Sus ojos se cerraron y el mundo sigue andando

Heart-rending tale of a woman who idolises Carlos Gardel and it's easy to see how she gets lost in fantasy. The acting is very good. The film story line makes it seem that there is a very fine line between reality and fantasy that can be crossed if one does not take care. The music and songs are fabulous if you are a fan of tango. A film that I wholeheartedly recommend- I've seen it three or four times - definately 9/10 for it's genre.

This movie, based on the life of the greatest tango character of the Argentina, Carlos Gardel, traces the doubt of whether or not Gardel is dead. A movie that makes you think that maybe it could be true, or it could all be a story.

The sewing between fiction and reality in the story of Juanita Romero relieved a magnificent parade of tangos and a true romantic comedy. The irony of the film, especially of the final sequence with Gardel imitating Gardel, has a strong Borges flavor with the destiny of one being carried through in the other.

This is a dishonest movie. Its basic premise is the existence of a man that not only sings exactly like the immensely popular tango singer of the thirties Carlos Gardel, but looks exactly like him, to the point of being able to fool an entire theater packed with Gardel's admirers (to understand the absurdity, think of somebody that sings and looks like Plácido Domingo and impersonates him in an opera without anybody noticing).

The plot of the movie implies that Gardel was irresponsible and disdainful of his fans (he was in fact a consummate professional and a considerate man) and that Alfredo Le Pera (the poet that wrote many of Gardel's tango lyrics) was capable of an vile act of deceit again Gardel's interests. Not so: Le Pera was as honest as they come, and a true friend of Gardel. Even Gardel's mother is described as conniving and cold; she was nothing of the sort.

Yes, the movie is glossy and sleek and the actors are fine, but one should not tamper gratuitously with history.

For those who are familiar with Carlos Gardel and his music, this movie is an experience not to be missed. And for those who know nothing about Argentine tango or Carlos Gardel, invest 10 or 15 minutes to read up on Gardel's remarkable life and career before you watch the movie. That will enhance your enjoyment of the movie tremendously. I've watched this movie again and again, with tears at times. This is a skillful mix of exquisite acting, delightful music, a bit of Argentine history, and a heart-rendering plot. The movie masterfully portrays the tumultuous and passionate era in Argentina of Gardel's time. I highly recommend it.