Ausente

I don't know what's worst: the casting, the acting or the pointless story.

I have watched Marco Berger's Hawaii, his two short stories and Plan B. In that order, so I have watched enough to know that in his works there are always obligatory shots of men's crutches and long quiet scenes...it works in everyone but "The clock" (his first work). So I knew this one was going to have that but I was not expecting terrible actors with no chemistry whatsoever and that includes the secondary actors (terrible teachers) and the insufferable girlfriend. Am I suppose to think the couple love each other? There is no real connection between the actors. And don't get me start about Martin. Am I suppose to root for this lying manipulative tool? Because I don't care about him and his terrible lessons about butterflies (that was painful to watch). I guess the moral of the story is indulge yourself and give the teenage psycho what he wants instead of acting like an adult...what was Sebastian supposed to be sorry for? The only stupid thing he did was being stupid enough not to see that kid was (poorly) lying all along.

This is not a review for this particular film, rather a guide for those who would like to watch it. Marco Berger (the director) is notorious for his slow-paced films with very simple and thin plots, and "Absent" is not an exception. Before trying this one, please get familiar with his cinematic style by watching his other works such as Hawaii (his best and easiest one to watch), Taekwondo and The Blonde One. After that you may appreciate this film more. I didn't rate it high but I think it's worth a try if you want something refreshing.

Really sad and really lovely. Beautifully made.. it's a dreamlike movie.

The story goes slow but the growing tension didn't let it be boring for a second.

It's been made very simple, short, yet absolutely complete.

It could represent a dessapointment when you expect a clear, precise, mind twisting film about a real delicate subject. But it is , first, a correct movie, using the suggestion as basic tool for a not comfortable conflict, love, seduction and temptation story. A teacher. And his student. A night and a mistake based on lie. And a powerful kick to put all elements in the right order. "Ausente" is just a beautiful film. Not a revelation, not the film who can provoke revolutions. But a honest story who seems endless because it is the only reasonable way for give this sort of story. So, a beautiful film.

After watching "The Blond One" (EXCELLENT) and "Hawaii" (VERY GOOD) ...this movie is just "so so." I feel giving it a higher rating would be an insult to Marco's other films.