Pólvora en el corazón

First-time filmmaker Camila Urrutia paints a gripping portrait of Guatemala City where young adulthood borders the carefree search for freedom and a desperate free fall without a net. From the first images of the film, there's a haunting sense that what begins as a playful story of a budding love will NOT reach the full potential that the characters dream of. This is the stark reality for many in Guatemala-and Latin America as a whole-particularly for lesbians. Many things go unsaid in this lyrical film, and one such thing is the danger of what it means to be visibly queer in a city and country that's so fiercely heteronormative and often misogynistic.

The performances of first-time actors are superb, their joy is palpable, as is their desperation, rage and indignation at a system that fails to protect them in the face of misogynistic violence. Things go array when one of the leads utilizes her feminine charms to capture the imagination of a co-conspirator-effectively denying who she is because she can't navigate the trauma of the rupture that sends the story in motion-and the film takes many unexpected turns from there.

I highly recommend Gunpowder Heart. Its imaginative use of a lean cast and handheld long-takes that rely on performances and the relationships of the characters is thrilling. I felt anxious knowing that the stakes that the characters faced were also stakes the filmmakers contended with in the making. All feminist and lesbian cast and crew for primarily exterior night shots in Guatemala City?! Phew, it was a ride watching. Mad respect for the process of making it.

Gunpowder Heart in an accurate depiction of the grim realities, of being a part of the LGBTQ+ community in a conservative country that has suffered many decades of authoritarian rule, like Guatemala. The film is a real and relatable story about love and the quest for vengeance and ultimately freedom. It's a drama, and does not leave the audience with false optimism. The characters are relatable, the story is compelling. And finally, a film about women in Guatemala, made by a woman actually from Guatemala!! Por fin!

Its a guatemalan story of slow pendularian quality and narrow script. its made on a one or two take strategy, not too cleverly filmed nor edited. the acting are basicly 2 pretty adult girls , a rape and a shotgun, and a wish to go to usa. the girls have an affair, but wobbles alot in their relationship. the acting are basic, and not very developed, thats not just to lack of talent as much as slow directing.

but its made on a handfull of pesos, and there are surtainly a revenge factor that weighs alot. do have a look if the topic of mopeds, guns or lesbian relationship daunts you. the grumpy old man saw it and its tragic enough to make a recommend

Pólvora en el Corazón, or Gunpowder Heart, is an impressive debut feature from writer, director Camila Urrutia. The story of two women's struggle for vengeance and dignity, as well as their dreams of finding joy and freedom, is both relatable and captivating. There is also more to the story that might be missed without some historical knowledge about Guatemala and Latina America. There is a subtle complexity to the characters' story that you'll pick up on if you're savvy. I wish this deeper political context was a bit more fleshed out in the story. It left me wanting more. Can't wait to see more from this director.