Bombon le chien

What a movie! This is one of the movies that gives you a feeling like you've met the lead actor, like you've known him for all your life. A kind of film that in all its simplicity shows the magic of life transported on the movie canvas. Staring with the fact that during the movie you can't stop thinking "where in the hell did he found the lead actor (Juan Villegas),he must be a actor-legend in Argentina" and then you find out that man used to park the director's (Carlos Sorin) car for 5 years before he put him on film. It doesn't end here, it's that none of the actors in film are professional actors, so to speak. An art it self is getting that maximum out them and he did. Pure emotions on movie canvas, a master-piece in a small life story.

Sorin has managed to show an Argentina which not many Argentinians are used to see in film. With "El perro" and "Historias minimas" he surprises the audience with the complete absence of surprises. The beautifully portrayed characters in this movie are so simple that you cannot feel nothing but thankful for being able to share a part of their life. This could be seen as another of the stories Sorin showed us in "historias mínimas", but this one is maybe even more simple and it is that simplicity which makes this movie so great. It is also a great lesson for us Argentinias that are always waiting for someone who will take advantage of the main character........that is the biggest surprise this film has waiting for us.

Tomm

Released in the UK with the title of Bombón (El Perro), this is a lovely little movie. Although life is hard, the characters in the story show that love, joy and friendship can be found - often in the most unexpected places. Contrary to my expectations, it was not a simple tale of "man meets dog and together they form an inseparable bond that brings them through many hardships" but rather a more subtle and involved tale that gave you deeper insight into the life of the main character Coco Villegas. Although lacking Hollywood attention grabbers, the film keeps you constantly engaged and finishes with a twist that helps you leave with a smile.

This is the story of a man and his dog, a story acted out on two backdrops: One is the depressing socio-economic situation of Argentina, where jobs are few and far between and life becomes an eternal quest for a few pesos, a job, dignity. The other backdrop is the harsh but grand nature of Patagonia, windswept vistas, arid land, cold air and a strong sun beating down on the expansive landscape.

Coco is looking for a job and a living. He's single, 55'ish and staying at his daughter's place, trying to not be in the way, and trying to help out, but unable to aid the family economically. He is a good man, willing to work but not to be unjust in his dealings with other unfortunate people.

One day he selflessly helps a woman stranded on a deserted road with a broken-down car. As a thank you he is offered the huge dog of her deceased father: He accepts it, little knowing how it will change his life.

The basic premise of this movie is that if you're a good person, you will be rewarded. Knowing that reality in a country like Argentina is very far from this, we - as spectators - always fear that Coco will be cheated by somebody.

The movie progresses at a slow, deliberate pace, reflecting the immobility of Patagonian life. More than a story, because there is actually not much of a story told, it gives us an ambiance, a feeling for the life of people in these southern regions of Argentina. It is a beautiful anthropological document, even more so because the protagonists are completely believable, despite (or maybe because of) the fact that they aren't even played by professional actors.

Recommended as a sweet, small movie for a quiet evening.

A mild-mannered middle-aged man who has lost his job as a mechanic struggles to make ends meet while living with his daughter's family. After he helps out a woman whose car has broken down, he receives as a gift a pedigree dog. Through a chance meeting, he winds up being drawn into the less than perfect world of dog shows and breeding. Villegas, the main character, seems an innocent in this world, and his trusting nature and desire to make a better life for himself make him the victim of an unscrupulous trainer. But it is his kindness and his affection for the dog that shine through all the adversity. The film's greatest attributes are the minimalist performances by the entire cast and the simple telling of the story. Heartwarming and human.