Films about Us in Latin America
Latin America has been a rich source of inspiration for filmmakers around the world. From the vibrant cultures to the complex social and political landscapes, this region offers a plethora of stories waiting to be told. In this list, we explore films that delve into the diverse experiences and identities of people in Latin America.
“City of God”, 2011
Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery
Based on real events, this Brazilian crime drama directed by Fernando Meirelles tells the story of two boys growing up in the violent slums of Rio de Janeiro. Through a nonlinear narrative, the film explores the cycles of poverty, crime, and redemption.
Starring: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Indrajith Sukumaran, Rajeev Pillai, Jagadish, Anil Murali, Sreehari, Arun Narayan, Kishore Satya, Sudheer Karamana, Shaju K.S., Jayashankar, Nandu, Achankunju, Chemban Vinod Jose, Sumesh, Rajesh Hebbar, Abraham Koshy, Payas, Das, Santhosh, Shweta Menon, Rima Kallingal, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Rohini, Valsala Menon, Renjusha Menon, Shobha Singh, Sudha Nair;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 145 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “City of God” on the website imdb.com
“Cidade de Deus”, 2002
Director: Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund
Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, this Brazilian crime film depicts the rise and fall of various characters living in the violent favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Through its nonlinear storytelling and vivid cinematography, the film explores themes of poverty, violence, and survival.
Starring: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Phellipe Haagensen, Douglas Silva, Jonathan Haagensen, Matheus Nachtergaele, Seu Jorge, Jefechander Suplino, Alice Braga, Emerson Gomes, Edson Oliveira, Michel Gomes, Roberta Rodrigues, Luis Otávio, Kiko Marques, Gustavo Engrácia, Darlan Cunha, Robson Rocha, Thiago Martins, Leandra Miranda, Graziella Moretto, Renato de Souza, Karina Falcão, Sabrina Rosa, Rubens Sabino, Marcos «Kikito» Junqueira, Edson Montenegro, Gero Camilo, Felipe Paulino, Daniel Zettel, Charles Paraventi, Luiz Carlos Ribeiro Seixas, Paulo «Jacaré» César, Dani Ornellas, Bernardo Santos, Diego Batista, Diego Ferreira, Marcio Vinicios, Micael, Rafael de Castro, Ramon Francisco, Thiago Wallace, Alexander Cerqueira, Alexandre «China» Tavares, André Pires Martins, António Rodrigues, Bartolomeu Braga, Carlos Henrique Avernas, Cláudio César, Cleiton Ventura;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 130 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,6;
“No”, 2012
Director: Pablo Larrain
Directed by Pablo Larraín, this Chilean drama is based on the true story of the 1988 referendum in Chile that determined whether General Augusto Pinochet would remain in power. The film explores the power of media and political advertising in shaping public opinion.
Starring: Gael García Bernal, Alfredo Castro, Luis Gnecco, Néstor Cantillana, Antonia Zegers, Marcial Tagle, Pascal Montero, Jaime Vadell, Elsa Poblete, Diego Muñoz, Roberto Farías, Sergio Hernández, Manuela Oyarzún, Paloma Moreno, César Caillet, Pablo Krögh, Patricio Achurra, Amparo Noguera, Alejandro Goic, Carlos Cabezas, Claudia Cabezas, Paulo Brunetti, Iñigo Urrutia, Patricio Aylwin, Eugenio Tironi, Juan Forch, Eugenio García, Juan Gabriel Valdés, Jaime de Aguirre, Florcita Motuda, Patricio Bañados, Osvaldo Silva, Carmen María Pascal, María Teresa Bacigalupe, Cecilia Echeñique, Tati Pena, Javiera Parra, Isabel Parra, Cristina Parra, Milena Rojas, Carlos Caszely, Gabriela Medina, Malucha Pinto, Maitén Montenegro, Jorge Yáñez, Claudio Narea, Marco Antonio de la Parra, Ana María Gazmuri, Marcela Medel;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: drama, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 115 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “No” on the website imdb.com
“The Making of «The Motorcycle Diaries»”, 2004
Director: –
Directed by Walter Salles, this biographical film follows the journey of a young Ernesto “Che” Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado as they travel across South America on a motorcycle. The film explores the transformative experiences that shaped Guevara's political ideology.
Starring: Rodrigo de la Serna, Gael García Bernal, Alberto Granado, Aleida Guevara, Michael Nozik, Robert Redford, Jose Rivera, Walter Salles, Rebecca Yeldham;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: documentary;
Duration: 22 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
“Yvy Maraey”, 2013
Director: Juan Carlos Valdivia
Directed by Juan Carlos Valdivia, this Bolivian drama follows a filmmaker who returns to his homeland to make a film about the Guaraní people. Through its poetic storytelling and stunning cinematography, the film explores the clash between tradition and modernity.
Starring: Juan Carlos Valdivia, Elio Ortíz, Felipe Román, Francisco Acosta, Diego Picaneray, José Changaray, Carla Arana, Luciano Goméz, Alfredo Sánchez, Filomena Viveros;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 107 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,1;
“Neruda”, 2016
Director: Pablo Larrain
Directed by Pablo Larraín, this Chilean biographical drama focuses on the life of the renowned poet Pablo Neruda and his pursuit by a determined police inspector during the political turmoil of the late 1940s. The film delves into themes of art, politics, and the power of words.
Starring: Luis Gnecco, Gael García Bernal, Mercedes Morán, Emilio Gutiérrez Caba, Diego Muñoz, Alejandro Goic, Pablo Derqui, Marcelo Alonso, Michael Silva, Francisco Reyes, Jaime Vadell, Néstor Cantillana, Alfredo Castro, Marcial Tagle, Amparo Noguera, Ariel Mateluna, Cristián Chaparro, Pablo Schwarz, Cristián Campos, Luis Dubó, Roberto Farías, Ximena Rivas, Felipe Ríos, Javiera Cortés, Paola Lattus, Claudia Vicuña, Francisca Imboden, Trinidad González, Juan José Ossa, Álvaro Espinoza, José Quilapi, Mario Soto, Victor Montero, Juan Cristóbal Jaramillo, José Soza, Daniel Antivilo, Héctor Noguera, Roberto Cayuqueo, Julio Jung, Betania González, Jorge Yáñez, Senin Selim, Claudio Arredondo, Nicolás Torres, Heidrun Breier, Nikolás Bottinelli, Elsa Poblete, Victor Hugo Ogaz, Hernán Lacalle, Margarita Sánchez;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, biography, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 107 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “Neruda” on the website imdb.com
These films offer a glimpse into the diverse stories and experiences of Latin America, showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage, societal challenges, and human resilience. Through their unique narratives and compelling characters, these films provide a window into the complexities and beauty of life in Latin America.
In conclusion, the selection of films about us in Latin America serves as a vibrant tapestry that reflects the rich cultural diversity, social complexities, and historical narratives of the region. These cinematic works not only entertain but also provoke critical thought and foster empathy, inviting audiences to engage with themes of identity, resilience, and community. By showcasing the unique perspectives of Latin American filmmakers, the films illuminate the struggles and triumphs of their characters, ultimately offering a deeper understanding of the shared human experience. As we continue to explore these stories, we are reminded of the power of cinema to bridge divides and celebrate our collective humanity.
