Ne le dis à personne

I really enjoyed this film --- a great and emotionally complex movie that, like life, is full of ambiguity and difficult questioning. I really felt for the main character as he struggled to be both happy and honorable in a world that will not accept him as he is. I also found myself wavering over just what the right answer for Joaquin was. Not a conventional story, but a very rewarding two hours; highly recommended!

I rented this DVD based on the strength of Santiago Magill's performance in the film: "I love you, Baby", (not to mention he's a total cutie). I was impressed with the naturalness and vitality of his acting, even though I was not too thrilled with the movie (I love you, Baby) itself. "Don't tell Anyone" is basically a coming out story that unfolds in present day Lima, Peru. Joaquin (the protagonist) is a young gay man of Spanish, not Indian, descent who is struggling to come to terms with his sexuality in the face of the overbearingly machismo culture of his native land, and also the barely concealed racism of those of Spanish descent against the native Indian populace, which racism Joaquin does not share. While the ending is somewhat ambiguous, it seemed to me, even though there weren't any seashells and balloons, that Joaquin had come to some acceptance of himself and his sexuality. Also, there is one scene early on with Joaquin and a young Indian man that shows Joaquin's indifference to matters of race and caste. This is significant in that a gay man is demonstrating far more humanity and decency than any of his so-called Christian family and friends, particularly his father. But all such issues aside, if you have an interest in well-acted and written gay-themed movies, then by all means watch this one. 8\10 stars.

I think this is not a great, but a good movie. You didn't include Jimena Lindo in the cast, she is the girl who gives Joaquin an earring and then asks for coca. The only problem I find is the actress Lucia Jimenez, she is Alexandra, a tipical rich girl of Lima. Lucia Jimenez can not forget her spanish accent and changes the character. Santiago Magill is very good, also Giovanni Ciccia and Hernan Romero. Wait for the next movie of Francisco Lombardi, "Pantaleon y las visitadoras".

Santiago Magill does an excellent job playing the main character as a frightened boy, a confused teenager, a drifter, and finally a "normal" person. All along the way, he is at war with himself. He hates the fact that he is gay in a world full of all sorts of bigotry including homophobia, a world of Hemingway's "macho code" (fighting, hunting, drinking, having sex), and a world that pretends to be dedicated to God when it is really nothing but a sham.

There are numerous surprises in the film for the young hero as well as for the audience. Many surprises come from the ironies involved in putting up a false-front of honesty to hide falsehoods. We see how drugs and manipulations are used to hide from everyone -- including one's true self. The ending is an ironic surprise too.

This is a bittersweet story of a man coming to terms with himself -- if, in fact, he does. The film is well-made and worth watching. Too bad it didn't get wider distribution in theaters, but now it can be enjoyed on video and DVD. If you get the chance, see it. It's a funny, sad, and gripping story of not telling anyone who you are.

If you are inclined to indulge yourself in a fresh, candid, and rather engaging cinematic view of modern sexual mores involving a certain upper-class segment of society in Peru's capital city, this is the place to find it. Admittedly that description limits the size of its intended audience somewhat. Nevertheless, this film will appeal to anyone who likes a combination of good production values and autobiographical breastbaring -- so to speak.

The writer is in fact extending his reputedly autobiographical novel into new literary territory. The result is a good if not great movie. It preaches a bit without being preachy as regards racism, class prejudice, homophobia, drugs, and personal loyalties. The central character is by turns likable and unlikeable as he tries to find his true character during puberty and into young adulthood.

I give high marks not only to the principal actors but also to the director.

There are no false steps and few unexplored viewpoints in this story, which starts at the beginning and ends at the end (a rarity in these days of overwrought angularity in the movie business). Unlike some comments already given, I would call the ending appropriately incomplete rather than "sad" or "happy."

Which is as it should be. Ten of ten.