El último tren

Uruguay and movies aren't two words generally associated. In fact, IMDb list only around 50 movies from Uruguay. In 2002, this is 1 of the 4 produced in this little shire, and the Oscar runner. An old locomotive is going to be sold to Hollywood, as usually in the history the cultural patrimony goes from poor countries to the richer ones. The members of the "The rail's friends", an association of old men plain to steal it, rebelling against that patrimony robbery scenario. More romantic than real, sometimes the simple story seems a excuse for filming the old transport medium steaming on the tracks under the sun. Some good performances. Entertaining, yet forgettable. Not bad for a primer job. 6/10.

This agreeable and thought-provoking dramedy (drama along with comedy) deals with three old man (Federico Luppi, Hector Alterio, José Soriano, all of them providing a new sample of interpretive mastery, entering fully into the characters) and a little boy attempting to protect an old patrimony, La "33", the last train . As they carry out their peculiar subversive adventure aboard a humanized locomotive .This is the story of a machinist , the Secretary , a Professor and a little child that decide to take an old train (with a poster : El Patrimonio No Se Vende) that has been sold to Hollywood , USA, for a movie production. With the machine they travel across the country (Uruguay) trying to getaway to Brazil . In this trip they find really good-natured people that will help them to end their mission.

The Last Train is an enjoyable and comforting epic tale told in a comedy key but with a western texture and in road movie style . It displays a sensitive development and adequate narrative with a political as well as moral message included. Diego Arsuaga has made a film full of mirth and optimism that manages to maintain tension thanks to a solid script and a precise work in directing the awesome actors. But the search for that pure and direct emotion and the strict commerciality that Arsuaga shows for his roles , frequently drags this Uruguayan director towards an easy and effective sentimentality , something that is reinforced by the too predictable conclusion of the story . Therefore, resulting to be an entertaining and charming proposal , but lacking in analytical depth and dramatic subtlety . Arsuaga is right in the construction of the roles and in the elaboration of dialogues loaded with comedy , but it is too simple in the use of certain dramatic resources .

One of the great attractions of the film is its great cast , headed by three great figures of Argentine cinema: Federico Luppi as an old machinist , Héctor Alterio as the veteran professor needing to undergoing a surgical operation due to a serious illness and José Soriano as the Secretary who has Alzheimer . Three veteran actors : Héctor Alterio , Federico Luppi and Pepe Soriano give fabulous interpretations offering convincing enough . They incartanate their characters as extremely and deeply that invite us really to accompany them in. In this sense, it is also necessary to mention the performance of Saturnino Garcia and Gaston Pauls as the intelligent villain of the film and the newcomer little boy Balaram Dinard as Guito going with the three old men and who copes with solvency the slight part of the tale in spite of his short age . Well produced by Gerardo Herrero who was President of the Spanish Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (1994-1994) . Great producer of big hits , being especially known for The Secret of your ears (2009), Sin Retorno (2010) , Balada Triste de Trompeta (2010) , Crimenes De Oxford (2008) and El Hijo De La Novia (2001). He also directed some good films such as ¨Silencio En Nieve¨ , ¨Corredor Nocturno¨ , ¨Principio Arquímedes¨ , ¨Crimen Galindez¨ , ¨Frontera Sur¨, ¨Territorio Comanche¨ , ¨Desvio a Paraíso¨ , ¨Al Acecho¨ and ¨Heroína . While director Diego Usuaga makes a solid film , an interesting proposal suitable for many types of audiences . The film won several prizes and mominations , such as : Argentinean Film Critics Association Awards 2003 Nominee Silver Condor Best Actor Héctor Alterio ,Best Actor Pepe Soriano ,Best Music Hugo Jasa. Ariel Awards, Mexico 2003 Winner Silver Ariel Best Latin-American Film Diego Arsuaga Uruguay. Goya Awards 2003 Winner Goya Best Spanish Language Foreign Film Diego Arsuaga Uruguay. Gramado Film Festival 2003 Winner Audience Award Latin Film Competiton Diego Arsuaga, Winner Special Jury Award Latin Film Competititon Diego Arsuaga, among others .

I had this gem for ages and only a while back did I manage to spend the time to watch it, you know, when you had something in the closet for a while you sort of forgot about its existence, like the not yet replied emails.

What strikes me the most is its touch of nostalgia despite its theme of patriotism and other social and political issues. The real world is cruel and, quoting the professor, "sometimes in History violence is necessary" (translation mine) and with the date of selling the locomotive to Hollywood loomed ever larger they decided to resort to "violence", i.e., action. They are a bunch of old men with the same passion- the locomotive, their treasure, their proud and their nation.

The professor relates a story of Ray Bradbury which I don't know which one is the one he is talking about that the characters faced the challenge and danger without hesitation, even though they were helplessly crushed in the end. It's the spirit that counts, says the prof. And it's in this same spirit that they set out on this journey in the last stage of their lives.

I can't help feeling sad and happy at the same time when the credit rolled because the beloved Dante, Pepe and prof are gone, they're old and soon would be dead, but there's hope as well, there's Guito. It's a reflection of the circle of life itself.

I saw this delightful film 2 years ago and I have not forgotten it. In fact, if it were available on DVD I would buy it. Every few months, I check availability through IMDB. It's the age-old story of the struggle of the underdog, here in the context of an ancient steam locomotive about to leave the country, Uruguay, for California for a career of Disney or films. A small group fo locals, incensed at the disappearance of this historic icon, attempt to foil the sale.

This nostalgic look at how unscrupulous people can do away with things and institutions long venerated by many, is at the heart of this film, which I saw in DVD format, since it has never had a commercial run in this country, to the best of my knowledge.

Director Diego Arsuaga has done wonders with this story about a bunch of older men, who are friends and all they have in common is their love for the steam trains of their youth. When they learn about the last locomotive being sold by the callous Jimmy to Hollywood, they rally against seeing their beloved, if a bit dilapidated locomotive, to be taken away from the country. They consider it to be a national treasure! How dare he?

This was an inspired cast that teams such accomplished performers such as Federico Luppi, Hector Alterio, Pepe Soriano and other great Argentine actors. Having seem them act in the theatre as well as in films, it was a real treat to see them interact so well together.

A feat no train lover should ever miss!