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Reviews
Voces inocentes (2004)
Amazing.
Innocent Voices is based on the true story of a young boy growing up in war torn El Salvador. Chava, and his family, know that once he turns 12 the Salvadorian army will come and take him away to become a child soldier. Since his father left, Chava is the 'man of the house' and helps to bring in income to support his mother and two younger siblings. He keeps his siblings safe from the bullets coming through the wall of their house during the gun fights between the guerrillas and the army. The cinematography in this film is fabulous and the casting was perfect. Sometimes the amount of violence seems almost exaggerated and it is a harrowing thought to think that children went, and are going, through this. This was an amazing, touching movie.
Johnny 100 Pesos (1993)
Hmm...
Based on a true story, this movie shows the story of Johnny, a Chilean high school student involved in the robbery of a small illegal bank being fronted by a video store. Johnny and the other men involved take the people in the store hostage and negotiate with the police for hours over their escape. The entire spectacle is broadcast over live TV with interviews with Johnny's ex-girlfriend and mother. This film gives an interesting take on the media's role and influence in high profile situations and shows the negative aspects of the media. This movie was strange at best, the cinematography was mediocre and the acting was stilted.
Un oso rojo (2002)
Adrian Caetano delivers!
In this movie the main character, Oso, has just gotten out of prison and his family has moved on without him. He tries to reinsert himself into his young daughter's life despite his wife's opposition. Time and time again, however, he reverts to his lifestyle of crime in an effort to support his family and his wife's boyfriend's gambling addiction and to gain the trust of his former boss so he can get his pay check from the robbery that landed him in jail. The viewer is never truly convinced by Oso's reformed convict act but it is obvious that his love for his wife and daughter drive him to do things to make their life easier. Despite this, the acting and cinematography are great and it is a movie worth watching.
Central do Brasil (1998)
a feel good movie
In a crowded Brazilian train station, Dora, a retired school teacher, writes letters for the illiterate. She conveys their anger, frustration and longing and is paid in exchange for sending their letters – except she never sends them. She is a hardened, conniving, con artist exploiting the poor uneducated Brazilians that pass through the busy Central station. On a particularly busy day she meets Josué and his mother Ana. After a freak accident Dora becomes responsible for Josué and they trek across Brazil in search of Josué's father. Central Station is a heart warming film with a lot of depth that isn't evident the first time you watch it. There is a lot of religious symbolism that could act as a subplot throughout the second half of the film. This is a movie that can be enjoyed whether you see both story lines or only one. The acting is superb and it is a movie that I would recommend to anyone.
El Norte (1983)
Touching and powerful
This movie is a touching story of a brother and sister trying to escape oppression in their native Guatemala and escape to 'El Norte' after the rest of their family has been taken by the army. We experience their hardships with them and see their fears and are constantly rooting for them to cross the border safely and hoping that they will find their place in the United States. They quickly realize that in 'El Norte' not everyone has a car and tons of money like their father had said. They bounce from city to city looking for work and avoiding deportation and realize that there is no place for them – not in Guatemala, Mexico or the United states. There is a lot of magical realism in the movie (which I'm not a fan of) and the ending is ambiguous but it is a great film that the viewer gets involved in emotionally.
Bolivia (1999)
Slow but it has a lot of depth
This movie seemed slow and unimpressive at the beginning. As the movie progressed, however, its true depth was evident. It is a true representation of the life of an immigrant in a foreign community filled with prejudice, but it is not the stereotypical coming to America story. Freddy, an illegal immigrant in Argentina, struggling to support his family back in Bolivia slowly, and almost silently, wins the hearts of the audience and the story shines through despite the strange camera angles and the footage being in black and white. The majority of the film takes place around the bar in the small corner café and the prejudice is evident in almost every interaction, be it in the soccer game on TV or in the face to face encounters that happen across the bar. In the final scene, after Freddy's death, the bar owner simply replaces his 'help wanted' sign, showing that to him Freddy was nothing more than a means to an end and is easily replaced.
21 Grams (2003)
Good, but not the best Inarritu has to offer
21 grams is a heavy film with a deeply interconnected plot, even more so than Amores Perros. At times it was hard to follow the fragmented storyline with all of the jumps forward and backward in time and the ending was expected but unsatisfying. It is an intense film with many unexpected twists and turns; there was also a lot of violence and nudity, some of which could have been omitted without detracting from the film. The name 21 Grams seemed to be unrelated to the film even after its meaning was explained but that had no bearing on the actual movie. 21 grams was good but I preferred Biutiful and Amorres Perros over this movie by far.
