Chiche bombón

Life in this small town in an Argentine province, seems to be typical of what one would expect. We meet two gossips behind partly opened blinds prying on their neighbors. Through them we get to know part of the story, as they comment about the family across the street.

There is a problem: a young and beautiful woman is pregnant by a much younger man that also lived nearby, and whose parents have evidently thrown out of the house for the shame he has brought them. Director Fernando Musa takes us to see how this family live in strained circumstances. Chiche is allowed to see Marianito in her home with her parents' consent. It's not a typical situation because of the small mindedness of places like this one to be so open about something such as an out of wedlock pregnancy.

"Chiche bombon" is a good effort by its director, who followed up his much accomplished film, "No sabe, no contesta" with this tale of hopelessness and frustration in an area where unemployment seems rampant. Not until the end, Chiche, the young pregnant woman, discovers some hope that arrives in the form of religious faith when she joins a door to door sect dominated by a mysterious man.

Andrea Galante as Chiche is good. Federico Canepa as the troubled young man remains a puzzle, as we never get to know what made him leave Chiche. Ingrid Pelicori and Enrique Liparace play Chiche's parents. The gossips as played by Vivien El Javer and Renee Rosana Darin are perfectly portrayed.

Fernando Musa shows he is a director that is not afraid to tackle difficult themes. One only wishes he could reach a bigger audience in future endeavors.