Undertow (2009) User Reviews (46)

Hauntingly beautiful movie!

[kimbistrups · 8/10 · 14 November 2012]

Contracorriente (Undertow) is simply a gem of beautifully shot pictures, perfectly cast actors, an extraordinarily well written script and masterful direction.

I did not initially expect Contracorriente to be a movie that would haunt me for days after watching it, as it seemed to be a perfectly straight forward story judging from the text on the back of the DVD-case. I was even a bit worried that it might be cliché or simply cheesy. It was not however. Not more than a few minutes into the movie I started to suspect that I might have grossly misjudged the nature of the film and I was happy to be proved wrong.

The locations, the people, the acting, the language were all so beautiful and the very delicate and slowly evolving story made for so much more than simple entertainment. Especially the subtle hint of possibility in the ending left a very warm and hopeful feeling but the movie as a whole makes a very strong and lasting impression.

I was very moved by this movie and the very strong statement that it makes and a variety of the most beautiful and strong scenes have stayed in my thoughts for days on end for both the sad parts and the joyous moments.

I can only recommend that you watch it if you haven't already - and I am looking forward to seeing it again soon myself and expect it to be something that I will do more than once.

Remarkable--MUST SEE

[pdquick · 9/10 · 9 October 2010]

This film was the "buzz film" at Frameline, the San Francisco LGBT film festival. It is now in very limited commercial release. I saw it for the second time this week and it's as powerful on the second viewing as the first. It's beautifully filmed in a stunningly picturesque Peruvian fishing village. It features tender and complex performances by the actors in the lead roles, and wonderful authentic performances by native residents of the village location. The story delivers a powerful study in internal conflict, grief, redemption, and the power of love. The director says that the idea for the story came from a screen writing-class assignment to write a scene that happens in a kitchen. The kitchen scene is indeed pivotal to the story, but the moral intricacy of the tale surrounding that scene is testament to a creative genius that you will want to hear more from. You will want to see this film again, and you will want your friends to see it, because the world needs more filmmakers like this.

Love, Magic and Cristian Mercado

[littlemartinarocena · 9/10 · 26 August 2010]

Profoundly moving. A fishing village that seems to come out of somebody's dream. A loving husband about to become a father and a forbidden love. Cristian Mercado in a beautifully drawn performance takes us into his own predicament with honesty and astonishing tenderness. The emotional details of his love for another man are nothing short of extraordinary. I saw the film a couple of day ago at The Latino Film Festival of Los Angeles and Cristian Mercado's face has been with me ever since. Born and bread in a deeply religious Peruvian community, he accepts his feelings but denies the truth of his own nature. Being a man of unshakable, even if unconscious, integrity he will be who he's suppose to be, with courage an kindness. I must confess, I wept. Glad to know it got an American distribution. It deserves to be seen. Congratulations.

I'm Caught in the Undertow

[sandro-santoli · 10/10 · 28 March 2011]

I know a movie is excellent when the day after seeing it I still have a pit in my stomach as I did after watching this one. I know there are going to be some great reviews written about this so I'm only going to add to the momentum briefly without trying to find ways to get you to watch this one.

I felt bad for nearly every character in this movie...not just for those directly experiencing the effects of forbidden love but also for society observing it. Here, a seaside village in Peru questions its own moral code when a well-liked member of the community must decide whether to place his love for another man before social acceptance. Superb acting, character evolution, simple but engaging plot, and exhausting emotion all converge in this touching story.

Your Heart Will Be Moved

[aharmas · 10/10 · 26 November 2010]

Cristian, Manolo, and Tatiana, what a trio of performances, all in a foreign film, and in a story that takes place in a small village no one has ever heard of, but its themes of acceptance, love, tolerance, and compassion should appeal to every single member of the audience. The film doesn't break any new grounds, but its execution, mostly with the help of these three actors will touch you and move you to tears.

In a nutshell, two lovers must confront their doomed love, as one finds himself in purgatory and tries to find a solution to their dilemma. From the beginning it's obvious that Santiago and Miguel have a relationship that is special and goes beyond their physical attraction. Throughout the film, we discover, they have a history, and, like "Brokeback Mountain", things don't quite work out. To make things more complicated, there is a pregnant and lovely wife, and there is true affection in the marriage, but it's a small place, minds are not open, and there is the little marriage of jealousy, sexual attraction, and local gossip.

