No (I) (2012)

An ad executive comes up with a campaign to defeat Augusto Pinochet in Chile's 1988 referendum.

Director:

Pablo Larraín

Writers:

Pedro Peirano (screenplay), Antonio Skármeta (play)

Stars:

Gael García Bernal, Alfredo Castro, Luis Gnecco

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 5 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gael García Bernal	...	René Saavedra
Alfredo Castro	...	Lucho Guzmán
Luis Gnecco	...	José Tomás Urrutia
Néstor Cantillana	...	Fernando
Antonia Zegers	...	Verónica Carvajal
Marcial Tagle	...	Alberto Arancibia
Pascal Montero	...	Simón Saavedra
Jaime Vadell	...	Minister Fernández
Elsa Poblete	...	Carmen
Diego Muñoz	...	Carlos
Roberto Farías	...	Marcelo
Sergio Hernández	...	Militar
Manuela Oyarzún	...	Sandra
Paloma Moreno	...	Fran
César Caillet	...	Cliente

Storyline

Military dictator Augusto Pinochet calls for a referendum to decide his permanence in power in 1988, the leaders of the opposition persuade a young daring advertising executive - René Saavedra - to head their campaign. With limited resources and under the constant scrutiny of the despot's watchmen, Saavedra and his team conceive of a bold plan to win the election and free their country from oppression.

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Plot Keywords:

campaign | referendum | intimidation | chile | political repression | 

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Taglines:

Adiós, Mr. Pinochet.

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Genres:

Drama | History

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

Chile USA France Mexico

Language:

Spanish

Release Date:

9 August 2012 (Chile)

Also Known As:

Heung jingfu syut bat

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$71,742 (USA) (15 February 2013)

Gross:

$2,341,226 (USA) (14 June 2013)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fabula, Participant Media, Funny Balloons

Technical Specs

Runtime:

118 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The character René Saavedra, played by Gael García Bernal, is loosely based on Eugenio García.

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Connections

Referenced in Revealed: Young Hollywood (2013)

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Soundtracks

"La alegria ya viene"
Written by Sergio Bravo & Jaime de Aguirre

User Reviews

Educational, Interesting, Quaint, and Suspenseful

I only knew about this film from Chile simply entitled "No" because it was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film. Before watching the film I learned that this film would be starring a known star, Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal (of "Y Tu Mama Tambien" fame). I was more intrigued to make this the first Chilean film I would ever watch.

"No" refers to the vote of "No" in a national referendum held in Chile in 1988 with the question of extending the dictatorial presidency of Augusto Pinoche for another eight years. Hip young advertiser Rene Saavedra (Bernal) was tasked to lead the advertising campaign for the impossible "No" vote. His modern methods meet resistance within the "No" camp. It also put his and his family's safety at risk. Will Saavedra's unorthodox political advertising techniques get the job done?

I found this account of Chile's recent history very educational and interesting. As I also come from a country that lived through and deposed a dictator through a peaceful revolution just a year or so before this event in Chile history, I recognize and identify with the experience and sentiments of the people involved.

I did not know whether "Yes" or "No" won, so there is very palpable suspense while watching this very realistic film. It felt like a documentary in its faded color palette, gritty camera work, accurate production design, and interweaving of actual news footage. It was also quaint in the cultural sense, as we learn about unique societal attitudes and behavior in Chile, a country I know very little about.

Maybe its chances of winning the Oscar are not too big since it is up against the higher profile "Amour", which is also nominated for Best Picture and Best Director. However, I am thankful for its nomination because this history buff has learned a lot from this film.