nicolas-prandi Reviews

The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)

the many facets of a great movie

[9/10 · 25 May 2011]

Benjamin Esposito is a legal counselor who, together with his assistant Sandoval and his superior Irene Menéndez-Hasting, works hard to investigate the murder of a young lady. The investigation becomes complicated when a Romano, a rival legal counselor, works against them. Jose Luis Campanella does a tremendous job of intertwining a love story between the two main characters, together with a crime thriller. As a means of telling the story, the director switches from past to present and present to past, each time revealing a new aspect of each storyline. Throughout the movie it is easy to focus on the crime thriller storyline and think that it is the only thing going on. However, through subtle looks in the eyes of the main characters we are able to see that there is love brewing up in them and that this will become a main theme in no time. The film is filled with cinematographic beauty and technique and certainly proves itself to be one of the best movies ever made in the history of Argentina.

Avellaneda's Moon (2004)

Fighting for passion

[7/10 · 25 May 2011]

A group of people from a neighborhood come together in the midst of their many troubles in order to attempt saving a sports and social club which they have been a part of for most of their lives. Things get complicated as the economy takes a hit and people fight through their own struggles on the side. Juan Jose Campanella places us, the viewers, right in the middle of the many problems which exist in the lives of all the people who share the commonality of being on the board of the CLA. Each one of the characters is both emotionally torn due to family or relationship issues, and in big financial need. Although the club is a large part of the reason for so much financial instability, it also seems to serve as the fountain of energy and inspiration for all of the characters. The story demonstrates clearly how society has changed and how difficult it is to move past economical issues, even when it means throwing a lifelong tradition to the side. Furthermore, it does paint a beautiful picture of finding hope and passion in the memory of how things used to be and how they could be once again with some time investment and sacrifice.

Lost Embrace (2004)

a very clever and witty film

[7/10 · 24 May 2011]

Ariel Makaroff is a young Argentine man who has left the university and spends his time around his mother's lingerie shop in a mall. The whole time he bums around, his mind is set on getting a passport and moving to Poland, from where his family moved many years ago. The movie has a very simple and comedic plot line which involves Ariel and all the people he encounters in any given day. Throughout the movie, Daniel Burman makes it clear that running is a motif which is very present. We observe Ariel running in at least three separate scenes, each representing his discomfort with certain situations and his inability to cope with certain truths. Apart from this artistic touch, the director includes different cinematographic techniques involving the camera which make the production a lot more respectable. These techniques intertwine fabulously with the clever and witty story which he tells by way of the many different secondary characters which surround Ariel. The film also has several twists which are completely unexpected and which add much humor and spontaneity to the story, making it more enjoyable for the audience.

The Bottom of the Sea (2003)

Being the character

[7/10 · 24 May 2011]

Ezequiel is a young architecture student whose world begins to collapse when he finds out that there is another man in his girlfriend Ana's life. He does not know how to handle the situation very well and makes a series of bad decisions in retaliation. Damián Szifron creates a dramatic, suspenseful, and comedic film which develops very unexpectedly. From the very beginning of the film we follow Ezequiel, learning who he is and what he does. After his realization of the events which his girlfriend has taken part in, we begin to experience a side of Ezequiel which seems to be as new to us as it is to him. His actions at various times are very abrupt and without much thought, which make the audience wish they could stop him or at least advise him. This is a good sign that the director achieves capturing us in the story and causing us to feel what the main character feels, although there is nothing we could do about it. Although Ezequiel's rash actions give the public occasional scares, after the fact they become quite comical and ensure the viewer an enjoyable movie watching experience.

Cama adentro (2004)

Realizing the truth

[7/10 · 24 May 2011]

Beba is a wealthy divorced woman who is being gravely affected by the Argentine economy and therefore doesn't have enough money to even pay her maid. Dora, the maid, has been living with the family for thirty years and is torn between not wanting to leave Beba alone and needing a steady income. The pace of the movie is kind of slow as the plot is very simple and does not go beyond the regularities of the lives of the two main characters. However, the simplicity and regularity of the story is quite enjoyable as we are able to truly enter the lives of two very different women and identify the many differences between them. The director Jorge Gaggero shows us the way in which people's roles in a relationship can certainly change over time. Although Beba has been in charge of Dora for so long because of her economic status, when her status changes, Beba has nothing to hold over her and soon realizes how much she needs Dora. The movie explores economic class differences in Argentina through a very personal lens which in turn results in a very interesting and meaningful story.