Bella (2006)
This is a must see!
This movie is amazing! One of my all time favourites! It is a truly heart- warming film with lovable characters that the audience can relate to. There are moments of humour and of sadness and the soundtrack supplements each scene perfectly. Nina, an unmarried waitress, finds out that she is pregnant and the father never enters into the picture (both literally and figuratively). She has no idea what to do with a baby and weighs her options. Jose, the chef at the restaurant, runs after her when she is fired and becomes her support system, her shoulder to cry on. Jose has his own secrets which he slowly reveals to Nina, and the audience, as the film progresses. It is a movie for any audience and one that I would recommend to anyone.
La teta asustada (2009)
Definitely an original movie
This movie had a truly original plot that at times felt a little unbelievable. The characters themselves were believable and an interesting twist was that half of the movie was in a local dialect rather than Spanish. The protagonist, Fausta, believes that she is condemned to a life of fear because her mother was raped while she was pregnant with her. This fear was transferred to her from her mother's 'teta asustada' according to Peruvian superstition. Some parts of the movie, like her mother's burial, are drawn out for longer than they should and do not add to the storyline. The songs that Fausta sings are a nice addition to the soundtrack and add an interesting subplot. It is a movie that I am glad that I watched but I don't think I'll watch it again.
Biutiful (2010)
'Biutiful' movie
Biutiful was truly beautiful. Javier Bardem's character, Uxbal, is portrayed as an upstanding citizen and a caring father doing the best for his two young children despite the fact that he is supporting the hiring of illegal immigrants. The film has fabulous cinematography and the timing of the scene changes is impeccable. I loved how the film started at the end and then ended with the same scene shown from a different angle. The movie draws you in and you can almost feel when he is going to see the ghosts. This movie is complex, dark and heavy but there is still a flicker of hope throughout the film. I think this is my favourite movie by Inarritu.
Amores perros (2000)
great film...not for all audiences but definitely one to watch
Amazing movie!! Filled with vivid colours and surprising action, this film keeps you interested from start to finish. The combination and overlap of 3 different stories keeps the audience involved but it isn't apparent until nearly the end of the film how closely each storyline is related. There is a lot of blood and violence but it heightens the tension and draws the audience into the plot. The casting of each character is perfect and the acting is superb and Inarritu's representation of infidelity and love throughout the film is well thought out and authentic. Emilio Echevarria is perfect as El Chivo and Gael Garcia Bernal gives another amazing performance just as he did in Motorcycle Diaries.
El secreto de sus ojos (2009)
10 out of 10!
This movie was phenomenal. There were so many unexpected twists and turns and I loved the way that the title of the movie was tied into both story lines – the life of the main character Esposito and that of the case he had been investigating. The characters are well developed and believable and the actors portray them perfectly. This film is one that carries a lot of weight and feeling and the ending is both fitting and disturbing. It makes you question how you feel about justice and punishment and whether you agree with the sentence. The movie is filled with suspense and draws the audience into every twist and turn and despite the complexity you are never lost in the story. Definitely one to watch!
Cidade de Deus (2002)
Fabulous
Fabulous movie! Probably one of the best I've ever seen. It is a whirlwind tour of the City of God and the back streets and alleyways of Rio de Janeiro. Salles creates characters that draw the audience in and a plot that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat throughout the entire film. The main character, Buscapé, carries the story through all of the little storyline changes and different perspectives. The movie is very true to life and that makes it approachable for the audience and you feel as if you are part of the movie – feeling what the characters feel and feeling anger, sorrow and sympathy on their behalf. This is definitely a film that I would recommend to anyone.
Alamar (2009)
A lot of potential but disappointing
The plot had a lot of potential but the movie was difficult to watch. There was very little dialogue and a lot of repetitive scenes. The movie seemed to be an "a day in the life" sort of storyline with no real climax or conflict. The scenery was beautiful and I think that some simple melodies in the background would have done a lot to enhance the film. The relationship developed between father and son was admirable but lacked real substance. Overall this movie fell flat despite all of its potential and the beautiful scenery and wonderful scenes of father and son bonding over fishing. This movie is one that I would not watch again.
