I think the idea behind this movie was really interesting and different. It tells the story of a brutal attack on a gay man in Chile, which is a very serious subject, similar to the Matthew Shepard case in the US. However, it feels like the people who made the film weren't quite sure how to tell the story. The movie wanders around a lot, and many scenes are confusing because it's hard to tell what point the director is trying to make. The first part of the movie was actually quite good and I was excited to see where it went, but then it completely changes. It spends way too much time showing the dad being sad and frustrated, and the most annoying part is that the movie doesn't really have an ending or any answers. The story is about a teenager named Pablo who is around 17 or 18. He lives with his dad, Juan, who is a single father and always busy with work. Pablo loves to dance, hangs out with his best friend who is a lesbian, and is practicing for a drag show audition. When...
The documentary zeros in on one neighborhood’s communal transformation for the annual event being led by spirited creative leadership of a trio of transgender and gay residents. Tchinda is an elder stateswoman of sorts, having come out publicly in 1998 and lives her life with her rules. Although she will not be marching, she oversees the community effort, and does her best to defuse the mounting tension. Working with two of her best mates, they conceptualize the ocean-themed float and costumes for the collective fantasy and, with limited funds and limitless inventiveness, they take every detail seriously.
The documentary is beautifully shot. If you had any doubts of how much hard work goes into preparing these carnival events, this surely will be an eye opener for all of you. Its amazing, how most people have nothing in terms of money but its sheer passion and pride in their work that makes Tchinda and her friends design and work towards one of the best experience locals and tourists can both have in the carnival. The doc goes in depth in this subject revealing a seamless fusion of tradition and open-hearted acceptance. Having said all this, from an entertainment perspective, the documentary doesn't really offer much. I didn't know what to expect from it, so truth be told, I was a bit disappointed. And this is where personal perspectives play a huge role. I mean, I get that the documentary is beautiful, the subject is engaging and for documentary lovers, most people would just lap it up. But I guess for me, not being in the right frame of mind while watching this, overall I thought this was just strictly ok. (4.5/10)
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