El faro

Having admired his previous movies, "Sol de otono" and "Cleopatra", by director Eduardo Mignogna, we decided to take a chance with "El Faro", a film that has been praised in this forum. The movie, unfortunately, doesn't live up to the praise, as some of the comments here give great emphasis to the fact that leading actress, Ingrid Rubio, received awards from her appearance in the film.

"El Faro" is not a horrible film, but the problem seems to be in the narrative that Mr. Mignogna employs for telling his story. The film is all over the place without making any solid points; the main story concentrates on the bonding of Meme and Aneta, the two surviving sisters from a tragic accident where they see their family die. Meme appears to be aimless throughout the film. Certain things aren't explained as they are left for the viewer's imagination. In a way, Meme is self-destructive as it appears that she is in a lot of pain with the injury in her leg.

Ingrid Rubio and Jimena Baron are the best things in the movie. Both have a simple understanding as sisters should have. Roberto Darin, Norma Aleandro and the rest of the supporting cast don't have much to do.

El Faro del Sur (aka The Lighthouse, in the English subtitled version shown at the 1999 Hispanic Film Festival in Miami) is driven by the main character and particularly its portrayal by Ingrid Rubio. The film which has won numerous awards, including Spain's "Oscars", the Goyas (best Spanish language film; the film is an Argentine production), and best actress awards and nominations by several sources for Ingrid Rubio, depicts an unusual and heart warming sibling relationship. The direction by the noted Argentinian helmer, Eduardo Mignona, is superb, and the added presence of the luminous veteran actress, Norma Aleandro, a breakthrough performance by the young Jimena Baron, the inclusion of comtemporary social themes, and beautiful cinematography, buoyed by an outstanding ensemble cast of some of Argentina's best actors of our time contribute to the film's memorability, and critical success. But at the end, it is Ingrid Rubio,in a challenging role who carries the film.The part is so challenging, psychologically, that it makes it all the more remarkable she was successful in adapting her usual strong Continental Spanish accent to a credible Spanish-Argentinian accent (her character was raised in Spain, but moved to Argentina at age 17). The picture can best be described as Argentina's "Hilary and Jackie", with Ingrid Rubio in the Emily Watson role. A triumph for Spain's next might be great actress. At age 26, she already has an impressive filmography, including the female lead in Carlos Saura's 1996 "Taxi". Don't miss it. This is Argentine-Spanish film collaboration at its finest.

What a truly satisfying experience. Two sisters lose their family in a car accident, the mid-teenager, Meme, and her 10? yr. old sister, Anete. Their love of and devotion to - each other- is the glue that holds together the film, but it is the lead performance by the utterly rapturous Ingrid Rubio ,that dazzles you and makes you commit yourself wholly to the experience. Meme is impetuous,enchanting, strong willed, stubborn, creative and full- to- bursting with love. Though she herself remains a child in many ways, she fiercefully protects, supports and guides her younger sister as she herself continually falters in the ways of love. Every performance in the film is pitch perfect- Jimena Baron,the young sister;, Ricardo Darin as a soul mate, Norma Aleandro; Norberto Diaz. All of these people share a deep love for Meme and Anete such that you really feel like you are part of their circle, not an onlooker.

I really liked that the director didn't feel the need to fill in every detail of the lives depicted. As locales and time periods change, the viewer is left to accept those changes. The excellent screenplay makes that acceptance easy. When the film ended, I didn't want it to. I sat in the dark and just felt the resonating goodness of these people and all the love they shared.I continue to carry those feelings. What a privilege.

The film is dedicated to Meme; I would so like to know the story behind the making of the film. A 10 for me.

EL FARO DEL SUR is a powerful drama set in Argentina. The film is also listed on this site simply as EL FARO. More information on the film may be found there. However, if you appreciate a good family drama, featuring the plight of one particularly gifted but flawed character, go no further, you will enjoy this movie. Spain's Ingrid Rubio (star of Saura's TAXI) is unforgettable as the gifted but flawed heroine. Argentine legend Norma Aleandro also has a supporting role, which adds further weight to the film. El FARO was a huge critical success in the Spanish-speaking world, having won the Goya (Spanish Academy Award) as Best Latin-American Picture, and honors for Ingrid Rubio in the lead role.

The movie is a mess. Neither the good cast and the good intentions can save the weak story, and the sometimes confusing flashbacks. Cheap philosophy, People with no reasons to live, stereotypes, and some nice landscapes, who really need it? Characters without a story. 4/10.