Sabor tropical

Jorge Ameer's latest outing is as much fascinating as it is distinct in style. I saw this film at a theatre in Ft. Lauderdale and wondered why there were only evening shows, but as I began to watch I immediately realized why. With a reality/documentary (think "Quarantine") - follow your every move - photography, the film summarizes Brian's (played by the very talented Matthew Leitch) travels through Panama and the high energy, intensely beautiful and awesome carnival of Las Tablas. This film definitely made me want to make reservations for next years festivities. I have seen other Ameer films, but this one by far is his best. I was specially engaged in all of the hedonism and shameless pursuit of Brian's libido fulfillment. The images of the opening credits are most disturbing, yet quite allegorical and symbolic to Brian's plight in what I would call a most amazing vitriolic conclusion. What I found even more clever was the fluidity of the unfolding proceedings. It was hard to figure out what was scripted from what was improvised or true, an element I would have to say is an asset and a definite merit to the film. Don't think I should say much more about this without feeling like I'm giving the story away, so all I will say is see it for yourself.

Travel, particularly to Latin America, is of great interest to me. After reading previous reviews, I was looking forward to seeing Sabor Tropical, although there was an element throughout the reviews that was vaguely troubling to me. After watching the "director's cut", I feel compelled to write a review that will spare others from an awful waste of time and money. First, most of the movie is presented as footage from a hand held video camera--the cinematography is therefore terrible. The perspective of Panama is street scenes behind one of the characters that could have been shot in Newark, New Jersey, or out of a moving car window of sky and fields that could have been in Iowa. The scenes of Carnival were shot at night with a voice over introduction that sounded like it was being read from a travel brochure. Second, the "star" is a narcissistic exhibitionist (to be kind) who is periodically referred to in the movie as resembling Colin Ferrel or James Dean--he doesn't. Finally, production values, story line, writing, acting, and directing are among some the the worst I've ever seen. Spare yourself.

As I watched Sabor, the first thing that came to mind is oh my god, that Matthew Leitch is one hot actor. His performance was riveting. I found the documentary style was fascinating. I found the carnival in Panama to be colorful and lively specially because of the high energy an colorful costumes. The ending was kinda shocking and amazing... I thought it was genius. I recommend this film because it very original and thought provoking. At first I wasn't so crazy about the colombian guy but as I thought about it his performance was very realistic. His character was believable as he was not a Hollywood type actor. I thought the story was so realistic you could not tell what was scripted and what was not. As I watched it on DVD, I would have really liked to have seen it on the big screen for it think it would have had a bigger impact. Some movies you just have to see them on the big screen and that's my preferred way I would have liked to have seen this.

The basic problem is the status of too very personal film of Sabor tropical. The good intentions are obvious but obvious is, in same measure, the narcissismus of main actor.

As intention, it is a (fake)documentary but only as intention. Not for not very inspired filming, not for interventions or for nakedness but for the feeling about a vacantion film, perfect to see near family and friends , source of jokes and good moments, fun and exclamations.

The bad thing - the film desires be more than that. And , maybe, in essence, this is the just only problem about it.

So, an easy film and, maybe, a happy / proud director about it.

I heard about this film in the Panamanian media because there was scandal surrounding its release. I recently purchased the DVD not knowing what to expect. I live in Panama City but I'm from the town where this film was shot, Las Tablas, so I was compelled to see what all this film was is all about. I was very pleasantly surprise because I was proud to see both Panama and the carnival well represented here. If you have never been to the Carnival of Las Tablas, this would be a good film to watch to be familiar with it. the story is documentary style. The story follows the journey of a reporter who comes to Panama to do a video diary of his experience at carnival. He soon gets involved in the hype of the festivities and sooner than later ends up with some interesting experiences along the way. The film builds to a scandalous ending that is very unexpected and powerful. It leaves you wondering what happened and why. The film is very good yet very, very violent towards the ending but satisfying. If you are looking to experience the high energy and festivities of one of Panama's and Latin America's most popular events with an open mind and something different from the usual, you will find Sabor Tropical an fun inde movie to watch.