bola_de_pu Reviews

42 Days of Darkness (2022)

La realidad, nada más.

[10/10 · 7 June 2022]

Desde un principio, la serie te introduce en su ambiente. Chile, los Andes, la música, el clima, el frío, todo espectacularmente trabajado. Las actuaciones de Pablo Macaya (Victor Pizarro), Daniel Alcaíno (Mario Medina) y. Claudio Di Girólamo (Cecilia) sobresalen sobre el resto. Una historia cruda, real, que lastima. Sin duda alguna, de las mejores producciones chilenas de la historia, sin necesidad de efectos especiales, ni pantallazos gigantescos. Toda la producción fue muy bien trabajada, con unos detalles que, aunque parezcan difíciles de creer, en realidad suceden, como, por ejemplo, las malas investigaciones policiales, un crimen que no sabemos que sucedió en realidad, la siembra de la duda, la soledad, el desespero, las familias rotas. Sin duda alguna, recomendable para personas que les gusten los dramas con sentidos, basados en hechos reales.

7 Prisoners (2021)

One of the best Brazilian movies I have seen.

[10/10 · 22 December 2021]

A very powerful drama, which is strengthened in beastly performances, especially by Melheiros and Santoro. The film shows the reality of life, especially in the poor neighborhoods of Sao Paulo. In addition, it teaches that on many occasions not everything is black or white, but that there are too many grays in between. The film is understood based on the relationship that was growing between Luca and Mateus, which can be understood as a father and son relationship, where both protagonists were looking for something that they had not previously had in their lives. Obviously, we were all hoping for a happy ending. However, that happy ending almost never happens in real life. Similarly, you have to understand the context of wanting to "improve" coming from a poor neighborhood, regardless of the means used. A film that shows the harsh reality of Latin American countries. Bestial.

30 Coins (2020– )

Probably one of the best original scripts in the history of television.

[10/10 · 19 January 2021]

Obviously, the series is not without its errors. However, the fact that they have created such a compelling story, with the number of interesting elements throughout it, is appreciated. Alex De La Iglesia once again shines with a masterful direction, loaded with that style of black humor that we already know mixed with supernatural and horror elements. On the other hand, the music of the series could be better, maybe a little sadder, but it would go against the style of the director. Eduard Fernández as Vergara, Cosimo Fusco as Angelo, Megan Montanes as Elena and Manolo Solo as Fabio have exemplary performances worthy of emulation. The series contains some obvious plot holes, but they are missed due to the interestingness of the product. The series plays very well with an alternate reality, exchanging dialogues and real characters from the Bible, as well as the eternal struggle between good and evil, as well as everything that is represented by God and the Devil. Looking forward to the second season, although I highly doubt it will live up to the first as I don't know how they can fill in some glaring flaws in the script. However, it is worth watching this season. Masterly.

La Révolution (2020)

Probably, one of the best fictional combination of histories in the most iconic Revolution of all time. Billiant.

[10/10 · 24 December 2020]

I don't even know if the series is based on a book or if it is an original script. Tremendous series, I must say, much more entertaining, constant and accurate than other Netflix productions. The panorama they use to shoot the series is spectacular, which is combined with a spectacular aura of directio and photography. Also, the soundtrack is a 10. In a French Revolution that has been brought to television so many times, it is appreciated that it is brought to television in such a brilliant and tenacious way. Obviously, the series is not for those who are looking for a story that sticks to the real events, since you will not find it. In the same way, it is a series a little crude and with a greed for blood, which makes it not suitable for weak stomachs. For me, one of the most fascinating discoveries that 2020 left me. I hope they don't cancel it.

The Great Heist (2020)

The quality of Latin American tv shows is improving. Finally, a Latin American product that its main plot is not about drug traffickers.

