Tiro de Gracia (Coup de Grace) has attained somewhat of a cult film status in Argentina. Obviously ambitious, it does not entirely succeed. The beginning seems to belong to another movie, but, what happens and what characters think or imagine is given equal screen treatment, thus the beginning may be imagined. Acting is of irregular quality (several actors count this film as their only credit). The lead actor, Sergio Mulet does a good job but does not have enough charisma to carry the load (he is in almost all scenes). There is a cameo by Susana Giménez, a very popular comedy actress and TV personality, but she is just a few seconds on screen. One of the actors, Javier Martinez Suárez was the drummer for the rock group Manal, very popular at the time in Argentina; he also wrote the jazzy but somewhat obtrusive music. Black and white cinematography by Carlos Brera in film noir style is excellent.
The most moving scene comes about halfway; it is a tale of the Spanish Civil War told by one of the supporting characters, the end of the tale reenacted on screen. It illuminates the whole movie (and its title).
A curiosity; one of the actors, Roberto Plate (with four acting credits) is also a painter and stage designer whose work has been seen in operas performed in theaters in Argentina and Europe.
The most moving scene comes about halfway; it is a tale of the Spanish Civil War told by one of the supporting characters, the end of the tale reenacted on screen. It illuminates the whole movie (and its title).
A curiosity; one of the actors, Roberto Plate (with four acting credits) is also a painter and stage designer whose work has been seen in operas performed in theaters in Argentina and Europe.
