Sueño En Otro Idioma (Spanish) [I Dream In Another Language]

What a visually stunning film! I haven't seen a gay themed film which is shot so beautifully and esthetically, in a long time. There are lush tropical landscapes, crystal clear water, attractive people that you can connect with and amazing performances. The film is not just about the dying language Zikril ((an imaginary dialect invented for the film) but also about understanding the world, perspectives that are lost when we fail to show sufficient curiosity in the generations and cultures that have come before.

A young, good looking researcher Martin turns up in a small jungle settlement in search of last speakers of the dying language Zikril. Isauro and Evaristo are the only 2 remaining men who speak the language but interestingly they have not spoken to each other in a long time. Isauro unfortunately understands and speaks only Zikril but everyone else including Evaristo can speak Spanish too. With the help os Evaristo's daughter, Martin tries to bring the two guys together but a haunting episode from past stops them from coming close to each other. We find out that they both fell in love with same girl 50 years ago but Evaristo won her, also because Isauro didn't speak Spanish. Later we see that there is more to the story. The men actually love and like each other a lot, even sexually and enjoy it. But soon, religious guilt starts forming in Evaristo, asks forgiveness from the girlfriend who knows the truth and has a huge fight with Isuaro, indirectly blaming him for the gay tendencies and love. The grand-daughter knows the details because of the grandmother but they cant tell Evaristo. The 2 men briefly talk but soon their differences creep again. Isuaro unfortunately dies soon, and even after pleading by everyone to say his goodbye, Evaristo in his ego does not do that. Inevitably, there’s a bit of myth woven into it all, in the shape of a magical cave where all the speakers of Zikril go when they die, which I think brings a wonderful aspect to the whole story.

The film is directed with emotions and tenderness. I absolutely loved the connections that people shared with one another, the genuine respect and admiration they have. The 2 main protagonists, both in old age and in flashbacks do a fantastic job of portraying the conflicts that their characters are going through. As mentioned above, this film is not just about a dying language. It also depicts clash of sexuality, personal aspirations and how its not easy to make sense of harsh life. it is a film about roots. Deep roots, from language to fairy tales and myths to secrets defining a strange, forbidden love story. A film about a dying universe. About reconciliation. Having said these nice things, I did have some issues about the film. I am still not very clear why they would completely stop speaking. Agreed, the religious guilt is way too much for Evaristo but still why hold the grudge so long? I wonder if that was something to do with grandma. The ending when Isuaro says something in Zikril to Martin, which is only later translated to him by Evaristo , sort of summarizes the film. Look for the translation below. And, finally to martin. A gorgeous man and even amazing values. Thats the kind of man I would want for myself. Just saying!!

This film is not for everyone. Most people will find it very slow. But you really have to invest in the individuals to appreciate the nuances of the film and and the idea. The lines below tell you the relationship between the two men. (8/10)

Goodbye my friend... my best friend
All that was unsaid... will remain unsaid
but in "The Enchantment" I will think about those things 
... and I will also think of you
my friend... my best friend