This article contains Culture Editor Ernesto Carlin's comments on Los Helechos (What Couples Do), a Peruvian film that is currently in theaters.
The movie is about two couples who escape the hubbub of the city for a relaxing weekend in the countryside south of Lima.
They all stay at a country estate and breeding ground run by another couple, whose way of life is more relaxed than that of their guests.
Strains between them become more visible as they drink pisco, keep talking, and go for walks.
This comedy takes its time to create humorous situations. Small details reveal the opposed expectations of each couple.
For example, Felipe (played by Miki Vargas Navarro) dreams of getting married and having children, while his girlfriend, Iris (Nuria Frigola), seems not to be aware of this.
On the other hand, their friends, Toshiro (Nooei Kanashiro) and Helena (Mafer Gutierrez), do not know each other's secrets despite being married for years.
This is not a typical Peruvian comedy movie where visuals gags come one after another. In fact, it does not make use of easy resources such as rude language or appearance-related jokes.
People may not notice the actors have improvised their dialogues and actions unless this is known in advance.
Such a proposal may be held responsible for some inconsistencies at the beginning. However, actors deliver very natural performances.
All in all, this is one of a kind film in the Peruvian movie industry and proves that a good idea can result in something original and worthwhile.
Technical Specifications
"Los Helechos. Enredos de una Pareja" (What Couples Do)
Director: Antolin Prieto.
Running time: 88 minutes.
Actors: Nuria Frigola Torrent, Miki Vargas Navarro, Mafer Gutierrez, Nooei Kanashiro, Mariana Palau, Feffo Neyra, and Pold Gastelo.
Script and story: Antolin Prieto and Mafer Gutierrez.
International sales: Habanero Films
Most of the movie was filmed in Azpitia, south of Lima.
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Publicado: 17/6/2019