El abrazo partido (2004)
Applicable to every audience
Abrazo Partido (Lost Embrace) is a beautiful portrayal of the inner workings of a community of minorities in Buenos Aires. Each has a specific store in the galería and the audience watches as the story of each person is played out before the eyes of Ariel Makaroff, the protagonist. Ariel is struggling with the absence of his father and is seeking to fill that void with his Polish heritage and hopes of a fortune-filled future in Europe. The filming style is unique; with many scenes being seen over the shoulder of a character but the story is well presented. The director, Daniel Burman, captures the Makaroff family and how their stories intertwine with those of the other people working in the galleria. It is a heart-warming story that is applicable in some way to every audience. The authenticity of the characters and the reality of the situations they each encounter adds to the universality of the plot.
Sin nombre (2009)
Definitely one not to miss
Sin Nombre is a movie that is both captivating and heart wrenching. It shows the palpable fear that gangs hold over the barrios of Central America and one man's journey from the heart of the gang into exile. The plot is believable and the acting makes a powerful impression on the audience. Once Willy and Sayra meet and become friends and decide to help each other, the now exposed ex-gang member softens in front your eyes and though you expect the worst outcome you hope for the best. I wanted things to work out for both of them and thought that Willy removing his teardrop tattoo would foreshadow his safe escape. The movie is solemn and disturbing but amazing at the same time. One cannot love this movie.
La misma luna (2007)
Heart warming
This is a heart warming movie about the love between mother and son and the determination that one little boy has to find his mother no matter the cost. At times it was a little difficult to believe the things that Carlitos could do on his own at 9 years old, travelling from his little Mexican pueblo, illegally crossing the border and then onto LA, but it does not detract from the movie at all. You slowly fall in love with the little boy that wants nothing more than to be with his mother and feel worried for him at every step of the journey. The acting is fabulous, especially young Adrián Alonso.There are moments of humour, frustration and suspense and they meld to create a wonderful movie that I would watch over and over again.
3 Américas (2007)
Difficult to watch at first but worth it.
After the death of her aunt, young America is sent to Argentina to live with her bitter and controlling grandmother. It is a difficult transition for the trouble teen that has a history of bad-tempered outbursts and shoplifting. She does not respect her grandmother and refuses to obey her. The plot at the beginning progresses very slowly and the acting by the characters in the scenes in the US leaves something to be desired. Once America arrives in Argentina her transition from rebel to young lady takes place extremely slowly and one wonders if it will ever take place. Though her grandmother seems strict at first, the audience quickly takes her side and feels sorry for all of the difficulties she has to go through because of her granddaughter and her stroke. The music in the movie was perfectly suited to the scenes. At first I was disinterested in the movie and wondered if it would be worth finishing but once America begins her journey to becoming mature the movie is really worth watching.
Diarios de motocicleta (2004)
Beautiful movie - one to watch over and over again.
Motorcycle Diaries was a pleasure to watch. Salles presents the infamous Che as a young medical student, the lovable Fuser. He incorporates humour and the politics behind who Ernesto Guevara was and would become effortlessly into the film. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the mountains of South America the movie is deeply moving and presents Guevara in a way that no one would dream to think of him – honest, caring and deeply thoughtful about the worth of others and the way things should be. I found myself wanting to step into the film and help when Fuser was suffering from asthma attacks, deeply moved by his acts of kindness and rooting for him as he crossed the river. Salles draws the viewer into the film by allowing them access to his thoughts through the running narrative from his diaries and the live 'photos' of his memories. It was an amazing movie, one that I would watch over and over again!
Che: Part One (2008)
Missed the mark...doubt I'll watch Part Two
This movie follows the beginning of the relationship between Ernesto "Che" Guevara and Fidel Castro as they head to Cuba to begin the revolution. Finding the history of this relationship fascinating, I had very high hopes for the film. Unfortunately it did not meet my expectations. Though I felt that the movie was accurate historically the presentation was lacking. The acting in Soderbergh's Che: The Argentine (Part One) is stilted at best and often feels very forced, especially whenever Che has one of his many (very many) asthma attacks. The movie progressed extremely slowly and the majority of it was spent trekking through the bush or slogging through marshes. The Argentine is difficult to watch and boring. The scenes of Che's time in New York meeting the social elite and doing interviews were very well done and filming in black and white was a nice aesthetic touch. These scenes were interspersed with asthma attacks, long waits in the underbrush and trudging through mud and rain and this made it hard to keep up with what was happening in both 'worlds'.
