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Welcome to Mindset Movie Reviews. Let's review 20,000 species of bees from 2023.
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20,000 species of bees is a poignant and beautifully crafted drama that marks the debut of
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Spanish filmmaker Esteballas Urasola Solar Guren. The film takes us on a journey through the eyes
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of an eight-year-old child, Coco, played by the remarkable Sophia Otero.
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Set against the backdrop of a bask village, the story unfolds during a summer visit to Coco's
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grandmother's house, a place deeply connected to beekeeping. This setting serves as a metaphor
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for the film's exploration of identity and diversity. At its core, the film is a sensitive
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portrayal of a young transgender girl, Coco, who is navigating the complexities of her identity.
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The narrative is inspired by a real-life tragedy, adding a layer of authenticity and urgency
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to the story. Coco's journey is not just about self-discovery, but also about the reactions
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and adjustments of her family members, each of whom has their own struggles and perspectives.
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The film's strength lies in its naturalistic approach, capturing the human side of the
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transgender experience without resorting to melodrama or didacticism. Solar Guren's direction
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is both gentle and firm, allowing the story to unfold at a pace that reflects the real-life
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complexities of such situations. The film's title, 20,000 Species of Bees, suggests a celebration
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of diversity and the natural acceptance of differences. A theme that resonates throughout the narrative,
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Coco's mother Arne, played by Patricia Lopez Arnees, is portrayed as a loving but conflicted
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figure. She is supportive of Coco's choices, yet struggles with her own personal and professional
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challenges. The film also delves into the dynamics of three generations of women in the family,
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each with their own views and influences on Coco's journey. Arne's mother, Lita,
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played by Itzia Luzcano, represents a more traditional outlook, while Coco's great aunt,
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lords, played by Anna Gabarene, offers a more open-minded perspective. The film's cinematography
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by Gina Ferra Garcia captures the beauty of the Basque landscape and the intimate moments of
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the character's lives. The use of natural light and delicate framing enhances the film's realism
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and emotional depth. The performances, particularly by Otero, are outstanding, bringing authenticity
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and empathy to the story. While the film does explore subplots involving Anna's career and family
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tensions, these elements serve to enrich the narrative, providing context and depth to the
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character's motivations and struggles. However, the heart of the film remains Coco's journey,
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which is portrayed with sensitivity and insight. Twenty thousand species of bees is a film that
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challenges misconceptions about transgender children by presenting their experiences with honesty
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and compassion. It is a story about acceptance, understanding and the importance of listening to
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and respecting each individual's identity. The film's message is clear diversity is natural
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and should be embraced, much like the bees that inhabit the hills of the Basque village.
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This debut feature by Solagarin is a testament to the power of cinema to reflect and influence
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societal attitudes, making it a must-watch for those seeking a deeper understanding of the human
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experience. And that's my take on twenty thousand species of bees and I'm giving it four stars
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out of five stars. Thanks for listening. If you've liked this review, please like, subscribe,
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and I hope to see you all next time.