Oro Amargo

Gripping coming-of-age story in a Neo-Western set of lawlessness that manages to enthrall the viewer by playing with both the visible and hidden dangers that the main character Carola and her father Pacífico face. Carola is perceptively portrayed by the upcoming Chilean actress Katalina Sánchez who manages to beautifully convey the complex emotions and profound resilience that make up Carola's experience.

It's a story and a setting rarely seen on screen and a character who gives it a unique and interesting twist by challenging existing perspectives.

Rather than just by violent imagery, the tension is built up by developing and focusing on the social dynamics shaped by the different characters, their beliefs and superstitions and the patriarchal structures and rough physical environment they live in.

The storytelling is enhanced by a balanced use of sound and silence that further pulls the viewer into the plot and the rising dangers.

Ultimately, my favourite part about production is the outstanding camera work that skilfully plays with the encompassing darkness of the mines and desert nights and meticulously uses headlamps, torches and car headlights to create contrasts and put the spotlight on the storyline. Special compliments to the director of photography Sergio Armstrong.

Not least the stunning imagery of the Atacama desert makes the movie worth watching, as it manages to capture both the threatening environment and the inexplicable sense of otherworldly magic that is so particular to this place.

I was also at the German permiere and the reviewer below who only have 1 star (look at his profile: almost all of his ratings are 1-2 star. Seems like a very sad guy).

The movie was good, had a very nice story and not ultimately foreseeable. It was well written for what it was and the actors did a nice job. There was not one minute of boredom and there were even some "shocker" scenes included which were definitely not foreseeable as could be seen by the reaction of the audience. Instead of criticising a premier where they explained that it was a low budget movie (what do you expect ??) one should be thankful that something like this is being realised. This Ludwig guy really p**ses me off ("it is no wonder that producers are not knocking on her door") - like come on! Give that girl a chance ffs.

I was at the German premiere when co-producer and lead actress presented their film. If a film, claimed to be a "western", which it isn't, depends this much on the quality of the main actress, why cast not an experienced one,, at least one with charisma? The character of Carala is rather undeveloped, many aspects of her past and psychological turmoil remain in the dark. Katalina Sánchez as Carola, does not appear to be on top of the game, more so like being chased by events to which she can add nothing of her own. So it is no wonder that producers are not knocking on her door, as she admitted after the screening when asked by an audience member. The story itself remains unintriguing, the ending is somewhat forseeable and the plot (is there a plot?) appears luke warm at best. The setting in the Atacama desert is intriguing but wears off after half time. Why a Frankfurt producer team co-produced this mediocre intimate play, supported by state film subsidy funds is by far beyond my comprehension.