What Happened to Santiago

"Lo que le pasó a Santiago" is a 1989 Puerto Rican film written and directed by Jacobo Morales. The movie tells the story of a recently retired widower who meets a mysterious young lady in his life, disrupting his daily routines. Lo que le pasó a Santiago was the first Puerto Rican production in history to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. "Lo que le pasó a Santiago" is a real historic moment as far as the national cinema Puerto Rican concerns. Not only for his achievements in terms of criticism but also because it gave the idea of a film Puerto Rican. It was found at the international level that existed an island and an idiosyncrasy and that there was a borincana expression film that deserved greater appreciation. The story of a "viejito" who discovers the love at age 60, was a full achievement in all orders and hence the popularity of the film has not declined over the years.

Puerto Rico's greatest director, Jacobo Morales, creates a film which mixes neo-realism with surrealism creating this modern foreign masterpiece. You can compare this film with the theme of "About Schmidt" with Jack Nicholson, when his character retires from work and his life suddenly shrinks, well, the same thing happens in this film with Santiago, yet it is up to him to keep living because life is not over after 65. It was too bad this film was Oscar-nominated the same year as "Cinema Paradiso", because if not it would have definitely won Best Foreign Film. With a wonderful cast made up of Puerto Rico's finest like Gladys Rodriguez, Rene Monclova, Johana Rosaly and, of course, Don Tommy Muniz, "Lo que le paso a Santiago" is a film for those who love foreign films, but above all, for those who love life.

Lo que le paso a Santiago was the first and only Puerto Rican motion picture to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. The movie lost the Oscar to the powerhouse movie, Cinema Paradiso. Directed by the renowned director, Jacobo Morales; tells the story of a elderly widowed man, Santiago (played by late Tommy Muñiz) who was forcedly retired from his 40 year job and was left to take care of his drug addict son Eddie (played by Rene Monclova). Without work, Santiago takes walks on the parks and keeps busy by making a daily routine of his life. Sad and lonely, he walks through the park watching his life go by. But one day he meets a beautiful and enigmatic woman by the name of Angelina (played by Gladys Rodriguez). Intrigued but disturb by her mystery, he hires a private detective to investigate her.

The movie is a wonderful story about how love finds us in the most unexpected way, no matter the age. I would recommend this movie, but unfortunately, this movie has not been produced on DVD and it's almost impossible to find on VHS. Last time I saw this film was more than 18 years ago. I hope that some production company produce and distributes this classic on DVD. It's a real shame that this Puerto Rican gem is not accessible to moviegoers.

This movie was nominated to the Best Foreign Film Oscar alongside Cinema Paradiso. It is a different kind of movie, yet deserving of that honor. This movie showcases Puerto Rican Film, by presenting performances by actors that are mostly known for TV work that show their range.

I would call it the antithesis of a "coming of age" film. It presents in Santiago, the main character, how life can begin again at any age.