7 cajas

A teenager who works as a wheelbarrow delivery boy in a sprawling market in Asunción, Paraguay is given the task of transporting seven mysterious boxes for a big sum of money. He soon discovers the horror of what is in the boxes, while he is pursued by a murderous gang.

It's always very refreshing to see movies from countries with little cinematic output. And that's exactly the situation in the case of 7 Boxes which showcases the cinema of Paraguay. It shares the Latin American energy that so many other films from that part of the world have. But it also does feel specifically Paraguayan with convincing and realistic characters and a very authentic setting. It's a crime thriller but it does differentiate itself from many other films of that type where even the chief bad guy is at least a little sympathetic. He does what he does ultimately for his sick son. He ends up going down his path because he cannot afford the medicine. He, like the other characters, is motivated as a result of the socio-economic situation in which he cannot escape. The movie suggests the hardships and poverty of the lives of the characters can result in some harsh choices.

The acting from the entire cast is good all round. The two kids at the centre of the story hold things together very well, while there are some memorable characters in the periphery such as the bungling kidnappers. There is a good mix of suspense and comedy, while the direction is stylish when it needs to be, taking time to get to know the characters as well. The film ends with all of the strands of the story coming together in a satisfying finale. And when it ends you can't help hoping there will be more films from Paraguay.