Los Fuertes

I just love this movie, a touching love story, very good acting and amazing cinematography. Also, this movie really inspires to visit Valdivia, Chile one day! To sum up, it would be an excellent movie choice for yourself or maybe with your love ones in a weekend night.

I saw this marvellous film this evening at the Sydney Queer screen Mardi Gras Film Festival. From the first screen shots I was entranced in this not so run of the mill love story. The two male leads are electric in their performances and so convincing as their story unfolds. as is the supporting cast. The cinematography is totally engrossing letting us into a part of the world few tourists ( and Chileans ) get to experience. I would definitely see it again . Highly recommended. And introduced by a very talented and humble young Chilean man

The film takes place in Niebla, an actual town on the southern Chilean coast. Lucas has come from Santiago to visit his sister, a dentist at the local medical clinic, before he heads off to architecture school in Montreal. The area is full of old Spanish forts, which he goes around sketching. Antonio is a fisherman who dreams of owning his own boat, who also takes part in re-enactments of the victory Chilean rebels had over the Spanish in their war of independence. The two meet and fall in love.

While there is homophobia to deal with, the biggest problem with "happy forever" is their different visions of what life each wishes to lead.

The director made good use of the area's actual history. I have sailed the islands and channels of southern Chile, and the scenery brings back fond memories. The action is authentic - both between the principals, and in scenes of everyday life.

Saw this movie during the 2020 Chicago Reeling Virtual Film Festival. The movie has a slow but steady pace. The director took great shots to document the beautiful city of Valvidia. I feel that the cinematography enhanced the story - like a supporting actor. This is a short yet sweet romance: boy meets boy, boys falls in love, boys realizes the difference in their lives However, life steps in and realities must be faced. The chemistry between the main characters is solid, supporting cast gave good performances. Overall a pleasing movie.

The battle scene that opens the film sets the stage for the battle for independence and freedom. At the start of the film, and again during the movie, we see a re-enactment of one famous battle for Chile's independence from Spain. The rest of the action represents a battle for independence and freedom of two men who become entangled while one, Lucas, is visiting his sister before moving to Montreal to attend school.

The visit is limited, but while visiting, he meets a local man who works on a fishing boat. There are undercurrents of turmoil between Lucas and his parents (possibly because he is gay), and between his sister and her husband. There are also undercurrents of turmoil developing in the wider circle of characters because of the relationship forming between the two men.

And this leads to turmoil between the two men as well.

Each has his own dream to pursue, and his own life story. Will one of them sacrifice his independence and freedom for the other? Or will they go their separate ways.

There are some very sweet moments along the way, and it's enjoyable just watching these two handsome men develop in their relationship. I found the interactions, and reactions of the other characters toward the men interesting as well.

The movie is beautiful to watch, given the backdrop of the Chilean coast and the excellent camera work. Acting is outstanding throughout the film.