Miguel, eventually must choose the best possible path; this might mean complete repudiation by his community and the end of his marriage. However, this sacrifice might be necessary in order to save the soul of his beloved. Yes, it sounds complicated and a bit far fetched in paper, but the beautiful script uses simple exchanges to deliver the message, to show us what tortures the souls of the trio, and how the community copes with the drama.

Living in a small community usually means everyone knows your name and your business. There is no isolation from anything or anybody, and rumours usually are based or shaded by truth and/or a strong dose of envy. Soon, we have the local wench spreading gossip, and things become even more problematic for the married couple.

Eventually, the film reaches its conclusion, and there are plenty of satisfying, heart wrenching moments as everyone must face the harsh understanding of what is coming. There are moments of pure love and hope, as Miguel makes his decision. It is not over, but a chapter is closed, and hopefully everyone has learned a lesson that will make them become much better beings.

A masterclass in acting

[cjcsPT · 9/10 · 23 October 2010]

There are lots of things that are not told to us in the beginning or middle of this movie. We do not know who are the characters, where they came from or how they started their relationships. The truth is, we do not need to know that. What we need and by the end of the movie what we want to acknowledge is that this is a movie about love (or different types of love). A movie about grieve and it's most different ways of being expressed. A movie about people and about the way they struggle through their lives to hide what they really are and what or who they really role. This is a movie about loss and pain and also about joy and happiness. In the end, this a movie about being human.

The script is remarkable and it runs away from the clichés and the preconceived ideas you might take while you are walking in the projection room. But even more remarkable are the 3 main characters and the actors who portray them. Cristian Mercado delivers a masterclass in acting. By a comfortable mile, one of the best male acting performances of the year. What is most admirable is the way Mercado can express Miguel's painful grievance: the loss of his lover, the acceptance of what he really his and the loss of his beloved wife and son - there are no hysteric portraits of loss. What you get to see is a outstanding performance focused on the facial and physical expression. Also fantastic the the performance by the Mexican actress Tatiana Astengo.

Could this be one of the front runners for the Best Foreing Language movie of the year? No doubt about it.

A story about love and forgiveness

[redzon19 · 9/10 · 29 December 2010]

I haven't seen such a touching gay movie since Brokeback Mountain. The movie contains so many issues, yet it could still cover them all and touch the deepest emotions in my heart. The depiction of each character is so profound that you can't help feeling the way they experienced.

Everyone is selfish when it comes to love, and so was Miguel. After he found the way how his wife and Santiago could coexist, he decided not to salvage the body and let Santiago rest in peace. He wanted Santiago to exist just for him, without the risk their relationship to be discovered. But not soon after the rumor of the painting ran wild in the village, his ideal pattern of coexistence vanished! In substitution, here comes the suspicion along with the despite from the so-called innocent village. Miguel's wife is just an ordinary woman who couldn't accept the fact that her husband was screwing other man, but the courage and tolerance she maintained is quite extraordinary. Love is the only way to get through this kind of grief. It's true for Miguel for that the loss of his lover and the courage to admit the rumor. On the other hand, it's also true for Miguel's wife who had to raise her child under this circumstance, not to mention the pressure and gossip she had to put up with.

Masculinity is always a main concept in gay movies. Therefore, Miguel had to struggle with his identification like most conservative gay did. In some way, Santiago is not just his lover, but also the desire of freedom which he had been longed for decades. When Miguel made up his mind to fulfill Santiago's last wish no matter what it costs, the determination and courage he showed really made me weep. No doubt that's the moment he found his own freedom and became a true macho!

Tragedy is when love no longer existed, so I would rather say this movie is about love and forgiveness. For those who has been struggled for their identification, this is a must see movie. Furthermore, for those who be the reason some have to struggle for anything, this is definitely a movie you can' t miss!

confession

[Kirpianuscus · 4 September 2021]

It is beautiful. Explaining why is a bizarre exercise. Because, I suppose, each of its viewers discovers something special in the story, locations, characters and their portraits, clash behind options, love and social demands, rules of small community, cinematography, honesty and impulses,death as fiction, the burial ritual, need to be correct to the others and about end. A film like a simple confession. Nothing to demonstrate, nothing to convince. So, honest in profound sense.

