derrickluciano
I wouldn't miss reviewing this film because it's one of the most engaging gay themed films I've seen. Although a lot of films have depicted repressed characters, gay husbands and gossipy neighbors, this one takes the tragic ghost love story angle. And finally, this is the film which succeeds in showing what it is to be a real man.Mico and Tiago are lovers but can never be a couple in a conservative seaside village where gossiping is a favorite pastime. Mico initially does not accept who he truly is nor who he truly loves but what follows is his journey to confront himself amidst a very homophobic community. And this he does without any disrespect for his family, religion and tradition. Most are excellent actors. Feel Mico's anguish when he first realized what happened to Tiago. Sympathize with Mariela as she carries her baby hurriedly out of her house. Or look at Tiago's very expressive eyes...Cinematography is excellent, with beautiful seaside sceneries, sand amid gushing winds, and purple, orange or moonlight skies. Pacing is excellent. There's comedy, there's drama, a bit of suspense and most of all, a loving romance.Watch this film. It is about true love and honor. The final scene at the boat is truly beautiful and uplifting!
paul2001sw-1
Javier Fuentes-Leon's film 'Undertow' is a subtle, sympathetic portrait of a Peruvian fisherman torn between his pregnant wife and his gay lover. What's good about the film is the use it makes of the beautiful Pervuian coastline and the way it portrays status and dynamics within the community of a small fishing village; the acting is also good. But the major plot event occurs early, and afterwards there's a certain absence of drama: the range of things that might happen too constrained by what's already taken place. The film seems to start at least half-way through it's own natural story: inclusion of the events that predate the film's actual start might have added more drive to the narrative.
arizona-philm-phan
....Society....and our Communities tell us: "You've not a Ghost of a Chance." (( When Society, families, others close by and, sadly, even ourselves keep us from being who we are supposed to be...from loving the person we are supposed to love...then we've allowed ourselves to be screwed (and, yes, I'm talking about me...and, likely, some of you). And every now and again, to remind us of this, as happens in this tale, there will come some sign or object...perhaps as simple as a "Candle"...which mysteriously appears in our lives, causing us to recall what we've lost )) (( Have you ever thought...or said to a Beloved: "Without you, there is Nothing?" If yes, then you were foretelling a major theme of this film )) A married, coastal fisherman (Miguel) as our main lead, and an unattached, visiting artist (Santiago) are the focus of this passionate love story between 2 men, spanning youth into adulthood. We'll learn this affair has a likely background of boys spending summers together...of fun times...and, no doubt, moments of finding love with one another. Sadly, however, this is a film focusing on their current day relationship which, like that of Romeo & Juliet, is being thwarted in almost every way.So, for now, we find ourselves watching and becoming absorbed in an extremely impassioned--though well hidden--love affair. With nearly every scene involving these two leads, our view of the intensity of their love for one another continues to be reinforced, as the film makes its way to a heart-rending conclusion. Of hundreds of such films in my possession, none surpass the realistic displays of love and affection given us by these actors...this director. And in watching this story play out, it becomes oh so obvious that, while Miguel deeply cares for his pregnant wife, it is Santiago who is the "Great Love" of his life. We see a relationship which has even reached the point of loving "endearment names" being used for one another (Miguel as "Mico" / Santiago is "Tiago"), not to mention our witnessing numerous scenes of closeness--erotic and otherwise.Some final thoughts: You will come to see theirs as an "Everlasting Love". And you will witness pure joy in something as simple as a hand-in-hand stroll....and sadness as stirring as a loving hand against cheek. Happy emotions deep enough to hit you in the gut....but also sadness...tears...loss. If you're not ashamed of crying, you will probably do so. This is a movie of lessons for many of we viewers, importantly telling us that letting go of a love, even one we may have at times denied, is an impossibility. It is an especially apt reminder...if we are to live a truthful future life (just watch as our main lead resolves his truth during a heartbreaking moment with his wife near film's end).PS--Watch for a young, fellow fisherman, Tano by name, who I often see lending support when most others don't, and taking a definite interest in our beleaguered Miguel. See where he positions himself in at least one group gathering....notice where his eyes flicker in scenes involving Miguel. Ah, who knows if he is a possible harbinger for Miguel's future and whether, in this man, "Mico" will find the solace and warmth he now so desperately needs. (Am I dreaming this up? You decide.)****
evening1
I liked this movie about what it could be like to be gay in a small Peruvian seaside village -- painfully difficult.Amid strongly homophobic attitudes, Miguel is having a clandestine affair with an artist named Santiago. The two genuinely seem to care about each other. The only problem is that Miguel is married and his wife is about to give birth. Though Miguel's situation will leave many unsympathetic, I was fully drawn in and engaged. I found nearly all the characters highly believable and likable and I cared about their perspectives.This compelling tale takes place in a gorgeous environment.I like that the story ends less happily than honestly.Seeing this was a deep and satisfying experience.
