Valentín

Valentin is an eight year old who dreams of one day being an astronaut. This is the late sixties just before man landed on the moon. He lives with his grandmother. Occasionally he gets a visit from his father but he never gets to see his mother. There's also an uncle, a friendly musician and a soon to be ex-girlfriend of his father's. This is Valentin's world and like that other famous eight year old Lisa Simpson he's more wiser than they are. It may not be that original but 'Valentin' is a very sweet and lovely film perfectly judged and satisfyingly told, and the conclusion will leave you moist-eyed. (8/10)

firstly, this is a film rather than a movie; therefore, it appears that the objective is more to offer a discrete perspective to the viewer -- if one is interested in plots twists, car chases or other movie ' magic', it is perhaps advisable to look elsewhere

however, if one wishes to experiences what has to be universally fine acting -- especially by the always pitch-perfect ms carmen maura in a performance which may be surely described as Oscar-worthy -- a compelling study in inter- /intra-personal relationships and an opportunity to see the world differently after viewing : decease looking & enjoy what has become one of my favorite films

lacking experience or credentials in film criticism, i refrain from attempting to offer pretentious pseudo-critique; that being stated, just one of the aspects of the film i appreciated was a presentation of the heretofore little known personally topic of Argentinian jewry

further, this film elicited empathy for ostensibly unsympathetic characters reminding one that ' walking a mile in the shoes ' of others is still perhaps the best way to understand them

This is one of the very few movies I really love these past couple of years. Rodrigo Noya's Valentin is such a smart, funny and sad 8 year old boy. Everything he says gives you a smile and a little twist in the heart. He's like the old lady who lives alone and says she doesn't mind being alone but asks you to stay a little longer because she's baked dozens of cookies which nobody will eat. Rodrigo Noya is such an excellent actor that every nuance is caught thought his expressions, body language. The adults around him all act selfishly, but it's so realistic because we all are self-centered beings, and children sometimes are just treated like things that happened to be there. I love this movie so much I am recommending it to every people I know.

Hollywood filmmakers could learn plenty from this marvelous little film from Argentina.

Rodrigo Noya is utterly charming and captivating as the title character, a 9-year-old boy who builds stuff for astronauts and whose attitude toward life and love is more adult than many of the adults in his life, including his father.

Director Alejandro Agresti's script is clever, humorous and poignant, yet, never becomes maudlin. Even a key moment in the story is deftly handled without an ounce of sentimentality. A Hollywood film most likely would have milked that scene dry with a melodramatic score and character histrionics.

"Valentín" is a celebration of childhood innocence. But it's also about how lessons learned as a young boy shape the adult man he is to become. There are moments in this film written so smartly you appreciate Agresti's talent. For instance, Valentin's scenes with Leticia are funny because of the way the two actors play the scenes so naturally, their dialogue and actions make perfect sense. Or, listen to the conversation between Valentin and his neighbor when they discuss the neighbor's ex-girlfriend over a cup of tea.

And the film's ending? A perfect close to a lovely story. Do yourself a favor and see this brilliant gem.

Little Rodrigo Noya fulfills his task completely, carrying this movie all by himself. He plays an 8-year-old boy, raised by his grandmother, surrounded by problems in his family he finds only himself capable of solving.

Dutch Art Director Floris Vos performs great, creating the perfect setting for this film in '70 Argentina.