Boobirt Stylish but barely mediocre overall

Solidrariol Am I Missing Something?

filippaberry84 I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Brendon Jones It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Joe Madrid This movie had 70 professional film critic reviews and 8 ordinary viewers. Tells you something there--namely that it is an art/film festival winner with little popular appeal.I kept watching the movie for the street scenes of Caracas--as sort of a travel documentary into average city street life Venezuela. The theme of an older gay man (Armando) pursuing teenage rough trade was understandable if depressing....but then things turn and the pursued (Elder) becomes the pursuer. I thought that however unlikely this scenario was it was finally a gay movie with a positive unlikely erotic outcome! Not one where one of the lovers dies or the mother of one of the gay men kills herself etc etc... WRONGAfter getting the dream relation Armando has always wanted he turns Elder in to the police after the latter kills his hated father. ???Makes no sense of course....but then since when do technicians who make false teeth have endless supplies of cash? This is the occupation of Armando.Yes yes it is full of symbolism (the names of the protagonists Armando (play on armed?) and Elder the teenager) and a jillion other film/story crafts and techniques to comment on....but this some how doesn't make up for the depressing story line. But it wins awards and provides fodder for all the reviewers.DO NOT RECOMMEND....Yet another dystopian gay movie.

ward12 This is a beautiful and complex film that explores ideas of masculinity, love, family, dependence, while at the same time portraying a disturbing picture of a society in which privilege and money can buy anything. The manipulative Armando has at some point obviously been a victim himself, but his cultivation and ultimate betrayal of the teenager Elder is, in the end, disturbing and gives the film a bleakness that is totally unexpected. It's a very powerful portrayal of two characters who you initially might think you understand, but the director manages to completely change your sympathies and turn everything on its head. The sparse dialogue helps create an emotional tension that's at the heart of this movie. Intriguing and compelling.

alan-337-713682 Life is complicated regardless of your income, education, or family. Everyone wants to be loved and sometimes that's difficult to show and receive. Through raw footage, spartan dialog and the very patient dissection of complex characters they learn to love and trust and to be worthy of both. But that doesn't mean life sorts itself out right away and just when things seem to be great, the plot twists in gut wrenching ways and roles reverse. That doesn't mean it ends well for all.Contrary to the comments of another, I found the raw staging, brief dialog and lack of music (except when one would encounter it in real life) to greatly enhance the direction of the file. It takes a bit more patience to find yourself drawn into the story, but its so much more honest and lifelike.The two lead actors were great... very empathetic. Kudos

colarusso-1 This film is one of the best productions made in Latin America have seen in recent years. It shows clearly the loneliness and abandonment leading to attitudes often repulsive. The highly original narrative takes us to a completely unexpected outcome. In this aspect the film has a highly original narrative, nothing the usual story of an old man paying to have sex with a young man. Abandonment, loneliness, violence. The sad fact of everyday life. Excellent actors and an excellent pace of narrative to the end. The film even deserved all the awards he received. A masterpiece. I can not understand the criticism as negative other commentators. It's an intimate film with enormous human content. For those who live in Latin America like me it is clear that the director knows the violent environment of cities like Caracas. Great movie.