[9/10 · 17 August 2020]

Very good series. Fast, precise, efficient. Parra in the character of "Chayo" and Tappan in the character of "El Abogado" demonstrate once again why they are two of the most outstanding Latin American actors. Similarly, it is worth highlighting Juan Sebastián Calero as "Sarandino", who is always a good supporting actor who reinforces the plot in the series. The series its stylish and manages to get away from the melodrama and soap opera cliché that characterizes Latin American series. The soundtrack was very well chosen, accompanied by mythical Latin American songs, especially those vallenatos that give more coherence and rhythm to the story, as it accompanies the Valledupar stage. In the same way, it is a pleasure to hear an accent different from that of Medellín or Bogotá on television. I am Puerto Rican and visit Medellin in many occasions and people say to me that the costeño accent is a bit like ours, but I have to say no. However, it was a pleasure to see that they transferred that "conflict" between the "cachacos" and the "costeños" in a peculiar way and, even, in a humorous way. Anyway, good series, which reflects another Latin American story that moves away from the typical "narco". Well played by Netflix.

The Hater (2020)

An empty portrait of current and future society.

[9/10 · 30 July 2020]

There are few movies like this. Of those films that tell a truth in disguise, although we all know that it is more true than fiction. The film presents all those inconveniences that derive from social networks, as well as their negative impact on human relationships. Similarly, how technology plays a crucial role in the events that happen in the world. The soundtrack was spectacular, as were the main actors. The photographic effects used show a cold and gray Poland, which combines very well with that feeling of emptiness that the main protagonists have. Thomas Giemza and Gabi Krasucka represent the emptiness of two young people who go through life full of misery, loneliness, etc. This movie is not about heroes, not even a "development" of evil in Tomasz. There are no fair winners, as everyone advocates evil on certain occasions. The film is not perfect, of course. There are certain data that we do not know, such as the death of Tomasz's mother and why the Krasucki passed him money for his studies, but they are data that the director knows how to handle well and leaves it to the viewer. Anyway, I think it is an excellent movie. It can be seen easily, even if you don't expect "winners" or happy endings. It is a film that presents the human being in its greatest splendor, without hesitation.

Stolen Away (2020)

For me, one of the best international series on Netflix.

[10/10 · 16 July 2020]

I am an avid follower of Latin American and Spanish cinema, so this combination produced huge dividends. Although the series and films made, produced and directed by Latin Americans tend to carry that "soap opera" style, this series surprised me. Not because I don't have this "cliche", but because the actors make a good effort to get rid of that typical "cliche". The series has a dizzying pace that makes the viewer immerse themselves in the story, plus the soundtrack is very good. Daniel Grao's performances as "Antonio Santos", Pedro Suarez as "Prison Guard Molinos" and Antonio Mora as "Enrique" are far above average. In short, a very good series that touches on a very sensitive subject, but that is still an example of things that happen in real life. For me, one of the best Spanish series on Netflix and if you want to classify it as "Latin American", due to the use of Latino actors, it is in the top 3 after Narcos and Distrito Salvaje.

A Taxi Driver (2017)

Korea always surprises and the value of friendship (true friendship)

[10/10 · 26 April 2020]

I've seen a lot of Korean cinema in recent years, they always have two or three cinematic gems with brutal scripts and directions. This movie went under the radar, I don't know why. Easily put it among the top 10 films made by Korean cinema. It is far from what we are used to, the thrillers, the serial killers, the revenge sagas, scenes with hand-to-hand combat. . .but, without a doubt, it is the best that Korea has brought out. A film that touches everything, goes from comedy, to drama, to action, to suspense in a matter of minutes. In the end, a masterpiece of the impact journalism has in discovering atrocities, when it is exercised in the right way, but more, a masterpiece in terms of showing tremendous friendship, one that develops in a short time, but lasts for lifetime. Recommended.

Time to Hunt (2020)

Beautiful shots of camera and use of colors, ruined by a lousy script.

