Pluskylang
Great Film overall
Brenda
The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one
Logan
By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.
SnoopyStyle
Victor is a poor kid who moves boxes on his cart in the market. He needs money to get a cell phone with a camera. He gets a job to transport 7 boxes. It's very sketchy. He gets a half of a torn US $100 bill. He's told to guard it with his life until he gets a call. Another porter is after the boxes. With his wacky friend Liz's help, he tries to stay one step ahead of everybody.The desperation for money is palpable and I love that he needs the money for a cell phone. It's not something that comes to my mind right away. However it's so obvious if the kid doesn't have one. It makes the movie even more compelling. The movie is great technically. There is real kinetic energy in the camera work. The story is solid and full of thrills. There is also a bit of gallows humor. It's a terrific indie.
Red-Barracuda
A teenager who works as a wheelbarrow delivery boy in a sprawling market in Asunción, Paraguay is given the task of transporting seven mysterious boxes for a big sum of money. He soon discovers the horror of what is in the boxes, while he is pursued by a murderous gang.It's always very refreshing to see movies from countries with little cinematic output. And that's exactly the situation in the case of 7 Boxes which showcases the cinema of Paraguay. It shares the Latin American energy that so many other films from that part of the world have. But it also does feel specifically Paraguayan with convincing and realistic characters and a very authentic setting. It's a crime thriller but it does differentiate itself from many other films of that type where even the chief bad guy is at least a little sympathetic. He does what he does ultimately for his sick son. He ends up going down his path because he cannot afford the medicine. He, like the other characters, is motivated as a result of the socio-economic situation in which he cannot escape. The movie suggests the hardships and poverty of the lives of the characters can result in some harsh choices.The acting from the entire cast is good all round. The two kids at the centre of the story hold things together very well, while there are some memorable characters in the periphery such as the bungling kidnappers. There is a good mix of suspense and comedy, while the direction is stylish when it needs to be, taking time to get to know the characters as well. The film ends with all of the strands of the story coming together in a satisfying finale. And when it ends you can't help hoping there will be more films from Paraguay.
Juan Venegas
What I appreciated the most about this movie was the outstandingly well crafted screenplay. As a foundation to the story, the socio-economical setting is very clearly established from the very beginning as well as each character's background and motivations. With such solid dramatic pillars, the story unfolds organically. No character is good, bad or stereotyped, their actions are a consequence of their history, their situation and their motivations. In the best style of Greek tragedy, the story brings us to discover how characters are unexpectedly connected and how seemingly casual acts have strong and logic consequences.The direction is very innovative and fresh in camera angles and editing that match well the techno-tropical music.I would put it up in the same category and caliber with City of Good as a sample of the best of Latin-American cinema.
willcand
Given the lack of the Paraguayan cinematographic production, I went to see this film with great skepticism at the 14th edition of the "Havana Film Festival" in New York City. The presenters had only compliments towards the movie, still my skepticism was there. Immediately after the movie started I could already feel the intensity and the high-speed dynamics of it. Putting it in few words, the acting was stunning to where the characters managed to take you right into the scene!...you just care for most of them in it, even a little for the bad guy and his sick son!! There were many very emotional and motivating moments and even thou things turn out in the most unexpected way, they show you all the interesting sides of humans...The director really achieved AN AMAZING, MOTIVATING, PASSIONATE AND VIBRATING WORK...CONGRATULATIONS!!