3 Américas (2007)

Needing some work

[5/10 · 24 May 2011]

América is a young girl of Argentine descent who lives a life of mischief with her aunt and uncle in the United States. Her life drastically changes when her aunt dies and she is sent to live with her grandmother in Argentina, where she has a hard time getting accustomed to the new way of life. The story being told by the director is an interesting one with a lot of potential to impact viewers. However, the movie looses a lot of its value with the lack of good acting, rich dialogue, and an upbeat tempo. The main character becomes sort of exhausting to watch after a while because of the way she acts and how she talks to her friends and family. Moreover, the dialogues between América and her family seemed too simple and raw most times, giving off an uncomfortable feeling for the audience. Lastly, the development of various scenes seemed too slow at times, causing the audience to become bored. The very end however, came about extremely quickly, resolving the plot too abruptly.

The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

The noble character

[9/10 · 23 May 2011]

The Motorcycle Diaries tells the story of Ernesto Guevara as a young adult in Argentina, before becoming the revolutionary leader known as "Che". Both Ernesto and his friend Alberto decide to make a trip from Buenos Aires to the south of Argentina and then all the way up to Peru by way of Chile. The trip is full of ups and downs which reveal Ernesto's weaknesses and strengths, as well as how the person of "Che" is formed. The film succeeds at making Ernesto's image extremely admirable by focusing on his weaknesses, good intentions, and courageous nature. By having Ernesto and Alberto side by side the whole time, the director invites the comparison of the two, which certainly serves Guevara in highlighting his noble and just character. Salles also uses different cuts during scenes, as a way of showing Ernesto's long suffering during certain parts of the trip, as well as his tremendous sacrifice during others. The movie is extremely well done in all of its aspects and most definitely wins its audience over from the very beginning.

Kiltro (2006)

A new taste

[5/10 · 23 May 2011]

Kiltro is one of the extremely few Spanish movies having to do with the topic of martial arts. The approach taken by Ernesto Díaz Espinoza to produce such a peculiar movie was one of comedy brought about by fictitious exaggeration. The characters created by Espinoza are very corny and seem to have been taken right from other movies and dropped into present day Chilean society. Such characters as the dwarf and the faraway teacher give off the impression that Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi, from Star Wars, have stepped into the movie. Even though many situations were forced and fights were exaggerated in order to add more action and excitement to the film, one can find appreciation in the comedic aspect of it. South Americans can especially enjoy the different cultural aspects which can be seen amidst the fantasy of the story. For example, the drinking of "mate" when Zamir is being trained by Jose Soto in the desert, stood out to me as something which you would not expect in a martial arts movie unless it was in South America. Although not a very high caliber movie, Kiltro definitely can serve as an entertaining and admirable movie.

Burnt Money (2000)

Crazyness

[6/10 · 23 May 2011]

This film tells a story, based on true events from 1965, about three men who steal seven million dollars and then flee to Uruguay together with a fourth man who runs the show from a distance. The men end up having to hide out for a much longer period of time than they expected and therefore grow a bit desperate as they face different conflicts with themselves and each other. The story is very interesting and suspenseful throughout, with some instances of comedy which lighten the serious mood that develops at times. The dialogue between the three men is very irregular as it switches from intense anger to silly comedy and even passionate love within seconds, therefore keeping the audience very unsettled and confused at times. Whilst being interesting, the story many times might make one uncomfortable as it deals with various issues, such as homosexuality and sex, which are seen through a raw lens which is not commonly used in most movies. The main issue of the robbery seems to dilute as the movie goes on, and the focus switches to the men's sexual insecurities and desires. Although this was a bit too much for my viewing preference, such issues as shown in the film are present in the world today.

Ashes of Paradise (1997)

Mystery fills the story with suspense

[7/10 · 23 May 2011]

Three Argentine brothers fall into the hands of a female judge, each individually claiming to be guilty of the murder of a powerful man's daughter. Having these three men in custody, the body of the dead girl, and the news that the brothers' father, who is also a judge, was also killed, Judge Teller finds herself in trying to unravel the complex mystery. The mystery which is presented with great passion and chaos from the very start of the film, is slowly unraveled by showing the main characters' individual perspectives of the previous week or so, one at a time. By showing one piece of the puzzle at a time, Marcelo Piñeyro builds up much suspense and pushes the audience to try to guess what the missing pieces will be. The story demonstrates what could happen to extremely close-knit families, such as the three men and their father, when certain destructive circumstances or people make their way into their lives. Although certain family bonds may be bent and weakened through such circumstances, these bonds are by no means easily broken.

