Sabor tropical

As I watched Sabor, the first thing that came to mind is oh my god, that Matthew Leitch is one hot actor. His performance was riveting. I found the documentary style was fascinating. I found the carnival in Panama to be colorful and lively specially because of the high energy an colorful costumes. The ending was kinda shocking and amazing... I thought it was genius. I recommend this film because it very original and thought provoking. At first I wasn't so crazy about the colombian guy but as I thought about it his performance was very realistic. His character was believable as he was not a Hollywood type actor. I thought the story was so realistic you could not tell what was scripted and what was not. As I watched it on DVD, I would have really liked to have seen it on the big screen for it think it would have had a bigger impact. Some movies you just have to see them on the big screen and that's my preferred way I would have liked to have seen this.

Jorge Ameer's latest outing is as much fascinating as it is distinct in style. I saw this film at a theatre in Ft. Lauderdale and wondered why there were only evening shows, but as I began to watch I immediately realized why. With a reality/documentary (think "Quarantine") - follow your every move - photography, the film summarizes Brian's (played by the very talented Matthew Leitch) travels through Panama and the high energy, intensely beautiful and awesome carnival of Las Tablas. This film definitely made me want to make reservations for next years festivities. I have seen other Ameer films, but this one by far is his best. I was specially engaged in all of the hedonism and shameless pursuit of Brian's libido fulfillment. The images of the opening credits are most disturbing, yet quite allegorical and symbolic to Brian's plight in what I would call a most amazing vitriolic conclusion. What I found even more clever was the fluidity of the unfolding proceedings. It was hard to figure out what was scripted from what was improvised or true, an element I would have to say is an asset and a definite merit to the film. Don't think I should say much more about this without feeling like I'm giving the story away, so all I will say is see it for yourself.

The premise of the film is young, cocky Californian has been hired to shoot footage of the Carnival in Panama. He makes arrangements ahead of time to hook up with a woman he has met online but discovers he has been catfished after he arrives.

The blending of the story of what is happening in the Californian's life and the "documentary" he is being paid to film are woven together so completely that many people get sucked into believing it is just an odd travelogue. I was part of a film programming team that viewed this film as a prospective festival entry but most of the team felt this way. The style of the film is that masterful.

I do wonder if cutting back on the Carnival footage might have allowed the dramatic story to be clearer. You are really watching two films: One about the filmmaker and the other what the filmmaker is capturing.

Leitch is most of the film, and his portrayal of the confused, selfish California yuppy is multi-dimensional in that you see his swaggering and how that masks his insecurities and inner pain. The expression on his face in the final scene is haunting.

Yes there's no way to rate this with less than a star.

It's cute, average and uncut... And I'm talking about his "thing", not the movie.

It's absolutely pointless, just a travel journal of unknown people.

Annoying out of place music.

Badly edited and shot. Not even the Cinematography could be saved.

Imagine you find a lost camcorder from before the digital era, just to realize that the person who lost it was a very handsome guy, who loves to be naked and jerk every time he had a chance. Cool if it was a real porno, but this is pretentious and boring.

You might want to stick around just to find out why does he cry, every time he cums, but ask yourself if it's worth it.

Damn Tubi, for not letting me fast forward by only 30 seconds at the time.

I heard about this film in the Panamanian media because there was scandal surrounding its release. I recently purchased the DVD not knowing what to expect. I live in Panama City but I'm from the town where this film was shot, Las Tablas, so I was compelled to see what all this film was is all about. I was very pleasantly surprise because I was proud to see both Panama and the carnival well represented here. If you have never been to the Carnival of Las Tablas, this would be a good film to watch to be familiar with it. the story is documentary style. The story follows the journey of a reporter who comes to Panama to do a video diary of his experience at carnival. He soon gets involved in the hype of the festivities and sooner than later ends up with some interesting experiences along the way. The film builds to a scandalous ending that is very unexpected and powerful. It leaves you wondering what happened and why. The film is very good yet very, very violent towards the ending but satisfying. If you are looking to experience the high energy and festivities of one of Panama's and Latin America's most popular events with an open mind and something different from the usual, you will find Sabor Tropical an fun inde movie to watch.