CODA
Directed by Siân HederAs a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), Ruby is the only hearing person in her deaf family. When the family's fishing business is threatened, Ruby finds herself torn between pursuing her love of music and her fear of abandoning her parents.
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Cast of CODA
CODA Ratings & Reviews
- Manuel FrangisMarch 20, 2025I just watched CODA and it is an easy 5 out of 5 stars. I am so glad my ASL class got me to watch it because it was incredible. This movie completely changed the way I see the world of Children of Deaf Adults and gave me a new appreciation for the Deaf community and their experiences. The story follows Ruby a hearing teenager who is the only hearing member of her Deaf family. She is caught between helping her parents and brother with their fishing business and chasing her own dreams of music. That setup alone makes for a unique and powerful story but the way this movie tells it is what makes it truly special. Emilia Jones delivers an amazing performance as Ruby. She brings so much depth and emotion to the role making every moment feel real. You completely believe in her struggles her dreams and the love she has for her family. Her character’s journey is one of the most heartfelt and inspiring I have seen in a long time. The standout performances do not stop there. Troy Kotsur as Ruby’s father is absolutely incredible. Every scene he is in is filled with so much heart and humor. He brings such a natural and authentic presence to the movie making his character unforgettable. Marlee Matlin as Ruby’s mother and Daniel Durant as her brother are just as fantastic. Their performances feel completely real and the chemistry between the family is what makes this movie so emotionally powerful. One of the best things about CODA is how it does not portray Deafness as a limitation. It shows the beauty of Deaf culture the strength of the community and the deep love within this family. The use of American Sign Language throughout the film makes it feel even more authentic. The way the movie lets ASL speak for itself instead of relying on constant subtitles or spoken words is what makes it so special. The direction and cinematography are beautifully done. The way the film captures the small town fishing life the quiet intimate family moments and the big emotional scenes is just perfect. Nothing feels overdone or exaggerated. Everything is grounded and real which makes the emotional moments hit even harder. The music in CODA is also a huge part of what makes it so moving. Music is what separates Ruby from her family but it is also what brings them together in the most unexpected ways. The way the film balances the importance of sound and silence is something I have never seen done so well in any other movie. It makes you truly appreciate what it means to listen in different ways. The pacing is perfect. The movie never feels slow or rushed. Every scene serves a purpose whether it is a heartfelt family moment a funny interaction or a major emotional turning point. It keeps you invested from start to finish. This is the kind of movie that sticks with you long after you watch it. It is emotional inspiring and full of moments that make you laugh cry and appreciate the world in a new way. It is a rare film that tells a story that feels fresh and important without ever feeling forced or overly dramatic. I am so glad my ASL class got me to watch this because it was one of the most incredible movies I have ever seen. It opened my eyes to the experiences of Children of Deaf Adults and made me appreciate ASL and Deaf culture in a way I never had before. CODA is a movie I will never forget and one I will recommend to everyone.
- S JohnsonFebruary 19, 2025Hits hard but leaves you feeling good.
- Eric BakkeOctober 12, 2024CODA is truly one of the all-time great tearjerkers, delivering an emotional experience that resonates deeply.