The courage of vision and the deep honesty are the main virtues of this great film.

Great for be story of love , in its essence, and the paintings/ drawings are the significant clue.

It is a film of interrogation , for few aspects, only a sketch, proposing realistic characters and intense emotions , being equal to itself, choosing a perfect trio - Manolo Cardona -Cristian Mercado -Tatiana Astengo and, in same measure, admirable actors for the supporting roles. To define it as love story is simple but this love has not only a side, the motherhood, the love for husband and his love for the other, the gifts as expressions of love, the love of a mother for the last wish of his son, the love of a venerable lady for the boy who she knows so well, the love of friends and the remorses of a young woman, ignoring the social taboo, the love out of death.

The last can be the most seductive aspects and the beautiful proof of high art of director.

So, a confession to the viewer of a fisherman , father, husband, good man and too/ very closed friend of a painter who discovered him as pair soul.

Understated

[paul2001sw-1 · 7/10 · 21 December 2013]

Javier Fuentes-Leon's film 'Undertow' is a subtle, sympathetic portrait of a Peruvian fisherman torn between his pregnant wife and his gay lover. What's good about the film is the use it makes of the beautiful Pervuian coastline and the way it portrays status and dynamics within the community of a small fishing village; the acting is also good. But the major plot event occurs early, and afterwards there's a certain absence of drama: the range of things that might happen too constrained by what's already taken place. The film seems to start at least half-way through it's own natural story: inclusion of the events that predate the film's actual start might have added more drive to the narrative.

A beautiful, unique and creative film, and one of the most rewarding experiences I've had at a feature film in a long time!

[russellld · 9/10 · 23 June 2010]

One of the best new films exploring gay male identity, love and relationships, and likely will be a worthy addition to many personal "favorite gay films" lists, although the fact that the film is set in a town, and to some extent a culture, where, at least for a large part of the story, many in the town have not yet evolved in their views of LGBT people and issues, created some (ultimate unnecessary) anxiety for me early in the film, and at parts throughout, as to whether the film would be a throwback to older, more stereotyped and limited representations and stories of gay life, although those anxieties were not only relieved by the end of the film, but, as I suggested, the film is an extremely valuable addition to the new wave of gay cinema.

The writer, director, casting director and cast, cinematographer, set designer and other members of the film-making team also do a great job exploring rural, small town life, with its traditions (religious and otherwise...) superstitions, and class differences, and the interplay among the individuals, families and community who inhabit the town, along with the welcome (or rejection...) given to a stranger who comes there, and who many perceive as a threat to the social fabric of the town, and the support (or lack of it...) the townspeople and characters show to each other, ultimately examining the struggle between bigotry and ignorance, on the one hand, and the struggle to overcome that bigotry and ignorance, and replace it with support, respect and love on the other. Most of the townspeople are not financially well-off, but make just enough to get by, working in occupations connected to fishing and the sea, and the way they relate, individually and as a community, to each other (and to themselves, in regard to what is the true definition of a man, of an individual's self-respect) in light of a newcomer who is more financially well-off, and his artistic and suspected sexual/relationship interests, are additional themes of the film, which play out so well in a beautiful, interesting and captivating way, often evoking strong emotions, and at times offering an inspiring catharsis (and perhaps a few tears, in reaction to some sadness, and much beauty.)

And there are many other highlights of the film beyond all that, including the amazingly beautiful setting, in a rural, seaside Peruvian village, the cinematography, musical score, performances, plot twists and turns, the mix of fantasy and reality (and moments where it's unclear to what extent fantasy exists as an aspect of the story's reality.) This is a truly unique and creative film, and one of the most rewarding experiences I've had at a feature film in a long time.

Undertow: 7/10

[lasttimeisaw · 7/10 · 9 January 2011]

It is a 2011 Oscar Foreign Film submission film from Peru, it is said to be a gay-version of GHOST (1900), nonetheless nowadays gay-themed films are ubiquitous, how come this mini- budget film could stand out?

