Nueve reinas (2000)

User Rating:

7.8/10   

Director:

Fabián Bielinsky

Writer:

Fabián Bielinsky (written by)

Release Date:

31 August 2000 (Argentina)

Genre:

Crime | Thriller

Plot:

Two con artists try to swindle a stamp collector by selling him a sheet of counterfeit rare stamps (the "nine queens").

Plot Keywords:

Stamp | Partner | Stamp Collector | Grifter | Scam

Awards:

21 wins & 8 nominations

Cast

Gastón Pauls	...	Juan
Ricardo Darín	...	Marcos
Graciela Tenenbaum	...	Convenience Store Employee
María Mercedes Villagra	...	Convenience Store Employee 2
Gabriel Correa	...	Convenience Store Manager
Pochi Ducasse	...	Aunt
Luis Armesto	...	Bar Waiter
Ernesto Arias	...	Bar Manager
Amancay Espíndola	...	Woman in Elevator
Isaac Fajm	...	Vendor
Jorge Noya	...	Aníbal
Leticia Brédice	...	Valeria
Oscar Nuñez	...	Sandler
Ignasi Abadal	...	Vidal Gandolfo
Carlos Lanari	...	Man on Cell Phone

Also Known As:

Nine Queens (International: English title) (UK) (USA)

MPAA:

Rated R for language.

Runtime:

114 min

Country:

Argentina

Language:

Spanish

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Singapore:NC-16 | Iceland:12 | Finland:K-11 | Canada:18A (Ontario) | New Zealand:M | Norway:11 | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Belgium:KT | Brazil:14 | Canada:PG | Chile:14 | Denmark:7 | France:U | Germany:12 | Hungary:14 | Ireland:15 | Italy:T | Netherlands:12 | Peru:14 | Poland:15 | Spain:13 | Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Buenos Aires, Federal District, Argentina

Company:

FX Sound

Trivia:

During the filming of the scene where Juan and Marcos run after a motorbike, Gastón Pauls fell and injured his knee and was taken to the Argerich hospital where he got four stitches.

Quotes:

Marcos: Can't you see the way she swings her ass? There are no saints.

Movie Connections:

Remade as Criminal (2004)

Soundtrack:

Il Ballo del Mattone

David Mamet, eat your heart out!

This film by the very talented Fabian Bielinsky, has been compared, at least in the United States, with films directed by David Mamet, who a lot consider a master in this genre. I dare anyone to take a second look at those films and compare them to 9 Queens. They all pale in comparison! In fact, Mr. Mamet can take lessons from Mr. Bielinsky in how he accomplished writing and directing with a very tight budget and still given us a film that looks a lot more expensive than what it really must have cost.

Suffice it to say that 9 Queens is a joy to look at. The story of a con artist and his apprentice is executed with great flair and panache. The Buenos Aires of today looks even better as seen by Mr. Bielinsky behind his camera. The three principals, Richardo Darin, Gaston Pauls and Leticia Bredice shine in this story of deception where what we see is not necessarily what's behind the real plot of the story.

Ricardo Darin, who was excellent in The Son of the Bride, outdoes himself portraying his street smart thief. Gaston Pauls is very credible behind the facade of the trusting learner of the trade that Mr Darin is willing to teach him.

This film was a surprise because it is very well paced and it keeps the viewer going in one direction and presenting us an ending that is both credible and possible. Let's hope for more films from Fabian Bielinsky in the not too distant future.