Rating: 
Summary: One of the most life affirming films of the past decade
Review: There are not enough positive adjectives to adequately describe the impact of this beautiful little film from Argentina. The writer and director have created a universal story about the place to which we've come as a society in the 21st Century. The alienation of the individual whether by self induced means of over-reaching in career achievement, by the problem of the senior citizens groping for a place in this fast paced, youth oriented world, or by the 'new' diseases such as Alzheimers - all are put into his story, stirred with love and intellect, and the result is a feast for the soul and the heart. Ricardo Darin subtly progresses from a divorced, distant father completely absorbed by a restaurant business he inherited and has only submerged himself in because of his need to at some point please his mother. Hector Alterio is his father who remains at the side of his Alzheimer wife (incredibly portrayed by the immensely gifted Norma Aleandro), seeking only to grant her 'forgotten' wish of a true wedding. The simplicity of this gesture of love alters the lives of all characters. After a stay in the ICU following a myocardial infarction, the son (Darin) finds his way back to the meaning of love, of family, of changing the focus of his life. This story may sound banal as stated, but with a cast of main and supporting actors of this quality, I doubt there will be a dry eye in the room when you gift yourself with this film. A little masterpiece.
Rating:
Summary: Stay for the credits
Review: This film shows true love and devotion the way it's meant to be seen - something that ages beautifully, even after 44 years and 37 days. Nino's love for his wife, Norma, IS happily ever after, in sickness and in health.DON'T FORGET TO STAY FOR THE CREDITS! You finally learn who the mysterious Dick Watson is and it is hilarious. This is a fantastic movie from beginning to end...literally.
Rating:
Summary: Stay for the credits
Review: This film shows true love and devotion the way it's meant to be seen - something that ages beautifully, even after 44 years and 37 days. Nino's love for his wife, Norma, IS happily ever after, in sickness and in health. DON'T FORGET TO STAY FOR THE CREDITS! You finally learn who the mysterious Dick Watson is and it is hilarious. This is a fantastic movie from beginning to end...literally.
Rating:
Summary: a simply beautiful and real film
Review: This is an incredible film. It is very real and moving. All of the characters are people you know. THe film contains it all, humor, real life situations, economic boundaries, tradition versus modernity seen in many lights. When they eat Burger King, but Rafael owned the traditional restaurant. There are many dichotomies, old/young, new/old, but life and unity seemed to be the main themes that stuck everyone together. Highly recommended, a tearjearker also. Only complaint- maybe I'm crazy, but the audio seems to be hard to understand at points. It seems taht the voices are hardly heard and that one must depend on the subtitles.
Rating:
Summary: A Pearl
Review: This is excellent; it earns a " Mahieu Pearl". It is Argentinian, and has a principal cast of about seven, all of whom do a wonderful job. It is a story about a 42 year old guy who inherits a very nice restaurant from his parents, but it has become an albatross for him. He is incredibly stressed, fights with everyone, including his ex-wife and girlfriend, and grumps at his 10 year old daughter. Then a number of events occur that change his life, including his father's announcement that he wants to give his wife the church wedding he refused 44 years ago. Charming with some nice funny lines. Listen for "Largo for Xerxes" played toward the end and by all means watch the credits. Rent it today!
Rating: 
Summary: can't go wrong
Review: This is the kind of movie that's almost impossible to dislike. It's a very lighthearted, touching, funny film with great acting. Some parts are borderline cheesy, but they are very few and very bearable. The casting is spectacular and Darin (Nine Queens-another great movie) is such a pleasure to watch. It'll make you laugh, cry, think...it's good entertainment. Not in the same league as my favorite foreign films (like Central Station, Amores Perros) but an undoubtedly enjoyable movie.
Rating:
Summary: If life passes you by, what are you waiting for to catch up?
Review: This little seen Argentinian film is, simply put, one of the most refreshing comedies of the last few years. Nominated for a Foreign Language Film Academy Award in 2001, the movie stars Ricardo Darin (Nine Queens) as Rafael, a man who operates a restaurant once owned by his parents, Nino and Norma. Basically, the film shows us how Rafael's life changes through a series of events that happen to him and his family, with the final message being that there's more to life than work, and that love is the strongest force there is (at least, that's my take). The tag line says it all: "If life passed you by, what are you waiting for to catch up?". It has some of the funniest dialogues ever, showcasing, in a not-so-stereotypical way, how people from Buenos Aires speak and behave (and I should know, my wife's family's from there!) - although it should be said that some of it may get lost in the translation, especially when really local expressions are used. The acting is excellent accross the board. Darin is great as the not-so-likeable protagonist, with whom we grow closer as the movie progresses, and most of the other characters, like his girlfriend Naty (the lovely Natalia Verbeke), his ex-wife (Claudia Fontán) and others, while not having that much screen time, give great performances. But the best acting of the film is done by Héctor Alterio, as Nino, Rafael's father, Norma Aleandro (they've worked together in many films, most notably The Official Story, and most recently Cleopatra, with Natalia Oreiro) who plays Norma, his Alzheimer's disease suffering mother, and by Eduardo Blanco, who plays Juan Carlos, his wacky childhood friend who has become an actor. If you're in the mood to try something that's decidedly not Hollywood, yet refreshing, funny and heartwarming, be sure to give this movie a look. It's well worth it!
Rating:
Summary: Humble comeuppance that reaches for the sky
Review: What a wonderful film! Rafael, stressed and overworked, is rapidly screwing up all the important relationships in his life. He's already divorced, is about to lose his lovely girlfriend, nearly stands up his about-10yo daughter, and doesn't understand why his charming father would want a church wedding for his 'wife' of 44 years, esp since she's suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
Then he has a heart attack - and goes thru a classic change of life. But in this case, he first makes everything worse before figuring out how to make it all beter.
Incandescent performances by everyone. Really an astonishingly wonderful Argentinean movie almost overflowing with touches of humanity.
Rating:
Summary: Just the best !!!
Review: You can enjoy a fun, loving story that help you to know what is your place in the comunity, in your family. Have a great time enjoying this argentine movie whit some relatives and friends. Have fun.
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