I am immediately attracted by the coastal surroundings of the Peru coastline, in an unvarnished but conservative village, the homosexual story becomes more appealing and the conflict exacerbates while the still-in-the-closet protagonist is going to be a father.

Although the topic is a mere platitude, the films revolves intimately around traditional religion beliefs and the resolution to face who you are, also the psychic contrivance incises into the film with some credibility, I find it is the most distinguishing feature of the film.

It is a pity the charisma doesn't last until the end, in the second half, I can tell that the film is kinda in the cul-de-sac, I foreboded it will end in an encouraging but predictable way, and it turned out to be the truth, I felt a little bit disappointed, but I didn't have the heart to blame it as it is the safest way to finish the film instead of arousing some controversy (at least we are able to relief ourselves after the film because of its positive conclusion).

The performances are uneven, Manolo Cardona is so handsome that he doesn't need to act as the artistic and tender lover; the main struggle is between Cristian Mercado and Tatiana Astengo, a situation alike Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams in BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN (2006), the scenes between them are over-manipulated and the dialogues are hackneyed.

I think it is not too realistic for the film to be nominated in BEST FOREIGN FILM category, nevertheless it does render a bit of fresh breath from a remote South-American country, I will be exulted to see some miracles in the coming Oscar nomination!

A moving story about the complexities of human relationships, set in a small Peruvian fishing village

[davidgarnes · 9/10 · 4 June 2010]

This movie gathers impetus as it goes along, so that by the end you are completely caught up in its complex and very moving depiction of the twists and turns of the human heart. The story exists on several levels--love story; political/religious commentary; ghost story. Filmed in a seaside village in Peru, the movie has beautiful cinematography, and the music soundtrack is also evocative of a culture far removed from city life. The three principal actors are superb, especially Cristian Mercado as the tormented husband/lover. The supporting players are also outstanding, each contributing to the overall depiction of the townspeople observing the drama that unfolds. I won't give the plot away except to say that it exists on more than one level of reality. Highly recommended.

Poor writing, especially on the main character.

[leolopesd · 6/10 · 25 August 2015]

I wasn't as satisfied as some of the reviewers seem to be. See, the film had potential to explore subjects, but felt a bit shallow in exploring the gay theme. It didn't delve into any of the issue, but rather dealt with the main character's struggle on coming out, and how little guilt he felt when his lover died.

The main character was not relatable, therefore I spent the movie wondering why he wasn't the one who died. Santiago was such a marvelous character, and rather than exploring his point of view, we were left to empathize with a selfish, one dimensional character. I just wasn't able to feel his pain at all, because he only thought of himself throughout the whole picture, and the end wasn't enough to undo all the wrongs, here.

Awful

[chacrolamqui · 2/10 · 23 May 2023]

I'm bewildered by the reviews of the users and critics. What do they find so wonderful in this poor peice of filming? For once, even, I have to disagree with the guru of CGii who praises it as well...For me the whole business is only rendered watchable by its setting : the Pervusian coast and the cliffs and the fishing boats are a delight. But the characters are so ordinary and unattractive and the ghostly presence is stupid. As to the message, well I suppose you could say that we're being told "Some men can only come out if they have to bury the man they love." I myself would add "Be very wary of bisexuals".

Undertow: Undeservedly Under The Radar

[rroberto18 · 10/10 · 27 November 2010]

