El otro hermano

Good actors and an interesting story, but not for two hours. I like slow movies when the rhythm is part of the story telling. In this case, it's just boring. From the finished film, a good editor, even without the original footage, would transform this in an excellent short movie that everybody would love to watch.

Not all Argentinian movies are good, far from that, but this one is certainly interesting to watch as the cast did a very good job with their respective performances. Especially Leonardo Sbaraglia as the sleezy greaceball Duarte, a con-man that hustles his way through life. Nothing is bad enough to make himself some 'plata'. But also Alian Devetac as Danielito, his compagnon in crime, just doing it for the weed. His miserable look was perfect in the context of the story. And then there was Daniel Hendler as Cetarti, the lost brother, a bit naive but in the end also up to make some cash without questioning too much if it's right or wrong. The story is interesting to watch, with a dark malevolant ambiance. And also perfect to practice my Spanish a little bit.

Every time I have watched a Leonardo Sbaraglia film, I know that I will not be disappointed. He's such a fascinating actor who is constantly changing and evolving in the roles he plays. Of course he is always surrounded by a fine cast and this film is no exception. They are first rate. But Sbaraglia manages to hypnotize with his chameleon-like qualities - amazing! His role of DUARTE here should be a master class for acting students. The tautness of the script, characters so lean and well delineated and masterful direction lead us to a suspenseful conclusion.

Well, as a puertorican I'm a fan of the Latinoamerican Cinematography and while it's true there are not many +7 stars movies by year in Latin cinematography, but there's always a handful of movies that sometimes exceeds the Hollywood films with a lot of promo and a gigantic budget. These is one of those movies and the responsibility lies in one name: Leonardo Sbaraglia. Yes, the story is not 10 stars, but the performance of Sbaraglia along with the argentine badlands, the cruel way in which poverty is presented and the bizarre relationships between the characters make these movie a must-see if you're a fan of the Argentinian films like "El Secreto De Sus Ojos", "Relatos Salvajes", "Nueve Reinas" and the list goes on. It could be better, no doubt, but Sbaraglia's performance worth the time.

I think I'm starting to learn Spanish by absorption I've watched so many Argentinian films lately, and I'm glad I have, as they are presenting scenarios in an art form that Hollywood is simply unable to do. Rather than budget constraints resulting in trashy exploitation movies, as tend to come out of more affluent nations, it seems to focus and direct these film maker's attention back to the essentials of film making, and The Lost Brother is no exception.

The title can refer to any of the three 'brothers' here as they each are lost and are central to its plot. This is not so much a film to be enjoyed, but experienced rather, as everything about it is believable and painful, even the unsettling dual-personality of its main character.

People really do vanish in these environments, and presented here is a possible situation in which some of these disappearances occur. It's all awkward, sad, and difficult to watch, where the manipulation and abuse of the elderly and poor is up for grabs, and even the perpetrator lives in mental and physical squalor.

The acting is natural and authentic, the direction superb, the script tight and unpredictable, and the score is sparse and effective, all so much so in fact that it can leave one dispirited - you have been warned.

But it will give you an insight into another world, raw and unfiltered, and make you appreciate being able to watch this in your comfortable urban front room on your 40" LCD TV.