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quietearth [Film Festival 06.19.09] movie review drama

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Year: 2008
Directors: Gerardo Naranjo
Writers: Gerardo Naranjo
IMDB: link
Trailer: link
Review by: quietearth
Rating: 6 out of 10

For those of you who've been on the fringe, remember being that screwed up teenager thinking no one understood you and dreaming about meeting that special someone via some connection, music or whatever, where you instantly understood each other? That's this film, what I'd call outsider poetry which is at times amorous, and others, violent. The beginning had the feel of an American indy, brilliant in it's characters admissions and narrative with it's sometimes documentary style collage and cinematography. Unfortunately though, it had one serious fault: A middle procession which dragged on forever.


The first story is Roman, son of a rich congressman whose life has followed the usual path. His mother is dead, his father pays him no mind, and he is expelled from school after school. He writes in his diary that he dreams of killing, and has no care for consequences. Then we flip to Maru, the daughter of a single mother, the father having disappeared long ago. She writes in her diary of being lost and not understanding, of crying for no reason. Of Roman she says "he exists, but also I made him up". Destiny will be fulfilled.

They meet when Roman ends up in the same school, and for the talent show, hangs himself in a performance piece aptly titled "See you in hell". Maru is the only one to clap. They end up in detention together and afterwards, are inseperable. Making plans, they disappear leaving the parents to worry. This is where the film dragged, as our lovers hide and their parents run on a wild goose chase. IFC picked this up for distribution here in the states, so I can only hope they edit this portion heavily for your own enjoyment.

But not to fear as the ending is worth the wait. You can probably guess the direction these two are headed, but I'm not going to confirm nor deny anything. What I will say is that what at first appears perfect, is not. As for the rest of the film, dialogue, acting, cinematography, all top notch along with the score which is fantastic on it's own. It's comprised of pop, indy, ethnic, techno, and rock and roll and filled with teen angst. Overall, this movie is brilliant and if you're into indy/arthouse I would recommend it.. it's just that damned middle section.


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