La vida según Muriel

Just when I began to feel that nobody who speaks Spanish can make a serious film, along come the Argentines again. At first, I asked myself if I would have liked this picture if it were an American production, or was it just the exotic feel of it that kept me going. But as it evolved, I grew more and more captivated by the developments, and realized that this was a well-scripted piece, with an ongoing plot, and all roles were well-performed. Generally, a couple of hours very well spent, and I can recommend this film.

Nine-year-old Muriel and her mother leave Buenos Aires for parts unknown. A freak accident, which reminds us of the importance of using the parking brake, renders them destitute, and they must beg for a roof over their heads.

This leads to other developments, which I will not describe, except to say that they're not generally what you'd expect. In particular, occurrences that will tend to be viewed by those inured to Hollywood fare as foreshadowing or sinister hints of an ugly surprise may end up being (as in life) groundless.

Fairly realistic slice-of-(somewhat unusual)-life in a breathtakingly beautiful corner of Argentina. Touching, saddening, thoughtful, seldom dull. Not unlike "Central Station" in some respects. Worth going out of your way for, if you like this kind of movie.

Life According to Muriel gives us a fascinating glimpse of Patagonia, a place we see all too seldom (in movies or elsewhere).

But there are more reasons than that. The story, told from a little girl's perspective (Muriel), concerns an eccentric single mother who leaves Buenos Aires to go and live in the mountains. She stashes all her belongings (and her kid) in the car, and heads for the hills, destination uncertain. After the car (containing money and possessions) is destroyed, the two (now destitute)go to seek shelter at a run-down hotel occupied by another single mother.

After initially being shooed away, Muriel and her mother are grudgingly given a night's sanctuary. Although the two women distrust each other (the airhead city girl versus the practical country matron), they determine to get along because both have basically been left in the lurch.

Muriel's father later puts in an appearance, but this leads nowhere and he drops out of the picture again; meanwhile the hotel-owner has a contretemps with the errand-boy, who has designs on her - and this has unfortunate results.

The story doesn't really have an ending, it is one of those continuum-of-life things. The two families go their separate ways, but in the last shot it is suggested that they are re-uniting.

The film doesn't sound very exciting, but it works its charm on you for no definable reason. And how many Argentine films do you get to see anyway?