[7/10 · 26 April 2020]

I consider myself a fan of Korean cinema. Annually they release two or three cinematographic jewels that go unnoticed by the majority of the population. I expected more from this film, the script did nothing to develop a better plot, since between jumps the message is lost. At the end of the day, I do not know if there will be a sequel, since the end it's open, but I doubt it. Also, not knowing what exactly happened to Ki-hoon, after having him in front of the cameras throughout the entire movie, does not help to close the story. Although we assume it happened to him. In the end, I'm not quite sure if Jun-seok will become a Han in the future or if he would return to Korea to face Han, if he survived, like that guy say. I give it a 7, because the colors and the camera shots of the director are exceptional. Nothing else.

Freud (2020)

The only gross mistake in this series was to be called "Freud".

[8/10 · 31 March 2020]

Actually, to be honest, it's not a bad series. Of course, to enjoy it, pretend that you do not know anything about the real Sigmund Freud. Pretend that it is a Freud that Netflix invented. Disconnect from what you know of the greatest psychoanalyst that humanity has given and you will be able to enjoy it. In particular, you will be able to enjoy the references to the relation of Austria and Hungary, as well as the relative thing to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The plane in which the series is developed is unbeatable, as well as how to see the various techniques that doctors had to treat their patients, completely different from those that we know today. The essence of mystery in the series is very palpable, as well as the cinematic aspect of the series, it is as if you could smell Vienna.

The Occupant (2020)

This is why Javier Gutiérrez is one of the best Spanish actors in the last decade.

[7/10 · 26 March 2020]

The film has a simple premise, but it is strengthened by another stupendous performance by Javier Gutiérrez, who along with Antonio de la Torres are, in my opinion, the two best Spanish actors in recent years. Javier Muñoz represents the decline of the perfect life of a man, who longing for his best days, decides to ruin the perfect life of that man who he understands has taken his place and has taken away what has belonged to him during all the past years. It is still a perfect portrait of thousands of men who, longing for a perfect life, decide to do whatever it takes to achieve their most pathological wishes. It is incredible what the most twisted mind of a human being is capable of when it seeks to achieve what its own mind has idealized, in this case, a perfect home with all it's components. It is not a perfect movie, it does not have a 'punchline', but it is sustained in another masterful performance by Gutiérrez.

The Platform (2019)

"Changes never happen spontaneously, madam"

[10/10 · 22 March 2020]

When Spain wants it, it is capable of producing jewelry like this film. The need for a dense, confusing and articulate plot is not necessary to be able to produce cinematic quality. The quality of the film lies in the colors, in the eyes of the characters, in the fear through them. The soundtrack deserves a 10 and the setting of the film is spectacular. That itself is not a movie for everyone. It is a movie for those who are able to see beyond and imagine a dystopian world where these things can definitely happen. The film is a social experiment that leads the viewer to think about how to survive in pressing circumstances when there are few but existing means. In the same way, the one who wrote the script left several interesting phrases, some funny, others not so much, but I stay when Goreng says to Imoguiri: "It is not a good idea to bring a dachshund to this place, here it is more sausage than dog "

Uncut Gems (2019)

The trick of this movie is in the chaos.

[8/10 · 2 February 2020]

I think I can rarely say that a movie recorded in this way would have liked me. I mean the conversations between the actors are very fast, causing a kind of confusion, which in other films I would not like, but which in this film gives a special touch. Adam Sandler was spectacular, I think it's one of his best 3 performances, even if he he played a role he has rarely played. Some of the scenes in the movie are surreal, like the one where KG, Demany and the other guy are locked in the lobby of Howard's shop. However, those scenes are the ones that give the film a special touch, because the most unexpected things can happen in real life, even when you need things to go well. Normal human beings, doing normal things, that sometimes get out of their control, if they were ever under their control. That's it.

In the Shadow of the Moon (2019)

It is not what I expected, and I am grateful. One of the best Netflix productions, and if you hurry me, one of the best sci-fi movies I've seen.

