El Clan

I was so excited when I heard this movie was released in Argentina that the anticipation to watch it felt like watching the final of the World Cup. And, as it also so often happens with World Cup finals, the movie was disappointing. I am not sure where and why it failed to capture my attention, but I just know that even though the story has potential, the movie is directed in a way that feels rather boring. I know that El Clan has become the most successful movie in Argentinian history, but it is a title it does not deserve. The movie is very average and possibly only matters because it is based on true events that caused a stir not that many years ago. For lovers of real event movies.

Few years after the dictatorship in Argentina by Rafael Videla is overthrown, the remaining members of that military order begin a life of crime, using as an excuse that the Argentinians sold the country and pushed the patriots into catastrophe. At this time in history, is where the story of Arquímides Puccio (Guillermo Franchella) and his family take place. Puccio is an old retired military who starts kidnapping rich youngsters not just for the money, but to satisfy an evil mind that wants suffering. However, his five children, Alejandro (Peter Lanzani), Maguila (Gastón Cocchiarale), Silvia (Giselle Motta), Adriana (Antonia Bengoechea) and Guillermo (Franco Masini), are the ones who end up with the biggest sorrow. This brilliant movie is not a conventional crime thriller, it also explores the psychological illness of all the members in this family caused by the oppressing voice of Puccio's patriarchy. Alejandro, the brilliant and successful eldest child, is the connection between us and the pain inside the characters. The narrative of the story begins by the end, and so it goes interchanging present and future, until they collide in a sublime climax when all the feelings and thoughts of the children explode. Each one of the characters, even though they were real, are so astoundingly designed that you can feel the hate of the father; the indifference of the mother; the rage, the fear and even the love of the children. Another remarkable aspect of this movie is the BSO, featuring an accurate selection between The Kinks, Credence Clearwater Revival, and Argentinian rock of the 80's like Seru Giran and Virus. This is also a portrait of the post-dictatorship era as a fictional interpretation of the feelings of an old retired military, his new war, and his new army: his family.

The most colorful epoch of criminality in Argentina during Galtieri's military dictatorship era is brought to life in this story of a robber and criminal family . As this family kidnapped and killed people in the 80s in a period of economical crisis when any employment, even illegal, was cherished, ambition, money and power originated an interminable cycle of fury and violence. It deal with the Puccio family led by the honorable daddy called Arquimedes : Guillermo Francella , he is going as far as to supervise the homework of his youngest daughter as a dedicated teacher . His eldest son is Alejandro, -Peter Lanzani- , a Rugby star champion . But actually Arquímedes Puccio turns out to be the tyrannical leader of a bunch of delinquents composed of his spouse and children. As they along with some accomplices carry out undercover activities , consisting in abducting wealthy people , detaining them in his own home , mistreating and torturing them and doing away with them after cashing the ransom.

This is true story of the Puccio Clan, a model evil family , but their tale results to be a perverse stew of lies , violence , kidnapping , murders, pronounced bloodshed, sentimental blood bonding , and with a surprising ending . As an upright family -a model family whose well educated children have a promised and bright future- living their deep respectability , but is nothing but a smokescreen , being really a criminal group . The picture is plenty of thrills , intense drama , violence and thought-provoking issues . The main cast and support cast give magnificent interpretations . Here stands out Guillermo Francella who gives a masterful acting as the allegedly honest and dignified storekeeper by trade, who cares about his five children . As well as Peter Lanzani playing Alejandro Puccio , an admired rugby star .

The motion picture well well produced by EL Deseo S.A. : Agustin and Pedro Almodóvar and professionally directed by Pablo Trapero . His films have covered the most important festivals, receiving critical acclaim and awards . Trapero is one of the biggest creative forces in Latin American Cinema .He has sat on the main Festival juries at Venice, San Sebastian and Locarno, among others . In 2014 he served as President of Un Certain Regard in Cannes. In 2015 the Ministry of Culture of France awarded him Chevallier Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, becoming the first south american director in receiving this honor. In 1999 Trapero directed his first feature, Mundo Grua, which won the Critics Prize at Venice. In 2002, he opened his production company, Matanza Cine, that produces films for fellow filmmakers, as well as his own. His second feature, El Bonaerense (2002) premiered at Cannes, Familia Rodante (2004) at Venice, and Nacido y Criado (2006) at Toronto. In 2008, Leonera, presented in Competition at Cannes, revealed the talent of Martina Gusman, muse, actress and producer of the cineaste. He returned to Cannes with Carancho (2010) and Elefante Blanco (2012), both in Un Certain Regard. Trapero is a good filmmaker , his best film was ¨Carancho¨, dealing with a slow burning exercise in moral decay and his usual actress results to be Martina Gosman who has worked in various film with him , such as : ¨Lion's den¨ , ¨Nacido y Criado¨ , ¨Carancho¨ and ¨Elefante Blanco¨ . This El Clan turns out to be a dramatic and provoking flick , an above average film and Argentina's official submission to Academy Award and it achieved several Prizes of the Argentinean Academy. With this his latest film, The Clan, he won the Silver Lion for Best Director in Venice International Film Festival . Indispensable and essential seeing for Guillermo Francella fans .

Wow, i just got back from watching this one at the cinema, here in Argentina and i will say that the hype matches the movie! The movie portrays a dark time in Argentinian history. Just after the dictatorship of Vidella had ceased, the country was rebuilding, however scraps from the dark days were still around, in particular associations that specialised in kidnappings back in the day. Looking to continue their business, they were offered protection from parts of the military, and "El Clan" depicts the story of the Puccio Clan. A family who kidnapped and killed many people in the 80s. Pablo Trapero is a household name amongst Argentinian cinema, so it wasn't a surprise that he chose such a disturbing story, as his other films have taken on similar dark tones. This movie wreaks of quality. From the very haunting imagery, to the authentic 80s soundtrack, to the phenomenal acting from Argentine comedian Guillermo Francella, all of these elements combine with the very disturbed story, to make a movie that catapults Argentine cinema to the front runner in the Latino area! Shocking violence along with the disturbing elements of human behaviour elevates this movie beyond an easy viewing experience, but if you are prepared to delve into a very dark, yet intriguing story, then you will come away from "El Clan" very satisfied!

The film hits from the real and moves the focus on one of the children who suffer most acts of his father, who embodies a sober Franchella that has long been demonstrating his talent for drama also. Format images first constant level remains stuck at viewer will not regret it in the film, which will feel some concern that under the aspects of normalcy can hide eyesores, this very well managed by the principal. I did not like the supporting performances and the appearance of the wife could have been more widespread. Compared to other good films of Argentine cinema may have lacked artistic details that make it more blockbuster, but certainly is a creation that will be a very good story in a story that is surprising.