Amapola

I watched this movie online. It dragged a bit at the beginning but the last 2/3 turns into a beautiful film. Its well worth watching. First, let me say that it reminded me of the 2006 movie 'The Fountain' but not as confusing. If you liked that movie then I think you will like this one too. If you haven't seen 'The Fountain' or didn't like it then maybe you should pass on this one. Second, it is not a film about war, but a film about love and possibilities. I found it to be both beautifully filmed and wonderfully acted. I also enjoyed listening to enchanting Argentine Spanish spoken by the characters. The only reason I downgraded the film is because it took a bit for me to get into it. All in all I really enjoyed how this movie turned out.

This is a visual feast and a wonderful film. I drifted into the cinema accidentally while on holiday in Buenos Aires and was enchanted to be taken on an exquisite sensual and almost spiritual journey where the acting is precise and almost theatre like, allowing you to taste each word like a rich delicate patisserie. The decor, colour, texture and mood is so captivating that you are plunged into Amapola's world and it is a little difficult to re-adjust to drab normality after wards. This is what I have always wanted in great cinema making: a subtle story, visual enchantment, layered and intricate detail and a glimpse of another reality.

The director and writer of Amapola, Eugenio Zanetti, I suspect watched too many Disney and musical movies. He decided he was going to make one too with dancing, magic, time travel , Shakespeare and sex.

Also. The director did not do his homework regarding the state of Idaho and American' involvement in Vietnam.

Furthermore, the use of the military coups in the 1960's and the Falkland Island War was pointless.

The love between Amapola (Camilla Belle) and Luke (Francois Arnaud) came across as lust. (Actually, there was a lot of lustful moments in the movie.)

Luke was the worst character in the movie. He was poorly written and Arnaud had no range.

I wanted to know more about the Grandma (Geraldine Chaplin) and her boyfriend. Were they a magical couple? Did they cause Amapola's time travels?

Pointless and silly dance numbers.

The Shakespearean play had no relation to the plot.

On a positive note, the costumes design were excellent.