[10/10 · 27 September 2019]

Wow, what a great performance by Boyd Holbrook. One of the science fiction films that will be talked about for decades, and I am sure, that it will be criticized by many, but that it will become a cult film over time. It is not a perfect movie, but in times where everything seems to have been done, it is refreshing that scripts and producers take the chance of challenging the audience. Movies that deal with time travel are a bit difficult to understand, perhaps that's why the "common audience", or the ones that are only pending on their cell phone, avoiding the movie dialogues and only looks at the screen when there are shooting scenes or sex scenes, lose the essence of the movie or can not keep up with the pace it requires. In my opinion, a brilliant movie, because it dares to do something new and not fill our eyes with the same scenes. Netflix, you did it again.

Apache: The Life of Carlos Tevez (2019)

More than soccer. The history of our Latin American countries.

[10/10 · 21 August 2019]

I am not a believer in making television series without an athlete's career ending, either by mysticism or by cabal, but the Apache story deserves to be told. It deserves to be told because it presents the reality of a million children in Latin America, a reality that almost never appears in the news and that the government hides for its own benefit. The story was presented in a cruel way, which pays for the seriousness of the Apache story. Some will say "another story of a soccer player", but for me it is not "the story of another soccer player". I am Puerto Rican, and like millions of Latin Americans, I know what our countries are going through. This television series show us that part of Buenos Aires and Argentina that they don't put on television and in newspapers, which is poverty, social conflicts, problems with drugs, violence, among others. Therefore, every time I see this story of Tevez, it gives me sadness and joy at the same time. Happiness because Carlitos could get out of that hell where he lived, but sadness because of every 100 Carlitos, only 10 can leave where they are and only 1 can become what Carlitos is. Therefore, every time a Neymar, a Vinicius, a Tevez, a Ronaldinho, a Di María, a Cuadrado or an Alexis Sánchez manage to leave their country and reach Europe, it is an achievement for our Latin American countries. All those sacrifices that were made along the way suddenly seem forgotten, but they will always be there. Reminding you where you come from and where you are going.

Victim Number 8 (2018)

Bilbao, jihadist cells, radicals, integration, discrimination and all those conflicts that arise from being a 'moro' in Spain.

[8/10 · 20 August 2019]

First of all, it is worth mentioning that I started watching this show on Netflix for curiosity, such as when something appears to you and the subconscious speaks to you. It turns out that Bilbao, the city where the plot takes place, is quite close to Pamplona, a city where I will live for study reasons in the coming years. Inconsequental data, neither more nor less, but that fact made me take a look to the tv show. Not only because I am going to be a foreigner living in Spain, as the main protagonist, but you can understand many things of the plot in particular.From there on out, I had a pleasant surprise. The series contains all the necessary elements to get attention. Good atmospheric environment, filmed in a beautiful place that is not often observed in Spanish cinema, and that contains intrigue, beautiful music, jihadist cells, discrimination, social conflicts and all those conflicts that emerge from being a "moro" on spanish soil. And it cannot be overlooked, that in addition to the elements mentioned above, the series is strengthened by the history of the Gaizka and Gorka brothers, who directly and indirectly, are the cause of important events in the series. Inaki Ardanaz performance as Gaizka and Cesar Mateo as Jamal seemed to me above average. One of the things I criticize the producers of the series is not having presented the terrorist attack itself. If they had offered us heartbreaking and cruel scenes of what happened, perhaps it gave a greater touch of seriousness and cruelty to the series, a crucial point to take it to another level and understand the complexity of the characters involved. The series fails in some aspects, but it is still a refreshing take to see something diffrent in Netflix, for once.