Valentin (I) (2002)

Simple yet delightful

[8/10 · 23 May 2011]

Valentín is a young boy living in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, with his grandmother in a very simple home. Throughout the movie we follow Valentín's life and go through all the struggles he goes through whilst being in the middle of a broken family whom he wishes could reunite and treat him right. The story is one of rich Argentine tradition and tremendous personality. What I mean to say is that the different aspects of life in Argentina during the 60s, when the story took place, are quite accurate and very well displayed. Moreover, being that Agresti was telling a story about his childhood, he was able to create a very personable story which speaks a large sum to the audience about a boy's day to day life back then. The character of Valentín that he created is an incredibly enjoyable one who uses verbiage which is normally used by adults and who thinks about things which no child should be thinking about. At the same time however, the child is wrapped up in the idea of being an astronaut, which shows he is very much still a child at heart. This wonderful story is told through a very simple plot and has no need for extravagant Hollywood techniques as its simplicity makes it so much more personable, clever, and enjoyable.

Nine Queens (2000)

Phenomenal!

[9/10 · 22 May 2011]

Nueve Reinas is a phenomenal movie having to do with two Argentinean men who earn their money by conning people in shops and on the streets. The two men stumble upon each other one day and decide to work together for the rest of the day. This day turns out to be the day in which they could make the most money they have ever brought in. Whilst dealing with the reality of the dangers that exist on the streets of Argentina, the director allows the audience to see a more comedic side of things by entangling the con-men in unexpected situations. Throughout the film we meet several incredibly entertaining characters who have extremely peculiar relationships and encounters with the two con-men. The acting of all the characters, together with the circumstances they find themselves in, are great aspects which make this movie thoroughly enjoyable. Furthermore, the director includes very amusing dialogue between characters as well as adding discrete lines and comments which make it cleverly comedic. All these aspects go without mentioning the different twists and turns which can only be revealed by watching the movie itself.

Che: Part Two (2008)

Part Two= Success

[8/10 · 22 May 2011]

Che: Part Two serves as a great follow-up to the first part of the series, although perhaps it stands at a slightly lower level compared to it. This does not mean that one must watch the first and not the second however. This one perhaps just becomes a bit repetitive after seeing Ernesto Guevara recruiting men and fighting in the jungle for several hours in both movies. Moreover, whilst the first movie kept showing Che in the United States giving speeches and interviews throughout the movie, this one did not do the same innovative thing. The film did hold its own however by providing a good storyline and suspenseful moments which make the historic aspect of the movie very interesting and engaging. Furthermore, the character of Ernesto Guevara was very well played by Benicio Del Toro, as he certainly reached the audience through all the struggles he overcame in the movie, including his battle against both sickness and opposition. Together, Part One and Part Two make up a fantastic series about the life of Ernesto Guevara during his guerrilla leader years.

Pizza, Beer, and Cigarettes (1998)

Some light in the darkness

[6/10 · 22 May 2011]

Pizza, Birra, Faso is a simple movie about a group of men who are broke and make their money by robbing people on the street. The two leaders of the group, Cordoba and Pablo, soon after the start of the film decide that they need to do bigger jobs with their crew in order to change their lifestyle. The movie as a whole gives off a dark vibe as it displays several situations of people being taken advantage of and suffering because of desperate people. Whilst Argentines can quite easily relate with the story and the events which take place, I believe a movie should try to take people away, at least for a short period of time, from that reality which is around them. The movie does however display a theme o hope to the audience through the actions of Cordoba as he looks out for his girlfriend and future baby. Not only this, but the character of Pablo also is a symbol of a caring and loving friend who will do all that is in his power to look out for his friend and his family.

Che: Part One (2008)

Che: Part One= Success!

