Herencia

Rating:
Summary: Love Songs in Buenos Aires
Review: HERENCIA is a superb film from Argentina directed by the gifted Paula Hernandez. Using very economical means, Hernandez presents a story about the intertwining of people's lives that is most appropriate for Buenos Aires as this beautiful city has long been known as a safe haven refuge for Europeans and North Americans alike.

Olinda (Oli - played to absolute perfection by Rita Cortese) is a
small restaurant owner who serves her neighborhood: most of the customers are old friends and Oli barely ekes out a living, cooking with the help of one helper - Angel. She has 'decided' to sell the restuarant to make enough money to return to her home country - Italy. Into her life pops a young German visitor Peter - Adrian Witzke) in search of his long lost girlfriend he met there some years ago. Without anything but a picture to guide him and speaking minimal Spanish, he frustratedly happens into Oli's restaurant and is befriended by her, ultimately being allowed to sleep on the bar, be hired as a barkeep and handyman. Oli 'adopts' Peter spiritually and together they share their dreams as fellow traveler/immigrants despite the significant difference in their ages. The way the two cope with love [Oli with her artist companion (M. Adjamian), Peter with his irretrievable lost love and then new found one (Julieta Diaz)]; the need for acknowledging roots and holding on to the good things of the past; the way they resolve their needs - all make for a very tender love story. The cast is superb - every character well cast and performed. So many levels of love stories played against the romantic setting of Buenos Aires. Well worth your time!