Dogs of Berlin (2018– )

Suddenly, I thought of La Mannschaft and Ozil, Gundogan, Altintop, Tasci or Emre Can

[10/10 · 11 June 2019]

First of all, this tv show deserves way better than a 7.5. A vortex of ideas between football, betting, corruption, Germans, Turks and neo-Nazis. This series has a spectacular rhythm, combined with a soundtrack that makes the environment even more beastly. The photograph, which by the way is beautiful, represents perhaps the most striking aspect of the series. A lot of testosterone running throughout the series, seeing guys with well-defined beards is striking (joke, right?), From time to time you see a pair of breasts too, but what struck me most is that "conflict" between Turks, Germans and Turkish-Germans. Those social conflicts that exist, but nobody talks about. We take a moment away from what is usually seen on TV. The tension that generates the series is very good, it has certain bad things, like all series, but for a guy who is tired of seeing more of the same on Netflix, this series represents a relief. Likewise, I like that the series takes into account all the other social problems that circulate in the stories of the main protagonists. Drug addiction, alcoholism, poverty, prostitution, racism, homosexuals, sex addicts, family problems, clans, destroyed homes. Must see.

When They See Us (2019)

Look what they did.

[10/10 · 2 June 2019]

I had never heard this story before. I am Puerto Rican, so to see a Puerto Rican immersed in this story (Raymond Santana Jr.) was of great impact for me. It's amazing what those children had to go through, which by the way, brilliant and heartbreaking performances by Asante Blackk, Caleel Harris, Ethan Herisse, Marquis Rodriguez and Jharrell Jerome. I do not even want to imagine the calvary they had and they have to live in real life these young people who were really innocent. We see how far the system is able to reach in order to "find" justice for someone. And I do not even want to go into this issue of a "racial issue," because I would have to talk about comparisons about "everything Latino is Mexican."At the same time, I think that representing the family, social and economic problems that these young people were going through in their lives was horrific. It is as if life pushed you to bad events and bad decisions, even though they had nothing to do with the facts that were imputed to you. Stigmatization, sadness, hatred, discrimations, everything.Similarly, John Leguizamo continues to consolidate as a phenomenal actor and Michael Kenneth Williams has been doing the same since "The Wire". Nothing to abound, we must see the series with eyes uncovered and without racial preferences. Listen to Donald Trump talk about "he would like to be a black today because of the advantages they had at that time" and at the same time asking for the death penalty for the boys was brutal. Words do not expire, actions much less. If you want to see something real, heartbreaking and shocking without a real happpy ending, this is the tv show.

The Professor and the Madman (2019)

I found a jewel.

[10/10 · 28 May 2019]

Of those movies that teach you to value life. Let's see what you did wrong and a way to amend your path. The importance of forgiveness and love, between reason and madness. I think it's one of the best movies of recent years and with a brutally magnificent Sean Penn, perhaps with his most legendary performance, and that's hard to say with a resume like his. In short, a very well directed film, with emotionally descriptive scenes and with a cast of the first order. Do not go looking for shots, bursts of simultaneous action and rampant sex. You will not find them. I recommend this movie for people who see beyond the basics. For a moment I am grateful that I did not pay attention to Metacritic and Rotten Tomatoes.

In the Shadow of Iris (III) (2016)

The beauty of this film is inexplicable.

[8/10 · 14 April 2019]

First of all, what a tremendous soundtrack this movie has. They use the color and the photography in a masterful way, giving a sense of suspense and intrigue to the plot. The performances are excellent and the atmosphere of the film makes it interesting and sad at the same time. Do not come looking for brutal scenes of fights and many shots, you will not find them. In the same way, I consider that the movie touches the subject of fetishism in a subtle and elegant way, giving a certain sense of interest to the plot. More than anything, the film knows how to touch the existential crises through which human beings cross and that sometimes we can not decipher, yes; accompanied by a soundtrack that makes the film go from 6 stars to 8.

When Angels Sleep (2018)

His daughter's birthdays are never going to be the same.

