La stratégie de l'escargot

La estrategia del caracol is a precious tale, like one of those G.G. Marquez usually writes. There is a kind of magic realism on it, so we see a world that is not exactly as the real one, but is quite similar. The whole film, in my opinion, is a metaforic view of the society, represented by the house. The people living there have to learn to live altogether, despite their differences, and fight together to face a great danger: The destruction of their home.

After using as many legal tricks as possible, there is only one solution, proposed by a former Spanish civil war fighter. But this solution means work, and everybody must work with his neighbours, doing as much as possible and receiving everything needed in exchange. During the work, they act as a team, as a real society; and some anarchist little dreams can come true, although, as Jacinto (the Spanish exiliate)says "it´s autumn in Spain". Nowadays, I´m afraid it´s already winter.

'La estrategia del caracol' had an unexpected success in Colombia. The movie was on release at the end of december of 1994 and, suddenly, like a miracle, the film connected with the viewers, the critics and collected some money, something unusual in that country where Hollywood rubbish-films are box-office kings (sadly). Certainly, Cabrera's creation deserved that incredible viewer's support. His movie is a good polaroid of colombian people and their way of living. It shows us the efforts of a group of 'neighbours' trying to keep the only thing that they have got in their lives: their house, something that belongs to them but, legally, doesn't. They will have to work together, despite they don't like each other, in order to solve that problem. And they, as usually colombians do, will find a creative solution to keep that precious 'treasure'. That's what I think the movie is about. By using the intelligence, cooperation and a good dose of sacarsm poor people can defeat the rich-powerful guys. In this case, this modest colombian film defeated the Hollywood empire for several weeks. Of course the dream was so short...!

I think it's not that bad. I agree, it's a must see movie talking about Colombian cinema, I think it has had a Cannes award!! The real thing that one has to see in the movie is that Colombian people don't give up! Never ever! We always find a way to get what we want, even if is not the best one. That's what this movie is about, no matter how bad the things are going, there's something else that rests ---HOPE!

I very much disagree with the previous comment posted on this movie because I think it is one of the best movies produced in Colombia. It treats the usual theme of poverty and social unjustice with satire and humor giving it a new approach and an enrichening perspective. For anyone who has had any follow up of Colombian cinema, this is a must see movie.

I'm a foreigner who watched this movie to learn Spanish. I was specifically interested in a Colombian film because I've heard that the Colombian accent is very neutral and nice-sounding in Spanish, so I should try to learn speaking it like the Colombians.

-> The plot: not very interesting, but definitely revealed various problems that are a part of Latin American society.

-> Colombian culture: this movie taught me a lot about Colombian culture: what's right, what's wrong, how people live, what the govt.'s like, etc.

-> Spanish: I watched this movie with English subtitles, so I didn't learn many (if any) individual Spanish words, but I did learn about how it's generally spoken, the rhythm, the styles, and a lot of other stuff.

In short, this movie will not be very interesting to watch (especially if you're a foreigner), but it taught me a lot about the culture and was worth it.

HOWEVER, if you're interested in Colombian culture you need to remember that this movie was released more than two decades ago! Colombian culture and society has obviously changed a lot since then. So, remember that while watching it, obviously! Bon voyage!