In early 2010, the first Peruvian film ever nominated for a Foreign Language Film Oscar -- "Milk Of Sorrow" (2009) -- got a U.S. 2-screen release that grossed all of 10K. Clearly UNDERTOW has no Peruvian coattails to ride in on. Despite Sundance kudos and buzz, it's already being ghettoized as a gay film. Yet it clearly is so much more. UNDERTOW doubly violates that genre's political correctness: the lead is both closeted and heroic while the captivating tale constantly eschews white/urbane predictability. We watch two more curve balls being thrown at us as well: next-world fantasy and 3rd world folklore. So this is definitely not "'Brokeback Mountain' meets 'Ghost'" as several critics have written it off in facile reviewer shorthand. But UNDERTOW may well have the power to connect with portions of the mainstream audiences for both of those films -- via word of mouth, curiosity-building press and guerrilla marketing. Our unexpected attraction to a real-life subsistence-poor fishing village and its close-knit, tradition-bound "primitive" citizens are seamlessly woven into the film's cast as well as fabric. Breath-taking cinematography, a script illuminating characters rather than telescoping plot, understated yet powerful performances and a hypnotic world music soundtrack take UNDERTOW far beyond the shorelines of dry-docked movie-making. Many high-concept films have dealt with men forced to choose between family and lovers. Others have pitted unlikely heroes against the mores of society. Nor is a quest to carry out the final wishes of the dearly departed at all innovative. But UNDERTOW combines these themes in a way no writer- director has done before. First-timer Javier Fuentes-León does so with fearless honesty and sublime-on-a-shoestring craft. No surprise then that it's this year's Foreign Language entry from Peru.

Poetic and passionate - A broke-back seafront

[monasterace · 10/10 · 2 November 2010]

I saw this movie in a small festival in Bologna (Italy) last Saturday, never heard about it before so it happened to be a magnificent surprise. The movie is set in a seafront village in Peru, where a fisherman, Miguel (aka Mico) living with his pregnant wife, but in love with a city born painter-photographer, Santiago (Tiago).

Santiago kills himself drowning in the ocean, and returns as a ghost whom only Miguel can see. The film's better invention is the realisation that, for Miguel, having an invisible lover is a comfortable situation. He can finally living his relationship with Tiago without hiding himself, despite living in a small deeply catholic community where homosexuality is condemned as sin.

But unfortunately this situation doesn't last very long, and Miguel will face the hostility of his village revealing his relationship with Santiago and giving him a proper funeral ceremony.

The lead actors performances are astonishing and the small Peruvian village set is something you wouldn't easily forget.

Highly recommended.

A must see!

[penncare · 10/10 · 31 July 2010]

This movie was simply awesome! I ended up seeing it twice at QFest (which is the LGBT film festival in Philadelphia). The movie was done by a first time director. It blew my mind away and I was crying at how touching it was. The performances were top notch by some very high caliber actors/actresses. The director really recruited some amazing people as one was Peruvian, another Colombian and I think another lead was Mexican. You can read others' reviews for a summary of the movie. I will simply say go see this as soon as you can. It won an award at Sundance as well as two awards at QFest. When this film was announced as a nominee, there was some major clapping. There are very few movies I will give a 10 out of 10 to but it ranks up there with movies like Shelter, Bear City and the Diaries of Anne Lister. This movie is worth paying full price because the entire movie from beginning to end is incredible. Wow! I know my praise of this movie sounds like I am part of the PR machine for this movie and I am trying to hype it up but if you read my past reviews, you know the types of movies I like and don't like. I really, really liked this movie and I think you will too! Enjoy.

We take care of his body that God may take care of his soul

[showtrmp · 8/10 · 22 April 2012]

Unforgettable, moody, and original (in a genre that has been flunking at the last of those adjectives), this Peruvian offering is both sensual and deeply moving, often at the same time. It takes a gimmicky premise and makes that premise seem the most natural way to tell this particular story.

An ordinary fisherman in a Peruvian village (which gets most of its living from the sea) is contentedly married to a lovely woman and expecting his first child (the first shot of the movie is of him resting his head on the mother's stomach, trying to hear the baby's heartbeat). He has the usual gaggle of slightly overcompensating macho friends with whom he likes to hang out, drink, and play soccer. He also has a male lover, a painter/photographer from the mainland who never seems part of any group and who is subjected to the usual provincial cold shoulder. The painter is a sophisticated modern artist plunked down in a primitive world. After a quarrel with the fisherman, the painter drowns, but his spirit cannot truly die; he hangs around, visible only to the fisherman, trapped between worlds until his body can be found and subjected to the burial rites he scorned when he was alive.

