El Suspiro del Silencio

Few movies leave me breathless (El Suspiro del Silencio, the original title in Spanish) left me breathless. Why is this movie not in Netflix? I often wonder if hollywood, a dying industry, is dying because of their lack of originality. Whisper, as I want to calle it, is a miracle, a punch in the gut that awekens your soul. A femine war battle film. Laura is powerful. The director, Quijada, deserves many awards. A must see film that carries you into a world never seen before, the world of coffee, the suffering and sacrifice of women in the working fields of Central America and, well, anywhere in the world. Are women safe anywhere? Well, Whisper sure makes us question this.

This film captures your attention right from the opening scene. The beautiful landscape, the sounds, the music and the cinematography keep you engaged and wanting more. The film is very well cast and some excellent performances. I can see why Laura Osma has won awards for her performance. She is able to be powerful, yet sensitive and vulnerable. There is a strong arc to her performance and we see the character grow. As a young filmmaker, Alfonso Quijada shows great maturity in being able to weave these stories together taking us through twists and turns while keeping us intrigued and wanting more. The ending will surprise you. It caught me by surprise. Very well done and worth watching. You won't be disappointed!

"The Whisper of Silence" is a beautifully crafted film that captures your attention from the very first frame. The film's stunning portrayal of the El Salvadorian coffee fields sets the tone for an intimate yet intense story that unfolds with visual splendor. The lush landscapes, combined with the delicate use of sound and music, make this film an immersive experience. Alfonso Quijada, in his directorial debut, demonstrates a remarkable maturity in storytelling, weaving together narratives of trauma, aspiration, and familial bonds with unexpected twists and turns.

Laura Osma's portrayal of Josefina Moreno, an 18-year-old coffee picker with an extraordinary sense of smell, is nothing short of exceptional. It's easy to see why she has received awards for her performance. Osma's ability to balance strength, sensitivity, and vulnerability creates a powerful character arc, making Josefina's journey toward becoming a coffee taster compelling. You witness her growth and resilience as she navigates the challenges posed by her brother's reckless choices, and her personal fears. Her performance feels authentic, anchoring the film in deep emotional resonance.

The supporting cast, including Emmy Mena, Carlos Aylagas, and Juan Carlos Velis, add depth to the film's narrative. Though their screen time is limited, they make impactful contributions to the overall story, enhancing the film's rich texture. The relationships between these characters are nuanced and compelling, contributing to the overall tension and intrigue of the film.

Quijada's direction is commendable. He skillfully balances moments of quiet reflection with more intense, suspenseful scenes, culminating in a surprising ending that keeps viewers engaged until the very last moment. The film is emotionally charged and thought-provoking, exploring themes of ambition, survival, and the consequences of choices. The cinematography, particularly the way it captures the beauty of the Salvadorian countryside, combined with a well-chosen score, creates a deeply immersive atmosphere.

As a young filmmaker, Quijada proves his ability to create a film that is both visually and narratively engaging. "The Whisper of Silence" is a remarkable debut, a testament to the director's potential in the film industry. The film is a unique and rewarding watch, offering a fresh perspective on Latin American storytelling. The UK release marks a significant achievement for Salvadorian cinema, and this film's critical acclaim is well-deserved.

If you're looking for a captivating, emotional drama with stellar performances and a unique setting, "The Whisper of Silence" is a must-watch. You won't be disappointed by its intricate story, powerful acting, and stunning visuals.

Tony Sagastizado I.

There are remnants of a good film in there, but 'The Whisper of Silence' is ultimately boring viewing.

One or two moments piqued my interest, though for the vast majority of these 90 or so minutes I was super unintrigued by events onscreen (or lack thereof). The main plot is literally about coffee tasting (!), the filmmakers were evidently going for the artsy approach but boy does it feel like a waste of screen time. The subplot with Alfredo at least offers something to watch with interest.

With all that said, I will say that I did actually like Laura Osma in the lead role. She has a great acting face, I know that's a weird thing to say but what I mean is I can see her acting in something like a bloody horror flick and killing it. Unfortunately, here, Osma doesn't have much to work with; in that sense, she actually does quite well.

This picture does admirably end with a stark message about women's rights, so that's something. Strictly as a movie: disappointing.

El Suspiro del Silencio is a cinematic poem tainted with harsh reality. Set against the coffee culture, the lead actress, Josefina, inspires us to believe in ourselves; her instincts and her incredible gift take her into new opportunities in the world of tasting coffee; finding light despite the terrible situations she has gone through. The film shows two sides of a reality that is difficult to overcome, on one side the evil of a man who rips her life apart - contrasted with men who inspire and support her, and a brother struggling to avenge her. El Suspiro del Silencio leaves us breathless at the end, struggling with darkness but yet we identified horribly with it. The film manages to connect with the deepest feelings of the audience and inspired me to speak against this awful situations taking place globally.