"El Brindis" has chosen one of the most charming locations ever: Valparaiso, Chile. Also, the cinematography is impeccable, though it is sadly very straightforward (there was a great deal of metaphorical potential). But the real downside of this movie is the fact that it shies away from emotion. Every time there is an opportunity for emotions to explode, we are taken away from it, left to assume what the visceral exchange was about and how it played out. When the protagonist learns that the man she is falling for is married, no scene devoted to her reactions. When she finally decide to let herself go, we don't get to see how the couple gets close, how they bridge the gap and finally establish physical contact... instead we cut to the scene in which they're already having sex. The rabbi is supposedly having a huge life crisis, but we always get to see him very comfortable among his community. "El Brindis" had a lot to work with, but it seems it was more important for the director to keep it light-hearted.
Review of El brindis
