This little jewel of a movie from an obscure director in an obscure film market, the Dominican Republic, has been compared to Pulp Fiction, mainly for the non-chronological order of the various vignettes and the astonishing violence and rawness of it. But a Pulp Fiction seeped in Caribbean parlance and customs. Viewing it is enough to form an idea of life in the slums of Santo Domingo. Interesting perspectives of race and prejudice, against blacks, Chinese, and even Dominicans by Puerto Ricans, enrich the sordid tale. And the premise, that a small .22 pistol once owned by Italian dictator Mussolini, would wind up in the Dominican Republic, becomes increasingly believable as the story unfolds. I have watched it over and over and seen new nuances in it every time. It is really more like Jackie Brown than Pulp Fiction. Admittedly it would lose a great deal in translation, but if you speak fluent Spanish, don't miss this movie.
Review of La Gunguna
