Intimate Stories

This film is a small jewel, that although (Japón by Reygadas) falls in the tendency to focus in the apparently simple thing, routine, non important; it does in such a way that his director Carlos Sorin manages to communicate that what sublimes in our lives is in order counts that, with which we fought every day: remorse's, yearnings, illusions. Acclimated in one of the loneliest places of the world, the Patagonia, it films interlaces three histories, that pass slowly as walking of a turtle (in fact is reference to that animal), but which they show after all the essence of the human beings. Splendid performances of non famous Argentine actors which also is very refreshing. You do not let see it.

I respect films that are not intended to be masterpieces. I consider pretentiousness to be the worst sin of all; but this is not the case. We face a small, charming film in which tiny stories are told about small town heroes. These stories are told in such a crafty, elaborate and detailed way that the audience gives in to emotion at once. The old man (Don Justo) giving a praise- worthy performance, the beautiful landscapes of the Patagonia, the slow paced life of people in these arid regions: they all sum up to render a lovely film concerning lovely people. There´s laughter and tears involved. Wim Wenders loved it, I loved it, maybe you should give it a chance. It will not change your life, but it will certainly make you feel warm,least for an hour and a half.

"Historias Minimas" is a simple yet delightful tale, which follows three different people at different stages of their life (young mother Maria, middle-aged salesman Roberto and elderly shopowner Justo) who each doggedly pursue a dream, in a journey that will take them all to the same place.

The film, comparable to David Lynch's "The Straight Story", is a joy from start to finish. The cinematography is astounding, perfectly illustrating the barren beauty of the Patagonian plains, whereas the lead actors (particularly Roberto and Justo) give phenomenally realistic and warm performances. Most of the actors are non-professionals, and the discomfort of some of the actors in smaller roles is obvious, but this just adds to the film's overall charm.

Most importantly, however, I loved this film as it is a completely uncynical testament to the warmth of the human spirit. In it, our trio are helped along the way by complete strangers who ask for nothing in return. If only it were like that all the time...

A must-see.

An excellent movie from the most spectacular end of the world, Patagonia, which tells in a slow pace short, unspectacular but very humane stories of every day life: the ways of four protagonists - Don Justo is the most touching old man seen on the screen in a long time - cross in Puerto San Julian, the province capital, which is still just a handful of wind-shaken houses on the scenic coast. Poetic landscape, impressing actors, human touch - a must-see, not only for Patagonia fans.

Historias mínimas (2002), directed by Carlos Sorin, was shown at Rochester's Dryden Theatre as "Intimate Histories." This film is a small, excellent road movie.

The road is a well-paved but barren stretch of highway between a small village in Patagonia and a larger city. Four people are traveling this road--a young mother with her infant son, an older man, and a traveling salesman. The young mother is going to appear on a televised quiz show. The older man is searching for his dog, and the salesman hopes to impress an attractive widow with his thoughtful gift of a birthday cake for her son.

The stories--and travels--of these people intertwine as they get closer to their destination. Nothing goes exactly as planned, but each character deals with her or his situation in a reasonably successful way.

I was struck by the caring and concern that strangers show for the travelers. I wonder if this is a realistic portrayal of life in Patagonia. If so, it may represent the good side of a frontier mentality--nature isn't going to help us, and the government isn't going to help us, so we have to help each other. (In fact, the only non-helpful people the travelers encounter are the television quiz show staff. The implication could be that once you step away from reality and into show business, kindness disappears.)

All the acting was excellent. The actors appeared to be amateurs, and it takes a skilled director to bring forth great performances from non- professionals. I want to single out the performance of Antonio Benedicti as Don Justo Benedictis, the older man. Don Justo is determined to find his dog, and the sheer power of this determination (along with a supply of yerba mate) carries him forward.

Another reviewer has called this film a small gem, and I agree. It's worth seeking out if you'd enjoy following four people in their difficult Patagonian odysseys.