Tony (V) (2018) User Reviews

Impressive debut from an emerging director

[packer-steve · 8/10 · 2 April 2020]

It still boggles my mind how someone could direct a film they also star in, but Garcia does it here with confidence.

Tony is a sure handed outing - dripping with style and tone. Very much look forward to what comes next from this team!

Fantastic Debut

[lydiagkapp · 8/10 · 1 May 2020]

TONY is an exceptional first film from Director/Writer/Producer/Star Hugo Diego Garcia. He exhibits a command of storytelling that is challenging to deliver in any one field, let alone four on the same project.

TONY is also an ambitious film. Set in 1980s France, it follows the dark and violent temptations of gang culture. Garcia explores racism, classism, immigration, and belonging with a strong script and an excellent ensemble cast. A very solid debut from a clearly talented and dedicated filmmaker.

A new approach to genre film

[yannperrin · 10/10 · 20 March 2020]

Impressive !!!

You can feel all the conflict and violence in the mise en scene of Hugo Diego Garcia. Tony is a powerful, modern film that lays the foundations for a cinematic universe at the crossroads of many influences.

A vivid, indelible, emotive performance

[michaelschilf · 9/10 · 16 March 2020]

"Senseless violence is a prerogative of youth, which has much energy but little talent for the constructive." - Anthony Burgess

Burgess' quote seems fittingly applied by filmmaker Hugo Diego Garcia in his film "Tony," which follows a young Spaniard immigrant who joins a gang of thuggish racially persecuted immigrants in 1980's France.

There are times where the narrative of this period gangster film meanders, yet the acting, specifically Hugo Diego Garcia, who also plays the lead character Tony, makes up for any story flaws. Garcia's understated performance lingers, seeping through your veins like a slow intravenous drip. Through the smallest, most subtle reactions, Garcia plays a likable, empathetic rogue, delivering a complex character, struggling with layers of internal conflict, whose emotional frailty manifests in a paralytic moral split.

As a director, Hugo Diego Garcia has a visually arresting sensibility. Stylistically, "Tony" reminded me of Scorsese's "Mean Streets" and Kubrick's "A Clockwork Orange." Garcia's directorial debut is far from perfect, but there is no doubt that he delivers a vivid, indelible, emotive performance.

A terrific short film with a great ensemble cast

[s0v · 27 January 2020]

Came across this short and felt compelled to write about it, as I was very impressed with the authenticity and the performances of the cast. Considering the specifics of the period and style, this short succeeded where a lot of bigger production have failed. Incredible! A heart breaking story of violence being perpetuated. Hugo Diego Garcia is one to watch! Not only as a very talented performer but also as a filmmaker, being the writer/director of this painfully personal story. Can't wait to see more of him.

Hugo Diego Garcia Showcases Multiple Talents

[jordancolejacinto · 10/10 · 25 March 2020]

Tony is a near perfect utilization of the many talents of writer, director, and lead actor, Hugo Diego Garcia.

The genre film feels both nostalgic and fresh. Garcia's portrayal, based on his own father's grapple between school and the streets, is tough and heartfelt, tender and ferocious-and specific and conflicted all at once. The cinematography is thoughtful and profound. In fact, each detail, down to the costumes and blocking, work harmoniously in true mise-en-scène of a great auteur.

Hugo Diego Garcia showcases multiple talents, but he stands out most as an actor, commanding the screen with a smoldering face and athletic build. His willingness to open his heart and allow his soul to shine through however, is what makes him special, and an actor to watch.

The result of great choices

[biancatollen · 10/10 · 22 March 2020]

Tony is an effective and brillant movie. The 80s vibe is like a time machine and we are sucked into the story. The cast, the wardrobe, the locations, everything in this movie is mind blowing. I'm already excited for the new spectators who are going to discover this movie for the first time.

One of the coolest shorts I've seen

[normanchevalier · 10/10 · 15 March 2020]

Had the chance to watch this in BH in 2019 and was blown away by the level of this short. The director nailed the tone and we actually feel like we are in the 80s. The music, outstanding, helps creating this world and establish this particular time. Ensemble is great, the main character Tony kills it and although the arc is quite simple, it's anchored in truth and executed well. Stylized yet realistic, violent yet beautiful, Tony is at cool as it gets when it comes to shorts. Looking forward to see what's next...

A can't miss short

[keri-105-840130 · 10/10 · 24 March 2020]

This beautifully made film encapsulates a time and place brilliantly while poignantly capturing themes which currently resonate. It's hard to believe this is the debut film for lead actor / director Hugo Diego Garcia. With beauty, action, excellent performances by Garcia and a killer ensemble cast, and a throbbing score by MALO, we feel as if we're in the hands of a veteran here. Watch this film and remember it. Hugo Diego Garcia will be a household name.