[8/10 · 22 May 2011]

Che: Part One is a phenomenal movie about the revolutionary beginnings of the Argentine Ernesto Guevara in the island of Cuba. Steven Soderbergh does a fabulous job of directing this film in such a distinct and entertaining way, intertwining politics, war, and personal experiences. The movie goes from black and white scenes of Che being interviewed and attending United Nations meetings in the United States, to color scenes of Che with his revolutionary army in the jungles of Cuba, where they were fighting. The way these scenes are knitted together is truly remarkable and worthy of acknowledgement. Moreover, the movie is rich in its historical value as well as being easy to engage with through its telling of the personal story and experience of the main character, Ernesto Guevara. It is extremely hard to finish the movie without appreciating the character of Che and all the good qualities he displays throughout. Although I went into the movie with a preexisting position about the revolutionary, the film certainly caused me to be fond of him more and not judge him as I used to.

No te mueras sin decirme adónde vas (1995)

Argentine science fiction

[7/10 · 21 May 2011]

No te Mueras sin Decirme Adónde Vas is a very interesting movie which deals with a lot of science fiction which is not really seen much in Argentine movies, which are most usually very realistic in nature. The fact that there is a robot in the movie, invented by one of the main characters, is not far-reaching compared to the appearances of ghosts, or spirits, which we also see throughout. The use of the technology invented in the movie seems to be the way by which the two inventors find love. On the one hand, Leopoldo clearly falls in love with the lady which he consistently begins to see from the moment she appears in his dream recorder machine. This love goes so far as to improve Leopoldo's relationship with his own wife. A similar occurrence is also observed in the life of Leopoldo's friend, Oscar. After seeing the girl once loved in a dream recorded by the recently invented machine, Oscar ends up reuniting with her. The movie ends up bringing up questions of reincarnation and the ability to become a new man or woman at different stages in one's life.

Chronicle of an Escape (2006)

Good story about a bad time

[8/10 · 21 May 2011]

Cronica de una Fuga deals with true events in the history of Argentina during the "dirty war" of the seventies. These events having to do with the government, make up a very dark period in the country's history and do not offer much more than sad memories. The movie concentrates on the personal experience of Claudio, who was apprehended by agents and placed in a house together with many more kidnapped men. Caetano, through the use of different cinematographic techniques, makes it clear that the men are seen as inferior and are treated horribly. However, the movie provides the audience with much hope as Claudio strives to survive and does not give up whatever the circumstances may be around him. Moreover, team work which the prisoners develop as they are kept in the house, speaks strongly for the need of people to come together when times get tough. The movie overall is a good one as it concentrates on a positive aspect in the middle of such a negative situation. It is tough to make a movie about this dark time period and have it be an uplifting story in the end.

Red Bear (2002)

The main character's impact

[8/10 · 21 May 2011]

In Un Oso Rojo, Adrian Caetano creates a character who can be very destructive and can only be tamed down by his wife and daughter. Oso is a family man whose lifestyle drove him right to prison for a number of years. Upon his return to the outside world, he finds himself wanting revenge from a boss and a renewed relationship with his daughter Alicia. Although these desires are not precisely in line with each other, the director does a great job at capturing the character's two sides, the tender hearted dad and the killing machine. Caetano definitely reaches the hearts of the audience by creating the image of a tough man who has lived a life of mistakes but yet is able to redirect his future. The love for one's family is a major theme which comes about from this character, as it is the force which influences Oso the most when it comes to making the right choices for the right reasons.

En la ciudad sin límites (2002)

the mystery of the city with no limits

[7/10 · 21 May 2011]

En la Ciudad sin Limites certainly traps the audience in the mystery and suspense of the story. The film is about a family who is reunited in France when the news of their sick father comes to each of the brothers. As the sons and their mother talk about selling the family business, Victor, one of the sons, switches his attention to the needs of his father. Although everyone else believes that Max is delusional, Victor gives him the benefit of the doubt, which in time reveals some hidden secrets which none of the sons new about. The character of the father, Max, is a very interesting one which keeps the audience at the edge of their seats, wanting to know whether he is acting crazy or if he has a purpose in mind. While the story centers on Max and his son Victor, the director also includes side stories of affairs involving the brothers and their girlfriends or ex-wives. These side stories do not add much to the mystery at hand, but seem to only make the story a bit more complex.

