Perico ripiao

After reading a couple of reviews in the newspapers, I just had to give "Perico Ripiao" a chance, and surprisingly enough I found it to be amusing, not the piece of crap I was expecting.

I'm not even gonna bother commenting on it's plot, it's direction, the acting ability of the main cast, etc. I've read a few people say "they acted nicely, blah blah...", but to tell you the truth, with this kind of film, you don't need good acting to make it work. Maybe a cleverly written script, but that's all.

"Perico Ripiao" only worked 'cause it's filled with jokes based on absurd situations that sometimes actually happen in real life, at least in here, Dominican Republic. Being such a small country, everyone will feel identified with at least one of the characters, even if it's just for a single moment of the film. The popular phrases and expressions make it quite fun for us to watch, as we never see them in another movie, as you might have guessed.

Still, "Perico Ripiao" has one main problem, which other dominican films have had: it would only work for dominican audiences. This film will never be internationally known... And even if someone tried to make it famous outside our boarders, the people would just not understand the film. Sure, they'd get the idea of the plot... but they would definitely not feel/understand the things only we dominicans do.

All of this only drives me to one main question... When will a dominican filmmaker attempt to make a film that doesn't rely so much on our language/jokes/culture ? Something that could be watched/understood by someone in any side of the world, something they could watch and feel the same way we do. I hope that day isn't too distant..

This is a very good movie. It's a shame they dont make em like that anymore.

The story take place in the middle of 1978 and it's about three men running away after escaping from prison in a sudden lucky-casual moment, getting involve in a lot of really hilarious situations along the way.

Based on a strong script, cleverly plotted, the screenplay flows in a dynamic fashion, compound with a kind of original cinematography style. Though we can not qualify it as a master piece, we consider it perfectly works to tell the whole story and make sense.

Music plays a fundamental role (The words Perico Ripiao are used to define a country music genre in Dominican Republic) as the main characters represents musicians. Joined by a rhythmic edit tempo and a high photography level that takes advantages of exotic caribbean locations, not falling into the 'cliché' of `see how many beaches, sand and coconuts we got'.

After watching the previous two Angel Muniz's movies (Director) Nueba Yol and Nueba Yol III, it make justice to sentence that Perico Ripiao it surpasses his previous works showing great improvements in techniques and personal growth. The same commentary apply for the whole Dominican Republic still swaying film industry.

If you are Dominican you'll spent one hour and a half laughing to death thanks to well structured dialogues and gags spreading non-stop all over the film and a social ironic criticize inserted with skill by the director, sometimes in a subliminal way and more directly some other times.

If you are from another latin country you will really enjoy with movie too cause to its noticeable regionalism it doesn't opaque in any way the universally language that beneath it, neither spontaneous acting of his characters.

What if you are not latin or have not spanish knowledge? Then you will face a language and cultural barrier difficult to climb just using subtitles but if you like pure good films, well treated and spiced with caribbean elements (by the way: no sex, nor violence) you sure going to have a pleasant surprise and a good example of art and skillful techniques.

Highest peaks: Suitable direction, a more than decent photography, natural to great acting performances, good basic edits and general posting.

Weakest points lay on musical mix in relations to dialogues, some supporting acting low development and lack of a story twist at the end (very personal appreciation).

No doubt the formula works for any market. So, no matter where you from if you decide to watch this movie you can be sure your time ain't wasted.

Perico Ripiao is one of those movies that transports you to a particular place and time while asserting its common humanity. I disagree with those who say that you have to be Dominican to understand the movie. I am a Puertorrican, some Americans watched it with me, and we all identified with several characters and situations, all while laughing our behinds off. As this movie brings up issues that we see in PR too, I throughly enjoyed the "Caribbeanness" of the piece, the common disrespect to the authority of the State, or just rules in general; the resistance against oppression, the absurdity of it all. Nothing is sacred. The movie makes meaningful comments about almost every segment of Dominican society, and while poking fun at them, uncovers some unsavory truths that resonate with many of us and gets us thinking: why does State and police power invariably corrupts? What kind of solutions are needed? How can religion be used to blind yourself to the reality around you? How is our identity as Caribbean people expressed despite so-called "globalization"? You will see far more than meets the surface of humor and profanity if you pay attention. I heartily recommend this movie to anyone interested in getting to know the Caribbean reality up close and personal--and if you want to laugh your ass off. PS> Don't miss the special features! They're long but hysterical!

One of my favorite Dominican movies. It is super funny and I love every single character they amazing job they did...