A wonderful Surprise

Bolivia (2001,Adrián Caetano)


Bolivia is a film that knows what it's doing. A very simple concept with wonderful direction. The film is about a restaurant and a bolivian man named freddy who works there. It's his first day on the job and the locals are against him due to mainly because he is bolivian. Most of the film except for about 2 or 3 scenes take place in the restaurant. The direction by Adrian is wonderful, we get all of the background we need on all the characters that roam around the restaurant and the best thing is that he does it in under 75 minutes. Something that most directors can't even do in a 2 hour film.

The acting is well acted and doesnt go over the top. Freddy is played by Freddy flores which gives a wonderful performance that suits him well. Oscar bertea also gives a stand out performance as Oso, a man filled with many problems and just can't get back on his feet. The actors dont go for this huge oscar tear jerking performance but just a simple one that makes the characters realistic.

I was pleasently surprised by this film because i had no idea what i was in for. Some people may compare it to clerks for reasons that are pretty idiotic. It's black and white and nearly takes place all in one setting. Well it's nothing like clerks which i also love. I've also been hearing that Argentina which this film is from is having a little new wave going on but im not really sure on the details of the filmmakers that are coming out from there. After seeing this film which most critics and film buffs say is the best argentinian film to come out in recent years then im all up for seeing more of there work. A great simple film that knows what it's doing.


Grade A