Wild Horses (1995)

A worthwhile movie

[7/10 · 21 May 2011]

Caballos Salvajes is about an older looking man who steals a large sum of money from the bank and then goes on the run with a bank worker who decides to help him out. Although the relationship between both men was very hostile right from the start, throughout their trip to the south of Argentina both men begin to talk through their problems and grow close. During the trip the men realize that they are involved in something bigger than just a bank robbery and they are faced with different circumstances which they resolve together. The movie includes serious circumstances surrounding the main characters, but is also filled with comedy in the way in which they handle their business and in the dialogue. Towards the end of the movie we are faced with the revealing of some facts and the mood of the movie switches to a much more tender and loving one. Overall the movie is very comical and exciting, and the acting very much entertaining.

The Aura (2005)

A good movie with many aspects

[8/10 · 21 May 2011]

The Aura is a very interesting and engaging movie filled with mystery and suspense. The story is complex and well thought out, while at the same time containing characters that are peculiar and entertaining. The main character Esteban Espinosa for instance, is a serious man who suffers from epilepsy, therefore giving off the impression that he could pass out and freeze at any moment. The director of the film cleverly uses foreshadowing and irony in order to add some literary value to the production. By Esteban having thoughts of robbing a volt at the beginning of the film, the director establishes a foreshadowing of events to come. Moreover, the appearance of blood on a dog's snout also serves as a foreshadowing for future events involving blood. Finally, the use of irony is seen in the person of Esteban, who is against killing animals, but ends up killing a man instead.

Bolivia (1999)

Director's techniques

[7/10 · 21 May 2011]

Bolivia is a relatively short and simple movie which contains many cinematographic techniques which transmit different messages and themes to the audience. The plot of the film revolves around an immigrant from Bolivia who finds a job in Argentina as a cook at a restaurant-bar. The director uses several different camera shots as a means of revealing the main setting, in the restaurant, and providing insights on the new life of the newcomer. Moreover, through the use of high angles at certain points and the black and white coloring of the whole movie, the author lets the audience know that there is a bigger issue which drives the whole movie… racism. This issue is hinted at by the angles and color of the filming, but then it is made evident by the dialogue which is exchanged by people at the bar and the actions which follow up. The movie is certainly worth watching with an artistic and appreciative eye.

Tango (1998)

A lot of art, a lot of tango

[6/10 · 21 May 2011]

This movie is one filled with rich artistic value as it contains much dancing and very elegant stage setups. The storyline is one filled with romance and lustfulness which revolves around the main character, his ex-girlfriend, and a young dancer. Therefore, if a viewer is not interested in such aspects, the movie is kind of slow. However, there is reason to recognize the beauty and creativity of many of the scenes in which elegant and complex dances are demonstrated in differently colored and arranged stages. On another note, at times it was a bit confusing to recognize whether a scene was portraying what was going on in the main character's mind or if indeed it was part of the story. In the end however, it felt as if there was no real need to distinguish these scenes as it was all so scattered and spontaneous.

The Official Story (1985)

La historia oficial

[8/10 · 20 May 2011]

"La Historia Oficial" is a movie which certainly reaches out to the hearts and minds of most Argentines. First of all, the main issue which is the cause for the problems which arise in the household of Alicia and Roberto, is one with which the older generation of Argentines has had to deal with in their own lives. Moreover, the reality and discomfort which is seen in various instances during the movie can easily be a picture of what was going on in countless households during that time period. In the movie we see some of what is going on in the government a little bit by the actual protests, but mostly by the situations which surround Alicia. The story of Alicia's friend Ana and the circumstances involving her daughter all point to great distress in the country's government. Whilst the government has much to do with the movie, the story revolves more around the impact which the government has on a simple Argentine family and their relationships with each other.

Son of the Bride (2001)

The Character of Juan Carlos

[8/10 · 20 May 2011]

The character of Juan Carlos (Eduardo Blanco) is the most influential force in the life of his best friend, Rafael Belvedere. We see them both in the initial scene as little boys who went around getting in trouble and helping each other out. The next time we see the character together is after a surprise visit by Juan Carlos, where he pretends to be a detective and scares his friend as a joke. At this point we see how different of a person he is compared to his friend, as he displays much friendlier and relaxed characteristics. The next time Juan Carlos appears is at the hospital where Rafael is after a stroke. From here on out we begin to see this character a lot more as he enters the life of his friend once again and helps him during his troubled times.