Miss Tacuarembó

I saw this movie with no expectations, assuming it would be awful since it got little press around here, but to my surprise I enjoyed it more than most films made lately in Uruguay. It's a little bizarre and surreal, in a low budget way, but that only adds to the picturesque of it.

This movie will be particularly funny to those who've grown up in Uruguay in the 80's since it's full of cultural references, like the soap opera it mentions, and the heretic treatment catholicism gets.

The ending is a little weak, and could have been made better, like so many things in this movie, but overall is an enjoyable tribute to growing up in a little town in this part of the world.

Miss Tacuarembó, directed by Martín Sastre, is a delightful and heartwarming film that captures the spirit of dreams, love, and self-discovery against the vibrant backdrop of Uruguay's small-town charm. The story revolves around the ambitious and determined character of a girl who aspires to win the local beauty pageant and get enough mony to travel to Buenos Aires and break free from the confines of her mediocre narrow-minded town.

The cinematography beautifully gives a sense of 1980s nostalgia and warmth that enhances the film's emotional depth. One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its humor. The witty dialogue and comical situations such as the pascualina anticlimax provide a light-hearted tone, making it an enjoyable watch. The film also cleverly incorporates music, adding layers of richness to the narrative. However, this movie cannot be considered a musical. It's just a film with some songs in it.

The themes of friendship, perseverance, and the pursuit of happiness resonate deeply, making "Miss Tacuarembó" not just a story about a beauty pageant but a broader commentary on societal expectations and personal aspirations. The film's climax, filled with unexpected twists, leaves viewers both entertained and inspired.

It's a movie to watch and enjoy again every few years. An instant classic of LatinAmerica courageous cinema.

Miss Tacuarembó is a unique mixture of drama, comedy, musical with touches of parody and nostalgia which for its beautiful narration will attract many open-minded viewers not only in Latin American world. The story of Natalia, the main protagonist, and her life's struggles is shown in different three eras of her life. Sofía Silvera (young Natalia) and Natalia Oreiro are stunning in their interpretations. Oreiro shines on screen in two different and very distinctive roles as she sings, dances and acts throughout this unusually, yet in very intelligent and detailed way, put together story. Moreover, it is the ability of the script to bring on screen supporting characters and develops them in a specific way centered around Natalia's character. Diego Reinholds, Mike Amigorena and Alejandro Tous give great performances, while Rossy De Palma with her eccentricity brings the obscurity of reality TV shows.

This movie is a must see for anyone who is looking for extraordinary story with catchy musical acts, which will charge everyone with positive atmosphere.

It's a musical, and it's not. It's not a mindless Hollywood musical with a shallow script. The music in the film seems to blend in a natural way with the story. There are a lot of criticism towards the evils of today's empty and stupid mass entertainment, and religious bigotry. The way the camera moves gives this film a sense of unreality that matches the craziness of the whole story. Oreiro was excellent as well the girl in young Natalia's role, also Mirella Pascual is also quite good in her role of a typically Uruguayan mother. It's hard to understand why a commentator so vehemently ask prospective viewers, to avoid this film. I definitely, very much recommended this unassuming and yet quite refreshing Uruguayan film.

"Miss Tacuarembó" is a summer flick for children. If you bear that in mind maybe you can enjoy - or at least overlook - the formulaic storyline, the overdone acting, the really lame jokes and the bad singing of a cast largely comprised by children. It's a Rio de la Plata equivalent of Xuxa or Os Trapalhōes from Brazil, or Hanna Montana for that matter. I didn't notice anything particularly brilliant about the lighting or the alleged Hollywood values. I will admit the songs are somewhat catchy and will please the kids. It conveys a message of tolerance that is welcome, and two of the actors made it big in Argentina in a good-humored, wildly successful soap that dealt with homosexuality. That said, I can't imagine anyone over 10 being engrossed and entertained by this movie.