A Estratégia do Caracol

La estrategia del caracol is a precious tale, like one of those G.G. Marquez usually writes. There is a kind of magic realism on it, so we see a world that is not exactly as the real one, but is quite similar. The whole film, in my opinion, is a metaforic view of the society, represented by the house. The people living there have to learn to live altogether, despite their differences, and fight together to face a great danger: The destruction of their home.

After using as many legal tricks as possible, there is only one solution, proposed by a former Spanish civil war fighter. But this solution means work, and everybody must work with his neighbours, doing as much as possible and receiving everything needed in exchange. During the work, they act as a team, as a real society; and some anarchist little dreams can come true, although, as Jacinto (the Spanish exiliate)says "it´s autumn in Spain". Nowadays, I´m afraid it´s already winter.

I'm a foreigner who watched this movie to learn Spanish. I was specifically interested in a Colombian film because I've heard that the Colombian accent is very neutral and nice-sounding in Spanish, so I should try to learn speaking it like the Colombians.

-> The plot: not very interesting, but definitely revealed various problems that are a part of Latin American society.

-> Colombian culture: this movie taught me a lot about Colombian culture: what's right, what's wrong, how people live, what the govt.'s like, etc.

-> Spanish: I watched this movie with English subtitles, so I didn't learn many (if any) individual Spanish words, but I did learn about how it's generally spoken, the rhythm, the styles, and a lot of other stuff.

In short, this movie will not be very interesting to watch (especially if you're a foreigner), but it taught me a lot about the culture and was worth it.

HOWEVER, if you're interested in Colombian culture you need to remember that this movie was released more than two decades ago! Colombian culture and society has obviously changed a lot since then. So, remember that while watching it, obviously! Bon voyage!

I think it's not that bad. I agree, it's a must see movie talking about Colombian cinema, I think it has had a Cannes award!! The real thing that one has to see in the movie is that Colombian people don't give up! Never ever! We always find a way to get what we want, even if is not the best one. That's what this movie is about, no matter how bad the things are going, there's something else that rests ---HOPE!

This movie is one of the greatest in Colombian history, a true masterpiece!!! Not only is Sergio Cabrera a very resourceful director, but he is surrounded by a great cast of actors that include Fausto Cabrera, Víctor Mallarino and Florina Lemaitre. The story is fast-paced and hilarious, but at the same time it is dramatic and shows our reality. Bravo for this movie!!!

Well I enjoyed this movie is one of the best Colombian movies I saw, I dont agree with the guy from Canada, the important thing in this movie is the people and feelings, the characters are real, no special effects. Everything comes together at the end, its a good movie that shows the great courage of normal people, not Hollywood heroes with big guns.