wong kar lurko Reviews

Lesbians of Buenos Aires (2004)

Extraordinary documentary!

[10 June 2003]

Santiago García´s debut is an incredibly potent documentary film involving lesbians who live in Buenos Aires. But the film is much more than that: it quickly establishes a difference with the classic productions regarding segregated minorities. The women portrayed in the movie are, before anything, women. The director does not think them merely as lesbians and his interest goes beyond their sexual condition. He treats them as women with a particular sexual inclination. The film deals with society´s limitation to understand this sexual inclination, but it also dives into these women´s dreams, hopes, desires and obligations. If Mr. García decides to capture a scene from a feminine soccer match or the baking of an omelette is to retain the women in their day-to-day life, in their everyday struggles and not all their concerns involve lesbianism. Of course that gay demonstrations, political discussions and ideological differences are witnessed, but García´s search goes much further: behind every affirmation, behind every story, behind every comment about soccer, these lesbians are taking a stand, not only towards their sexual orientation, but towards life in a general way as well. I think this is the way in which we should analize the film and simply experience its unique simplicity to pass from a strongly emotional moment to an outstanding hilarious scene. Bravo for Mr. García.

Intimate Stories (2002)

the title was not lying

[7 November 2002]

I respect films that are not intended to be masterpieces. I consider pretentiousness to be the worst sin of all; but this is not the case. We face a small, charming film in which tiny stories are told about small town heroes. These stories are told in such a crafty, elaborate and detailed way that the audience gives in to emotion at once. The old man (Don Justo) giving a praise- worthy performance, the beautiful landscapes of the Patagonia, the slow paced life of people in these arid regions: they all sum up to render a lovely film concerning lovely people. There´s laughter and tears involved. Wim Wenders loved it, I loved it, maybe you should give it a chance. It will not change your life, but it will certainly make you feel warm,least for an hour and a half.

El bonaerense (2002)

The cop within

[26 September 2002]

It has taken three years for Pablo Trapero to bring forward his second film, but it seems that time was not wasted. Much more refined and subtle than his first film ("Mundo Grúa" or crane world), he presents us the story of young, confused rural man who is forced to become a policeman after being involved in minor burglary. We witness his journey to Buenos Aires, his time as a trainee, his romance with an older teacher and his first encounters with the outlaws. The film does not aim at showing how the police force works but to tell the story of a man; we should not take the film as an intent to portray the corruption of policemen in Argentina or as criticism towards these men. I think the intention was to focus on Zapa´s story and take a look at policemen and at the social realities from his particular point of view. Performances are limited but correct, the images the movie produces are extraordinary and the "cumbia" music (a kind of salsa mixed with african percussion) generates a perfect ambience for the story told. I strongly recommend this film, perhaps one of the best argentine films of the last decade.

The Ladies Man (1961)

Please give credit to this masterpiece

[3 September 2002]

I think it´s time we recognize something that should be said a long time ago: Jerry Lewis is a genius and "Ladies´Man" is his most amazing production. The enormous doll´s house he has created serves perfectly for the development of a succesion of hilarious gags that will make the audience fall from their chairs. Using cranes to shoot the scenes, Lewis obtains beautiful scenes and perfectly timed humor. A band playing lively, walls that move, the partition of the main character in four and lots of beautiful girls complete the picture. Believe me when i say: this man knows what he is doing and it´s about time we accept that he is not just a silly clown; he is a talented and creative filmmaker who took movie techniques to its extremes and gave us both a comic and tragic view of the world we live in. Jerry Lewis is what Godard was to french cinema: an innovator. Let´s adore him.

El descanso (2002)

Surprisingly entertaining!

[1 June 2002]

Just when I was about to aknowledge the fact that Argentina´s cinema nowadays is practically 100% dramatic, this little, funny and well-crafted comedy came along. Witty dialogues, swell performances and an outstanding photography round up an interesting production. The premise is in itself enjoyable: two friends from Buenos Aires (Argentina´s capital city) make a trip to Córdoba, a province covered in hills and mountainous landscape. One of them falls asleep while driving and they collide against a sign beside the road. While trying to solve how to continue with the original plans, one of them finds a marvelous old-fashioned hotel, that was once a must-see for celebrities but is now abandoned. Since nobody appears to claim the hotel, they decide to become the new owners and regain the majestic appearance the hotel used to possess. But their troubles are just beginning... I strongly recommend this film: there´s laughter, adventure and lots of entertainment. Besides that, I´m relieved: it seems there´s more to argentine cinema besides social crisis and tears...

La libertad (2001)

a tribute to simplicity

[1 May 2002]

This is certainly one of the most curious films of 2001. Throughout one hour and thirteen minutes we are witnesses of the life of a lonely wood-chopper in the middle of the pampas. This may sound uninteresting, but actually it isn´t. The films produces a certain fascination, we are deeply moved by the way of life the character has, his isolation from the civilized world, the slowness of his existence in contrast with the rush of city life.

However, we do not feel sorry for this man. It´s just that his daily activities are so extremely different from what most of us are used to and the gap between him and us is so enormous that we end up admiring him. This movie is about understanding, beauty (in the most raw of senses), isolation and nature. But most of all, this movie is about humanity and here you have to make a choice: to be unable to understand the character and therefore think the movie is an overrated waste of time or, on the other hand, connect yourself with this man (even though both are different) through your humanity. Either way, I can tell nobody will feel indistinct towards this film.

Suicide Club (2001)

you´re in for a shock

[27 April 2002]

If you were expecting comedy, you´ll certainly get some but in a morbid and extremely sarcastic manner. This japanese film deals with the current issue of suicide (as a result of enormous tension in work and everyday life)in modern Japan and its increasing rate, but it introduces the subject through fiction. The first scene is breathtaking and it´s unlikely to be forgotten. 54 girls united hand in hand jump to the railroads while the train is arriving. There´s blood for me, for you and for granny down at the asylum!!! A "Suicide club" is created and dectectives are dazzled as to how to stop the massive wave of teenage suicide. A mixture of horror, low budget gore movie and ironic satire, this is both great entertainment and an expedition to the perverse boundaries of your mind. Enjoy the ride, see you at the nuthouse!!!