I’m glad I found time to squeeze in two hours at the cinema this week to see No (2012). In 1988, under international pressure to legitimise his regime, General Augusto Pinochet allowed a referendum to determine if he would remain in power. The Chilean people who supported the regime were to vote yes, those who didn’t were to vote no. Director Pablo Larraín’s history-driven film has Gael García Bernal in an admiring performance in the role of the maverick advertising man, René Saavedra, who was instrumental in the winning campaign.
Smart, simple, direct and heartfelt, I loved the movie for telling things as they are (including some far-reaching political truths) and for its darkly-funny view on modern democracy and human nature. The filming style is distinct. I think it was shot in a sort of television style of the times, evoking the era and allowing for archival footage to be easily integrated in the movie, which, although maybe a little disturbing at first, in my opinion contributed to its authenticity. If you like intelligent films, you should see it.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
I am not familiar with the film- so I will have to check it out! Hopefully it is available online somewhere, because something tells me it won’t be readily available in Singapore….
Sounds good, although I think I need to be in the mood to watch it. x
Natalia, it’s involving, but it doesn’t slip into the dramatic side due to it’s sly humour and to the apolitical campaign conducted by René Saavedra. It’s a different perspective on political marketing (I’m trying not to reveal too much).
I am planning to see this movie, Ada, this weekend 😉 Thanks for the recommendation 😉 Have a fabulous weekend!
Hi Ada, What a coincidence! I was just discussing this film yesterday with my brother, who recommended it also. My hubby is British but was born and raised in Chile. Should be an interesting film from a number of perspectives.
Thanks for the recommendation and wishing you a wonderful weekend!
xo
G
Georgianna, I think you’ll find it very interesting. Let me know what you think after you’ve seen it.
Ada, I was thinking to watch this movie this week! : ) now I definitely will!!!
I’ve been wanting to see this film since it came out here in the UK but for some reason totally missed it. I can’t wait to get my hands on it.
Have a lovely weekend.
Red
thank you for this review. i have not heard of it but i adore gael garcia bernal and this film sounds fantastic. i am going to see if i can track it down. i just got “the skin i live in” in the mail this week and i am sooo excited to watch it this weekend. i have been waiting to see it since i heard about it before it was even released! (then your post made me even more desperate to see it). finally!
Christine, I think The Skin I Live In is my favourite Almodovar film. It’s so beautifully crafted and the aesthetic is amazing. I love Almodovar’s thrillers. I liked Broken Embraces very much too, but The Skin I Live In is at another level.
I’m not sure where I can find this film, I don’t think it came to the cinema near where I live that plays foreign movies–but now I really want to see it. I also just heard about Fruitvale Station that won Sundance (set up in Oakland near where I went to college) and I also really want to see that too. Hope you’re having a wonderful Sunday!
xo Mary Jo
Such a spectacular Mexican actor Gabriel Garcia Bernal! I remember watching him when i was a little girl in Mexico lol Unfortunately i am not familiar with the film but def checking it out! Thanks for sharing.
xox
I loved this movie – especially the fantastic way in which it was shot and edited, making it feel like an 80s TV show throughout. Quirky and enlightening.
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