| Re: Movie Reviews
Pantaleón y las visitadoras (2000), 137 mins., Peruvian
(5 stars)
Expect anything Vargas-Llosa to contain obvious and hidden 'jabs' at people and politics. This movie uses comedy to veil accusations against corruption, hypocrisy and the status quo. It also contrasts the way of strictly following duty or following your passions. So, if anyone views this movie as just 'racy' or a 'sex romp,' the many points will be missed.
The captain debates between his married life and duty or his passionate liasons with Cepeda. Cepeda not only draws him out of his shell, but shows him that the 'women' are far more than tools to improve the troop's morale and efficiency--but actually a valuable commodity that requires caring and attention. When he realizes this and tries to improve their lot, his commanders ignore then castigate him--showing the army's indifference to the ladies' present and future--while also demonstrating that as soon as someone tries to buck the 'status quo,' one is slapped down instead of rewarded for his efforts. This illustrates the irony: if one blindly follows orders and never questions matters, there’s no problem; however, if one desires to improve someone’s plight or even an institution, this is a no-no. In addition to this ironic tragedy of human existence, it illustrates all people should be reached out to, as no one can say one would never do such-and-such for a living. The truly honorable people turn out to be the women and the captain, while the military and radio announcer (El Sinchi) are the hypocrites.
While this movie can be considered ‘adult,’ it is very ‘human’ in its portrayal of abuses, certain institutions, and people trying to get by…and even trying to do the right thing. When considered in context, this movie certainly merits a 5—especially considering these are not well-known actors outside of Perú. |