La historia oficial (1985)
Una película emotiva y poderosa
Alicia, quien enseña la historia en una escuela secundaria en Argentina, vive una vida protegida. Ella dice a sus estudiantes que si alguien comprende la historia, puede comprender el mundo. La historia, en sus palabras, es la memoria de los pueblos y ningún pueblo puede funcionar sin memoria. Ella hace malabarismos para compatibilizar las responsabilidades del trabajo con las del cuidado de su hija adoptada Gaby. Al principio ella no pone en duda el origen de Gaby, quien entra a la vida de Alicia y su marido, Roberto, en una manera sospechosa durante la "Guerra Sucia." El regreso de una amiga exiliada, y el cuento de su tortura y suplicio – y la de las mujeres en cautiverio al mismo tiempo como ella – cambia todo. Ella empieza a dudar de su esposo, hacerle preguntas y busca en los archivos municipales por evidencia sobre su hija y la madre de ella. A lo largo de la película, por los esfuerzos involuntarios de sus estudiantes, Ana y las que desfilan por los desaparecidos, Alicia transforma de la profesora que enseñó la propaganda militar a alguien que puede ver la verdad. Por primera vez, puede ver las acciones de su marido y sus simpatías con la milicia. Ella aprende la historia oficial verdadera, la memoria real de los pueblos (que es algo distinto que ella enseña a sus estudiantes). Esta película nos recuerda de la importancia de la verdad y muestra los efectos si nosotros la olvidamos. Es una película que es muy lenta al comienzo pero tiene una trama encantadora y a veces inesperada. Me gustó mucho.
Bolivar soy yo (2002)
An interesting film but one that will truly be enjoyed
Though the plot was often hard to follow the movie was funny and enjoyable to watch. Following Santiago through his "self-discovery" as Simón Bolívar is both saddening and uplifting as the plot unfolds. The fact that the Bolivar soy yo is filmed from the perspective of a movie about a soap opera adds an interesting twist. The plot often borders on ridiculousness and any important theme that may have been intended is lost in the shadows of the storyline. One leaves the movie having completely enjoyed themselves but feeling slightly confused as to what actually happened. I would recommend this movie to anyone, even if they did not speak Spanish.
Salvador Allende (2004)
Los momentos interesantes están perdidos en los detalles insignificantes
Con los fragmentos del metraje de los años setenta y varias entrevistas que son el telón de fondo para la narración, Guzmán recalca la realidad que, para los chilenos, la memoria no existe. Allende esta glorificado en los ojos de Guzmán y por eso el documental es muy subjetivo. A pesar de la subjetividad Guzmán presenta los eventos de los años setenta para Allende y la gente que conoció. Él representa la actitud de ambos lados del golpe – los por Allende y el embajador de los Estados Unidos, con claridad y fluidez. El documental continúa lentamente por varias horas y los momentos interesantes están perdidos en los detalles insignificantes.
Tony Manero (2008)
Disturbing.
Tony Manero is a disturbing portrayal of humanity at its worst in trying times. During the dictatorship of Pinochet in the 70's, the movie portrays the suffering of the people and their efforts to continue life as normal. In contrast, the protagonist, Raúl, thinks of no one but himself and has no qualms about lashing out against those around him, seemingly with no consequences. The one thing he wants is to be Tony Manero and he is willing to do anything to obtain that goal, that lifestyle. The way that the plot plays out is often unexpected and the protagonist rarely speaks which builds up great anticipation. Raúl's attitude toward those who depend on him leaves much to be desired and he often betrays or abandons those who need and trust him most. The movie is violently unsettling and explicitly sexual; it leaves the viewer disturbed, almost traumatized. The events that take place in the film stay with the viewer – and that may not necessarily be a welcome thought.
Machuca (2004)
Película fantástica!
Machuca es más que un cuento de amigotes. Wood representa la historia de Chile en las vidas de los niños, cómo la tensión política en los años setenta los afectó. Por ejemplo, la vida en el colegio refleja la realidad afuera de sus paredes y las experiencias de Gonzalo son paralelas a la evolución de la actitud del gobierno, y de la clase alta, a los pobres. Esa evolución define y destruye su amistad con Pedro y Silvana. Es un filme con actuación sincera y personajes que afectar a la audiencia. El espectador puede sufrir y celebrar con Machuca y Gonzalo. Machuca es una película conmovedora y va a cambiar el espectador. La recomiendo.