[6/10 · 14 April 2019]

The film had a lot of potential, but it gets lost in a little extended script and lack of coherence. Silvia's performance is not very convincing, although Germán's role is exceptional. The film extends a lot, in unlikely follow-up sequences, but it's not a bad movie, only that it's badly executed. However, the film serves to show us the stupid things that human beings do and how naive we can be. Only one thing, did the wife always know the truth? Bizarre ending, disturbing and striking. I recommend the movie only if you have the ability to look beyond the stupid things that humans do.

Mirage (2018)

And we live in a chaotic system, Mr. Prieto. Drastically alterable.

[10/10 · 5 April 2019]

I have few things to say. Once again it is confirmed that Oriol Paulo is one of the best directors of today. Usually under the radar, the director's job has always been emotionally perfect. We must appreciate more the art of the Catalan director, that art that takes risks, that likes to create stories that are difficult to understand and that break with the established norm. In short, a very well directed film, and with very good actors. Javier Gutiérrez, although with a very limited time in this film, continues to demonstrate why he is one of the best Spanish actors of today. Without a doubt, few directors are able to unite a love story in this way. What a piece of director, that once again, leaves me stunned.

Papillon (I) (2017)

I need to stay, for the same reason you have to go. I belong here.

[10/10 · 22 January 2019]

Few films are sadder than this one. Few films are capable of transmitting hopelessness, injustice, friendship and loyalty like this film. Two exceptional performances in Hunnam and Malek, who continue to make their own way as revelations actors, although they can already be considered stars. I did not see the original version, so I probably will not be able to compare this version with the original version, but I do not regret it. The colors, the places they used to record the film, the beauty of the misery in many of the scenes, the mere fact that it teaches us a bit of history of what was really lived in one of the colonies of one of the empires biggest in the world . . exceptional, and the simple fact that it is based on a real story makes it more sublime. As 'Papi' says, "this is the story of many."

Upgrade (2018)

Best Sci-Fi Movie of 21st Century.

[10/10 · 16 January 2019]

One of the best sci-fi movies of the 21st century. Magical performance of Logan Marshall-Green, I even dare to say, at a better level than in 'The Invitation'. A great movie, where it shows us a future that can be very real if we think carefully. Technology dominates us a little more each day, and it was disturbing, intimate and euphoric to observe the power of it in this film. The colors, the filming, the photography, the music, everything at a great level. My only complaint is the performance of Harrison Gilbertson, I would have liked to see another actor play that role. However, if you are looking for a terrifying movie, which at the same time is a pleasure to watch, this is one of them.

Wild District (2018–2019)

Must Watch. You can't find many Guerrilla stories told in this way.

[10/10 · 22 November 2018]

Finally, a series of the FARC with perseverance, with incredible dialogues, with strong actors and a spectacular setting. Although I consider myself a follower of what happens in the Latin American continent, as a Puerto Rican, I had never heard anything about the 'Los Pisa Suave'. It's important to know the histories of our countries, and of all the social, economic and political structures that indirectly or directly were and are affected by the actions of the FARC. The way in which the producers and directors represent the city of Bogotá is impressive. Many movies and series only show us the beautiful and spectacular parts of these cities, but the way they collect the reality of the poor and deprived neighborhoods of Colombia is epic, the photographic shots of those concrete jungles, as Lavoe would say, are magnificent and brutal; and at the same time they give an exceptional weight to the reality they want to transmit to the viewer. Juan Pablo Raba returns to demonstrate why he's one of the best Colombian actors of today, surpassing the quality he had presented in 'Narcos', 7 Years, 'The 33' and El Cartel De Los Sapos'. It's difficult to find good productions of the FARC, that even with certain touches of fiction, can keep the spectator in suspense, waiting for the right moment to present the actions that give the turns corresponding to the plot. Another great Netflix production, which continues to seek correct ways to bring Latin American stories to the global conglomerate of society, such as Univision and Telemundo tried to do, but have failed in most of their attempts. Hope for a second season.