When a retired criminal prosecutor decides to try his hand at writing a novel he finds himself inextricably drawn into the harrowing events of an unsolved crime. Re-investigating the brutal rape and murder of a beautiful woman he discovers devastated lives corrupt government officials and a lost love. But as he delves deeper he finds himself at the dark heart of society where mysteries lurk in the shadows and danger waits around every corner. Strewn with ingenious twists and turns this stunning edge-of-your-seat thriller is a cinematic tour de force of nail-biting... suspense and white-knuckle excitement. Hailed by critics and the public alike this critically-acclaimed box office smash has also been graced with film's greatest accolade: an Academy Award. [show more]
The Secret In Their Eyes won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film last year and in many ways it is a perfect example of world cinema embracing and enhancing Hollywood formula.
Ricardo Darin plays Benjamín Esposito, a retired Federal Judge, who has decided to write a novel based on a case from twenty years prior that he can't shake the memory of. To do so means visiting his old boss, Irene Menéndez Hastings (Soledad Villamil), who he happens to be in love with. Raking over the old details makes them both think about their old decisions and regrets. Esposito discovers new details about the case and those directly involved.
This is a marvellous screenplay from Eduardo Sacheri and Juan José Campanella that shames much of what we assume is typical film writing. It is at turns reflective and nostalgic, with just the right amount of sentimentality, but razor sharp too and it moves confidently between past and present with no sign-posting to the audience. It feels authentic and honest throughout, trusting the viewer to understand subtle reveals in characters that accentuate the point of title, through to outrageous moments and leaps of faith in the plot that are handled with a knowing wink. Well, that just betrays its origins; Spanish cinema often has a nutty edge! It recognises, as Hitchcock did, the inherent absurdity of many typical thriller plots and concentrates the real substance on the romance between the leads.
This is cinema as sleight of hand and is enormous fun, even while it threatens to break your heart. The key to its success is the terrific playful dialogue which is consistent and relaxed even while the plot mercilessly fluctuates in tone. You will frequently laugh out loud, even at mere banter or during a rather serious moment, but never underestimate this films heart. It has the rhythm of old fashioned Hollywood, with a modern, naturalistic edge and is performed beautifully by the superb cast who play their characters both young and old; and there is a distinction beyond clever make-up as the story is tinged with regret only possible with age. There may also be a political sub-text in there, but it passed me by; I'm a bit behind on Argentinian government policies! That such a broad and affecting story is so focused, light and watchable is testament to the powerful writing and perfectly judged performances.
Darin as Esposito and Villamil as Irene are particularly brilliant in their dual roles. They are charming as both young and idealistic, and as the older, regretful versions too. Argentinian comedian Guillermo Francella plays Esposito's drunken partner Sandoval, but don't assume he is a thin slapstick backup. He plays a character as layered as any other. If you excuse my ignorance, I suppose he might be a Spanish Robin Williams.
Director Juan José Campanella does an incredible job with the films complicated tone, but he makes it so smooth, enthusiastically embracing the screenplays more absurd moments and he bolsters others with ingenuity that never feels forced or manipulative. Inside the first ten minutes is a moment of such delicate beauty during one of those shifts that it almost took my breath away, and that wasn't the high-point. There's an astonishing five minute unbroken scene in a football stadium that will make your jaw drop, and the awful early flashback moment when Esposito remembers his first encounter of the crime scene is a similarly long take, yet a sombre one.
The Secret In Their Eyes is a magnificent achievement and highly deserving of its award. I can think of little to compare it with. "Political thriller" brings State of Play to mind, but it's far more accomplished. It shares more with The Constant Gardener, yet it's a lot more fun. It would definitely appeal to fans of the more heavily marketed The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Sadly, there isn't a Blu-Ray available to really take advantage of Félix Monti's golden photography, but the DVD is a fine substitute and is at a bargain price at the moment.
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Please note this is a region 2 DVD and will require a region 2 (Europe) or region Free DVD Player in order to play. When a retired criminal prosecutor decides to try his hand at writing a novel he finds himself inextricably drawn into the harrowing events of an unsolved crime. Re-investigating the brutal rape and murder of a beautiful woman he discovers devastated lives, corrupt government officials and a lost love. But as he delves deeper he finds himself at the dark heart of society, where mysteries lurk in the shadows and danger waits around every corner. Strewn with ingenious twists and turns, this stunning, edge-of-your-seat thriller is a cinematic tour de force of nail-biting suspense and white-knuckle excitement. Hailed by critics and the public alike, this critically-acclaimed box office smash has also been graced with film's greatest accolade: an Academy Award. Actors Soledad Villamil, Ricardo Darín, Carla Quevedo, Pablo Rago, Javier Godino & Bárbara Palladino Director Juan José Campanella Certificate 18 years and over Year 2009 Duration 2 hours and 4 minutes (approx)
Juan Jose Campanella writes and directs this Argentinian crime drama based on the novel by Eduardo Sacheri. 25 years after the event, Buenos Aires federal justice employee Benjamin Esposito (Ricardo Darin) remains deeply affected by an unsolved case involving the brutal rape and murder of a young girl in 1974. Meanwhile, he is also struggling with a strong attraction towards his boss, investigating judge Irene Hastings (Soledad Villamil). The film won the 2010 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film of the Year.
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