I was intrigued by so much music by the band Violent Femmes in this movie as I actually saw them live many years ago. A very odd juxtaposition to have those songs set against the desolate landscape of Patagonia, at the far south of Argentina. That was intriguing. The rest of the movie was, well, dull,
The usual teenage angst and self-obsession, in a rather coy way.
But oh that main character just SO annoying - I don't think he's meant to be. But I just kept hoping he'd disappear somehow - maybe on a ranch somewhere in Patagonia. And boy his poems and the music of his band are really so bad.
I see this was funded by a European charity fund, and I suppose such an unusual movie (for the setting and soundtrack only) make it a worthy addition to the archive. But I'd rather pay folding money not to have to suffer the insufferable lead character again.
2 stars
There are a number of coming-of-age films out there, which makes it hard for a film to really stand out unless it delivers itself in a unique way to many others.
This film achieved that in three ways. Firstly it was beautifully shot with a naturally relaxed summer vibe and setting. Secondly, the cinematography was very good; especially for the silent parts in some of the scenes which allowed the feelings and emotions of self-discovery, confusion and awkwardness to be played out without the need for words. And thirdly, I really loved the segments which where like a narrated diary as an overlay to parts of the film.
It was realistic, raw, thoughtful and relatable in its handling of adolescent sexual awakening.
One of the best coming-of-age films I’ve seen!