Movies
Five Essential Latin American Films Every Movie Buff Must Watch
If you are looking for stories that do not come from Hollywood’s insane catalog and want to taste something different, this is the article for you. Today we gather Oscar nominated pictures and some of the most absorbing movies Latinoamerica has offered in its long history.
“Cidade de Deus” (“City of God”)
An all-time favorite. Adapted from the novel of the same name and based on a real-life story, the film showcases the life and growth of a group of people living in one of the most dangerous favelas in Brazil.
The two main characters represent two paths people follow when born in a place without opportunities. While Rocket wants to escape from the favelas and make a career outside the crime scene, Li’l Zé desires to become the biggest mob boss in his hometown.
This crime-drama is considered one of the best films of all time, and for good reasons. The masterful use of editing enhances the non-linear narrative. The film makes you feel that the danger is about to jump out of the screen.
“El secreto de sus ojos” (“The secret in their eyes”)
The Argentine film industry is known for its narrative quality and superb acting. Ranking among the best in the region, this movie made history by becoming the second Argentine film to win an Oscar.
Despite being retired from the world of crime, investigator Benjamin Esposito starts writing a novel about a terrible rape case. It’s a case that he could never solve. He embarks on a journey in which he will resurrect chilling memories and discover an unexpected truth.
The film emphasizes justice and the ramifications of corruption while dedicating a space to the central love story. It is a perfect example of a terrifying yet touching thriller.
“Dias de Santiago” (“Days of Santiago”)
A classic of Peruvian cinema, Dias de Santiago has established itself as one of the most awarded films in the country’s history.
It tells the story of a former soldier who returns to his hometown after fighting terrorism to protect the nation. However, Santiago struggles to adapt to a society that does not understand or value him, and a family where abuse is insufferably normalized.
The film offers an introspective narration, which denotes the character’s mental imbalance and inability to overcome his past.
“Amores Perros” (“Love’s a bitch”)
Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu premiered his debut feature in the year 2000. Twenty years later, the film has become a cult classic in Latinoamerica.
A car accident connects three stories that explore the power of love, violence, and economic inequality. The first one stars Octavio, a man who falls in love with his brother’s wife. He later finds that dogfighting can let him earn enough money to escape with his loved one.
The second story follows Daniel, who has recently left his wife for a supermodel. After a tragic car accident, his now partner Valeria is injured. This incident becomes a turning point in their relationship.
The third and last story focuses on El Chivo, a former teacher with a dark past who now sporadically works as a hitman. Thanks to the car accident, Octavio will have a revelation that will change his life forever.
Amores Perros does a fantastic job showing the darkest roads a human can take, the complex life in the underground scene in Mexico, and the cruel mistreatment of animals that, sadly, is still prominent today.
“El abrazo de la serpiente” (“ Embrace of the serpent”)
Directed by Ciro Guerra, this poetic 2015 film is a story that occurs away from the city; specifically the Colombian Amazon.
The picture narrates two different timelines. However, both stories have the same protagonist, Karamakate, a shaman. The first storyline takes place in 1909. Karamakate guides a German explorer in his search for the Yakruna, a sacred plant with healing properties. The second tale happens in 1940. This time an elderly Karamakate meets an American botanist. He is looking for the same plant.
Throughout its runtime, we learn about the remaining effects of colonialism in the Amazon, the exploitation of indigenous tribes, ancestral spirituality, and the relationship between nature and the human race.
If you’re interested in Latin American cinema, check out one of these great pictures. You can continue your journey with so many engaging gems like “Wild Tales”, “Retablo”, and “The Mole Agent”. And if you have already watched some of them, let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