Brilliant Film

[KymJackson · 10/10 · 22 March 2020]

Felt like oldschool Scorsese style - as visually interesting as it is story-wise. I loved the combination of European and American cinematic energies and structure - it made for a more beautiful version of a film that still had a plot that kept you wanting to know what would happen next. Loved it!

Impressive short film

[BillSchoenberg · 21 March 2020]

I got to see the short film Tony and was taken by this heart wrecking and beautiful drama.I was very impressed by Hugo Diego Garcia's craft as a director as well as an actor. He portrays a deeply complex and layered character with a rare and subtle authenticity, leading an impeccable ensemble cast of misfits. He mastered the tone of his story, giving it an incredibly original 80s style. I should also mention the perfect score which elevates this violent but brilliant piece of filmmaking.

Discovery, Intrigue, and Intimacy

[torres-72426 · 10/10 · 25 March 2020]

From the opening moment of the film, to the last frame, there is a sense of discovery , intrigue, and intimacy.

Just with a the simple zoom of the lens, Hugo takes the viewer into the world and mind of Tony. What he likes, aspires, and becomes.

In between discovery and realization there is a montage, a conformation in a school bathroom, and the moment for Tony to prove himself as a man. All of this is beautifully crafted by the work of the cinematographer, the great costumes, and the beat of Malo Garcia's score, and the greta performance of the cast.

Hugo Garcia is a promising new voice and a filmmaker that will inspire millions.

-AT

A New Scorsese in the woods

[JCFV7 · 10/10 · 27 March 2020]

Tony reveals a world we all need to reflect on. I could perceive the level of risk at every shot, the gangster flavor, a violent but heartfelt story magnificently captured by the cinematographer. Strong performances. Hugo's first piece is a master piece (master-mini-peace could it be called?) earning him a space in the narrow party of young, wild, talented filmmakers... welcome Hugo, you're one of a kind. A promising, flourishing career.

A visual story that leaves you wanting more

[bbootzin · 10/10 · 25 March 2020]

This film is a film that left me wanting more. But more than that, the visuals were stunning! Absolutely gorgeous!

The story was extremely well put together and I look forward to seeing more of Hugo Diego Garcias work.

Powerful.Professional.Give pause for thought.

[svetik-80724 · 10/10 · 22 March 2020]

Very high-quality work. Almost every scene is accompanied by very precisely selected music . Emotional and powerful movie that is 100% recommended !

Sweet and harsh

[zivkoacting · 9/10 · 5 April 2020]

Amazing work from Hugo Diego Garcia !

The beautiful picture and the wonderful original music depict the 80's in an incredible way. Everything is well brought to the screen from the cast (with amazing first roles : Hugo Diego Garcia, Lorenzo Bentivoglio and Pietro Mercieca) to the costume and places.

I really can't wait to see the next Hugo Garcia's movie.

A Refreshingly New Voice

[nick-87920 · 10/10 · 17 April 2020]

TONY is a powerful and provoking look into the real life of Hugo Diego Garcia's father. Garcia brings a fresh and new voice to the screen, striking a beautiful balance between his cinematic approach (and somewhat non-linear story telling) and honoring the integrity of Tony's story. The attention to every detail, including the authenticity of the 1980s score, brings life and energy to the screen, reeling you in and leaving you wanting more.

Emotive Master Piece

[coty-pala · 10/10 · 14 April 2020]

I was mesmerized by this short film, I hope they plan to do a feature out of it. The execution was splendid and the acting very moving, honest and raw. Also the story was appealing and very well written and directed. I particularly loved the vintage air in the style of the film mixed with the electro 80's music created an atmosphere that evoked a lot of emotions. I'm exited to see what's next from these creators, they have a lot to offer.

Honest

[rhyderthejohn · 9/10 · 21 November 2020]

Honest work, strong performances, interesting vibe.

Moving story, amazing music

[clara-n · 10/10 · 13 May 2020]

Child's pain is greatly pictured in Tony. Many scenes moved me so much, to see this boy unable to control his violence. Also, the photography is amazing. I definitely would like to live at this time in this place.

The all point of the movie is perfectly served by Malo Garcia astonishing score in Tony. I adored every second of it and I'm telling you he is one to remember when it comes to imagine wonderful original soundtracks.

Good job everybody !

Big Picture Vision

[mbarbamisc · 10/10 · 13 May 2020]

Hugo Diego Garcia displays an adept understanding of cinematic language in his short, Tony. From its first frame to its last, I was enthralled by the way Hugo was able to convey Tony's core themes of masculinity, brotherhood, and vengeance across its aesthetic and directorial choices. Simply put, the film is beautiful and is a strong testament to the nuance and vision Hugo has for his cinema. 10/10.