As Miguel the fisherman, Cristian Mercado is just right; although he has a taut physique from working, his looks are a little goofy and off enough to make his terror at not seeming "manly" credible. And Manolo Cardona as Santiago the painter has the kind of face cameras pray for, with piercing blue eyes that could haunt any man (or woman) forever. Santiago is something of a wraith even before he dies; he drifts about the fringes of society, snapping pictures and making periodic awkward overtures to the locals (such as offering to buy drinks after a funeral) which are self-righteously rebuffed. He's only fully alive when with his lover; it's as if a dam broke inside him. And Tatiana Astengo is so sensually easy and playful as the pregnant wife that the moments when she snaps and gives orders are unexpected and tonic. (Her husband swears on Miguelito--the newborn baby--that he isn't homosexual, her response--"Don't ever swear on him. Ever. Do you understand me?" leaves absolutely no doubt about it.) Director Javier Fuentes-Leon wanders around this little town, letting us in on all the nooks and corners, and paints a full picture of a society several decades behind our own in its thinking. There's a gay joke told by Miguel's friends in a bar which was cut and is on the DVD extras; I wish it had been retained, because it sums up the movie's theme--that these men can understand a man sexually desiring another man in an "emergency", but the thought of true love--i.e., tenderness--between men is obscene to them. Santiago's death is initially rather a break for Miguel--he can be with his invisible lover and still live up to his "duty" as a husband and father. Yet Santiago, who was a dirty secret before, is an even more powerless one now, and he has to bear the additional indignity of hearing himself scorned and denied by Miguel. It's hard to imagine a more perfect metaphor for the closet. The story comes to an emotionally satisfying resolution which also seems like a new beginning--one where the possible outcomes are as limitless as the sea.

Great Film to watch ever

[englishrules-grammar · 10/10 · 17 May 2013]

I love to watch this film over and over, in fact this is my 4th times watching it. Drama and sentimental and I admit it, I cried.

In real life. Some homosexual love affair there is always hindrance especially if one is gotta married but they are still in love each other. He who got married has to accept his real feelings, however, denies the truth in front of his wife and friends...but at the end...no secret remain secret and he has to face the reality once and for all.

What more I could say? I salute to those actors and actress. They performed their roles quite splendidly.

I recommended it already to all my friends for them to watch and they are asking for Part 2, if any.

Congratulation for the great film. I hope there is Part 2 on this!

A thought provoking gem

[briangnosis-537-38631 · 9/10 · 24 November 2012]

I seldom watch non English language films as I have dyslexia and subtitles can be challenging. This film was so well constructed and acted that the subtleties of the human condition were expressed without the need for understanding every word. It makes one question so much about convention, preconceptions and identity. The film contains some beautiful cinematic shots as well as unobtrusive music. There is a visual and situational realism that draws one in.

The concept of ritual to deal not only with the needs for closure by the living but also the passage of a soul into rest was well handled . Also well handled are the concept of love and fear of loss and potential selfish reactions as well as the ability of the human to rise above such thoughts and feelings to the benefits of others, even at a cost to oneself.

The story was interesting and unusual. Should be watched by all thinking people.

Homosexuals & Ghosts...(as deep a male love story ever shown us)....

[arizona-philm-phan · 30 May 2012]

....Society....and our Communities tell us: "You've not a Ghost of a Chance."

(( When Society, families, others close by and, sadly, even ourselves keep us from being who we are supposed to be...from loving the person we are supposed to love...then we've allowed ourselves to be screwed (and, yes, I'm talking about me...and, likely, some of you). And every now and again, to remind us of this, as happens in this tale, there will come some sign or object...perhaps as simple as a "Candle"...which mysteriously appears in our lives, causing us to recall what we've lost ))

(( Have you ever thought...or said to a Beloved: "Without you, there is Nothing?" If yes, then you were foretelling a major theme of this film ))

A married, coastal fisherman (Miguel) as our main lead, and an unattached, visiting artist (Santiago) are the focus of this passionate love story between 2 men, spanning youth into adulthood. We'll learn this affair has a likely background of boys spending summers together...of fun times...and, no doubt, moments of finding love with one another. Sadly, however, this is a film focusing on their current day relationship which, like that of Romeo & Juliet, is being thwarted in almost every way.

