Reinas

Watched this at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

Oftentimes I don't see films from Peru as Peru cinema is pretty rare to come around. Being one of the few Peru movies I had seen, this is pretty good. Filmmaker Klaudia Reynicke definitely takes an personal and interesting observation of the family dynamics between father and daughters and the dynamics were well-executed with good performances, strong direction and pretty good dialogue moments.

Throughout, the camerawork is pretty good alongside with the production designs, setting, and presentation used throughout. The narrative is simple and although it is predictable and slightly cheesy, the emotional core, direction and the good performances help to keep the story still interesting. Including some interesting insight to the political turmoil of Peru and the dynamic relationships between the father and children.

Overall, it is a good warm and sweet movie.

A nice film, without length, which becomes touching with the evolution of the characters of the two sisters. We also have, as a bonus, a certain sociological portrait of Peru. The film takes an intense turn from approaching the 80th minute until shortly after the 90th. The small weak point in the writing is the carelessness of the other characters in the face of the father's actions. Jimena Lindo (the mother) bursts onto the screen and little Abril Gjurinovic (the youngest sister) delivers an excellent performance with a face that adequately expresses her emotions. There are pretty clothes during festive or solemn scenes. Nice song while the credits roll.

As a Peruvian, who grew up in Lima, during that same period, I can say that this is a very, very accurate depiction of what life was at the time. They even start with the famous TV broadcast of the minister of economy, announcing the measures taken to stop hyper inflation. And his famous closing phrase, "may God helps us". All Peruvians of more than 30 years old know about this broadcast. The time the characters spend at the beach, the coastal Peruvian desert, and the famous gray sky of Lima, despite summertime, is part of the desolation that we all had to overcome. Nonetheless, we see hope in the father and his daughters. A metaphor for the shortcomings that we, as a country, had to overcome to survive and thrive after that horrible period of our republican life. I really enjoyed it.

Peruvian director Klaudia Reynicke offers a symbolic film about the Peruvian dictatorship, family, and emigration.

The film is a cautious and thoughtful exploration of a dark period in Peru. Its director creates a remarkable character study about a family torn apart by separation, social class, and the freedom of dreams. It's a moving drama that has the great virtue of being beautifully written, with absolute affection for a story that bears the weight of a country's history and the families who suffered through it.

The film presents itself as a calm and anything but frenetic act of this stage; it is a journey toward redemption before the final farewell, and perhaps the last embrace of old times and a beginning toward the mark of the ties that unite and the challenges of change.

Its director demonstrates ambition with a detailed, at times violent, but also affectionate staging. The family bond is constantly at the forefront of her focus. It's a film that puts culture first, allowing us to reflect on difficult times and the political memory left behind by their wounds.

The cast exudes commitment and respect. With a charming Gonzalo Molina, an authentic Jimena Lindo, and two young stars who captivate like queens, Abril Gjurinovic and Luana Vega. Susi Sánchez also stands out with her poise.

A wonderful film worth watching and letting yourself be captivated by a simple, humble story, yet full of history and heart.