I Believe in America

I caught this film at one of the Film Festival screenings in New York. At first I was excited to finally see a film that touches on this esoteric Puerto Rican subject. But, thirty minutes into the film my friends and I walked out extremely disappointed. Bad direction, bad writing. A straight up embarrassment to a history rife with drama and conflict. I did like some of the scenes in the beginning of the film. But, no matter how pretty they were to look at, it can't make up for the lack artistic and professional handling of this film. Whomever rated this nine stars is probably a fan of films like "Ishtar" and "Heaven's Gate". We need to put quality Boricua stories on the screen that reflect quality Boricua talent. Not surprised it hasn't gotten distribution yet. Don't waste your time.

With superb acting, brilliant direction and camera-work, this fast-paced movie is a gem! The subject matter is extremely interesting and the story grabs you from the very start. This movie leaves you wanting to know more...about the characters in the film, (the old woman smoking the cigar; Carmela; Carmen; Pedro and Tomas), as well as the historical facts, rarely spoken of, concerning this tumultuous history between Puerto Rico and the U.S. I especially love the choice to include actual historical footage in the film. It plays nicely. Much to my delight, this film does not pander to the audience. On the contrary, it's a fast ride! There are a lot of players and you need to pay attention. I hope to see this film in theaters soon. It's a story that deserves to be told; one that people need to see, hear and experience. In addition, there is some very brave, honest work in this film that features many unknown actors...who will surely not be unknown for much longer! Congratulations to everyone involved!

I had read an article about the film and its story about Puerto Rico's underground struggle for independence. I was excited to see it at one of the film festivals. I expected to see a film that touched on the many levels of the political, social, and psychological consequences of the people who keep the struggle alive. What I saw instead was a film akin to a cheesy soap opera. The evolution of the plot makes sense if you help the director by assuming some missing scenes. Initially there were some characters I liked. But, truth be told I lost interest in them due to the erratic pacing of the film. You want to like this film...and you wait for a moment that will finally suck you in and help redeem it. But, in the end you don't get a sense of the tone or style that this film is going for. It's hard to take something like this serious when it's presented in such a crude and inefficient way. Reminds me of the Jimmy Smits boxing film "Price of Glory." Horribly done. Don't waste your time unless it appears on the USA network...and even then you might want to just catch a few minutes of it.

This film is the first to cinematically ever deal with the real "Puerto Rico question"...and is a decent film, albeit not perfect, and overcame monstrous obstacles and various attempts at sabotage in order to get completed. The cast did their best, and the writing and directing is efficient albeit the narrative is quite unconventional. In reading two recently posted comments...I am trying to assess what would motivate a user to write about something that they may have seen over three years ago (and only for thirty minutes) would NOW comment in such a vicious and destructive manner. Re: the other comment, IBIA has not even screened yet in Puerto Rico. Man...did these two really see the movie? The movie was well received in India and in the festival circuit.

I saw this film at a festival screening and thought it was well done...very ambitious for an indie story-wise, and production-wise. The actors we just "blow away." There were some unanswered questions that left more to be desired...not sure if this was a script issue or final edit circumstances. I also felt that, although the film was solid, there really was a great movie in there that needed to be brought out. Coincidentally, I recently saw a press release that a well known Hollywood indie producer has come on board for some re-shoots, a new edit, and distribution. This is exciting news! It's amazing how long these things take to perfect. If the right moves are made, I think this can be an eye opener. Get rid of the fat, and let those characters shine! Glad you stuck with it. Hope to see it in the theater!

Ihope you guys get your due...well deserved!