ThiefHott
Too much of everything
Exoticalot
People are voting emotionally.
Listonixio
Fresh and Exciting
Keeley Coleman
The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;
derrickluciano
I wouldn't miss reviewing this film because it's one of the most engaging gay themed films I've seen. Although a lot of films have depicted repressed characters, gay husbands and gossipy neighbors, this one takes the tragic ghost love story angle. And finally, this is the film which succeeds in showing what it is to be a real man.Mico and Tiago are lovers but can never be a couple in a conservative seaside village where gossiping is a favorite pastime. Mico initially does not accept who he truly is nor who he truly loves but what follows is his journey to confront himself amidst a very homophobic community. And this he does without any disrespect for his family, religion and tradition. Most are excellent actors. Feel Mico's anguish when he first realized what happened to Tiago. Sympathize with Mariela as she carries her baby hurriedly out of her house. Or look at Tiago's very expressive eyes...Cinematography is excellent, with beautiful seaside sceneries, sand amid gushing winds, and purple, orange or moonlight skies. Pacing is excellent. There's comedy, there's drama, a bit of suspense and most of all, a loving romance.Watch this film. It is about true love and honor. The final scene at the boat is truly beautiful and uplifting!
sergepesic
" Undertow", gut-wrenching and quietly powerful Peruvian movie, brings back the faith in the power of story telling. This forgotten art seems to have passed by most of our contemporary film-makers. Luckily it didn't Javier Funtes-Leon. Small fishing village seemingly locked in time capsule. Grueling work, old-time believes, church on Sundays and communal meal after. Everybody knows everybody, or do they? Small towns, like little tribes, include all members of its community.Up to a point. As long as you play by their traditional rules, you'll be fine. But, just try to step out of the rhythm of the tribal tune, and they turn on you. Of course, this is a movie about a repression of gay people and the horrors they have to endure just because they are different. But, it is so much more. The indictment of empty traditions, false morals and greatest possible cheer for personal courage. This is the life we have, these are the cards we are dealt and play we must.With our head up high and damn the consequences, or hiding and trying to please all but yourself. Doesn't seems such a hard choice to me, or is it?
jjnxn-1
Beautifully wrought story of a man coming to grips with his true self. Exquisite performances with Cristian Mercado absolutely riveting in the lead. This isn't a film that provides easy answers or comforting assurances, life in this village is a tough ingrained macho stronghold even though a small glimmer of progression is allowed to shine though near the end. Mercado shows the intense struggle the main character must navigate to not only make peace with a crushing tragedy but learn how to align his moral code with something that could cost him everything he hasn't already lost. Mercado isn't alone in offering a great performance everyone is very fine. Deeply affecting and well worth seeking out.
Movie Critic
Miguel (Cristian Mercado) is having a homosexual affair with a truly handsome painter Santiago (Tatiana Astengo). He refuses however to have the affair go as far as Santiago wants (he is married) and the latter commits suicide.Santiago's soul cannot rest until he has a proper burial and he comes back as a ghost to be with Miguel--no one but Miguel can see him. Miguel doesn't want the ghost to leave so ties his body to a rock underwater. Once buried properly the ghost will leave.The homo-phobic small religious fishing community ostracizes Miguel when some nude drawings and paintings in Santiago's house reveal the affair.My God life must be hell in a Peruvian fishing village for gays although all the locals seemed eager to participate in a movie filming about it? I do think it is a good look at general life in the village a lot of local non actors are used. The actor playing the gay artist Astengo is an Adonis and played the part well.The ending where the body is found and Miguel confesses all and buries his lover is moving.My problem is I just don't care that much for the genre showing gay hate maybe because I am gay. It is uncomfortable and brings back too many bad memories. This movie is compounded by showing too many shots of pregnant wombs and other modern PC stuff I could do without.The ghost idea borders on the gimmicky but was done well. It is also depressing when barely into the movie the handsome gay good guy is dead from suicide.I wish they would make more movies where the gays beat the system instead of end up committing suicide or have an over sexual mother and other stereotypes that won't die.For the genre this gets about an 8. It is unique and interesting. Have this director make a positive one with happy ending!!RECOMMEND