordinary in the plot-lines of this wee movie , but somehow it has the most endearing quality that makes it so immensely enjoyable . There is a remarkable innocence to this group of young people who all seem never to have even been kissed , and even the inclusion of Leo 's taunting by the bullies in his class has no hint of any real hatred . There are some really nice touches of humor and tenderness , none more so than when Gabriel insists that Leo learns how to dance . What does make it all so compelling is the captivating performances of the three young lead actors , particularly Ghilherme Lobo who was so pitch perfect as the blind boy . " The film also received generally positive reviews from the Brazilian press . Raisa Rossi of '' Almanaque Virtual '' gave the film a positive review , saying " Hard not to be moved by such a light and true story , which nullifies any kind of prejudice . The compelling interpretations , especially Ghilherme Lobo as a blind kid , nice and smooth picture soundtrack and right round the merits of the film . " On the Brazilian site '' Cineclick '' , reviewer Roberto Guerra cited the film as " Flawless and sensitive under various aspects ... . Few films , national or international , treat sexual manifestation of a teenager with much refining and subtlety is in the whole and not only in the construction of the dramatic character arc . Soundtrack , cinematography , editing and supporting cast work in subtle harmony , but always vibrant . " Upon its premiere at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival , '' The Way He Looks '' won the FIPRESCI Prize for best feature film in the Panorama section and the Teddy Award for best LGBT-themed feature . It also won the 2nd place award in the Panorama section
64th Berlin International Film Festival
64th Berlin International Film Festival
The Way He Looks