So, for now, we find ourselves watching and becoming absorbed in an extremely impassioned--though well hidden--love affair. With nearly every scene involving these two leads, our view of the intensity of their love for one another continues to be reinforced, as the film makes its way to a heart-rending conclusion. Of hundreds of such films in my possession, none surpass the realistic displays of love and affection given us by these actors...this director. And in watching this story play out, it becomes oh so obvious that, while Miguel deeply cares for his pregnant wife, it is Santiago who is the "Great Love" of his life. We see a relationship which has even reached the point of loving "endearment names" being used for one another (Miguel as "Mico" / Santiago is "Tiago"), not to mention our witnessing numerous scenes of closeness--erotic and otherwise.

Some final thoughts: You will come to see theirs as an "Everlasting Love". And you will witness pure joy in something as simple as a hand-in-hand stroll....and sadness as stirring as a loving hand against cheek. Happy emotions deep enough to hit you in the gut....but also sadness...tears...loss. If you're not ashamed of crying, you will probably do so. This is a movie of lessons for many of we viewers, importantly telling us that letting go of a love, even one we may have at times denied, is an impossibility. It is an especially apt reminder...if we are to live a truthful future life (just watch as our main lead resolves his truth during a heartbreaking moment with his wife near film's end).

PS--Watch for a young, fellow fisherman, Tano by name, who I often see lending support when most others don't, and taking a definite interest in our beleaguered Miguel. See where he positions himself in at least one group gathering....notice where his eyes flicker in scenes involving Miguel. Ah, who knows if he is a possible harbinger for Miguel's future and whether, in this man, "Mico" will find the solace and warmth he now so desperately needs. (Am I dreaming this up? You decide.)

****

Showpiece of unintended homophobia

[randolf-destaller · 1/10 · 13 May 2020]

Outdated reproduction of the clichee that every male-to-male love story has to contain either separation or the death of one of the men, as endlessly retold in 20th century cinema from 1919 ('Anders als die andern') to 1996 ('Beautiful Thing', first major exception). Typical progressive panels like the ones at Sundance and GLAAD unexplainably ignored the imagery of unintended and internalised homophobia.

A moving gem of a film

[jjnxn-1 · 10/10 · 12 May 2013]

Beautifully wrought story of a man coming to grips with his true self. Exquisite performances with Cristian Mercado absolutely riveting in the lead. This isn't a film that provides easy answers or comforting assurances, life in this village is a tough ingrained macho stronghold even though a small glimmer of progression is allowed to shine though near the end. Mercado shows the intense struggle the main character must navigate to not only make peace with a crushing tragedy but learn how to align his moral code with something that could cost him everything he hasn't already lost. Mercado isn't alone in offering a great performance everyone is very fine. Deeply affecting and well worth seeking out.

Because it made me cry..One of the best movie of my life

[jshashank91 · 10/10 · 1 December 2014]

I was surfing on net last night about best gay movies than i came to this movie.. After watching this movies i cried for almost an hour, because in India its almost same, difficult for people to come out about their sexuality and most of the married Indian males try to search their love in other guys.

The story, the acting and the emotions are so true and you can easily relate you with movie. Simple, small and friendly village, where people understand each other and lives in a unity and the emotions of a gay men, his simplicity and the way he messed up with all the stuff makes it more real. The end part was very touchy and i still found myself crying when i think about it. I know how it feels to say goodbye forever to someone you love more than anything in this world.

This is one of the movie where they have represented gays with a different point of view unlike other movies about only sex, gay parties, sex buddies and making jokes on feminine gays. Its about the true feeling of a guy for someone, though he love his family but he doesn't wanna loose that someone special as well.

Simply beautiful

[nug_martin · 10/10 · 18 September 2011]

This my first time ever writing a review on a film. I just have to recommend this movie to everyone. You will feel emotionally moved by this movie. I can't believe I cried so much during the movie. I am a man who does not usually cry. This is one of the best love stories I have ever seen.

Everything about this movie is just so good, especially the acting. The lead actors chosen for the roles really made this story even more special, they have the chemistry. I am sorry, I just don't know what else to write. You just need to see it for yourself.

Please please watch it when you have the chance.