Vengo
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Movie Reviews of Vengo
Movie Review: Wonderfully idiosyncratic
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a really interesting and thought-provoking film - and very much worth seeing. I wasn't wowed by the flamenco, with the possible exception of La Caita's singing in a fiesta that takes place in a restaurant. The best flamenco are little bits where the characters are standing around being bored, start doing palmas, and then take turns doing little dance moves.The north African music and dancing, on the other hand, are absolutely wonderful. There's a Sufi singer and some dancers who just knocked my socks off. I don't know what the hell they have to do with the rest of the film (nor why Gatlif had flamenco guitar superstar Tomatito noodling along during some of their singing and dancing), but I'm sure glad that they were included.
Another interesting and unusual musical moment is a percussion "symphony" of mechanical sounds, composed by Gatlif.
The most remarkable character in the film is Diego, a young man with cerebral palsy whose father has fled to Morocco and whose adoring uncle, Caco, is continually arranging flamenco fiestas for his entertainment. The film makes poetry out of every aspect of Diego's spastic bodily and facial movements, whether he's walking down the streets of Sevilla, talking about a beautiful woman, or taking his turn at dancing. When a payo like me sees that even a gitano kid with cerebral palsy can dance in compás, it's enough to make me burn my guitar.
Movie Review: Where is the soundtrack? I can't find it anywhere!!!!!!
Summary: 4 Stars
A stunning "audioscape" of pure flamenco. The only reason this film did not get a 5th star from me is for its over-acting and simplistic plot. But maybe that's not such a bad thing. It would take the focus away from the power of the music and cinematography. You can literaly pause the movie at any point, and find perfect shots of rich blends of colors and textures that capture the essence of this film, not to mention look like museum-exhibit-quality photos. But it was both the cinematography and music that made this film so stunning. The best scene by far had to be the old man and woman team under a tent in an open field, belting out complex and soul-stirring notes from simply a voice and a guitar. The true story of this film is in its music.
Now, how about that soundtrack???!!!
Movie Review: Visual/Audio treat
Summary: 4 Stars
I am just a Gringo with some buried Gitano genes who took a while watching the beginning of the movie on what was really going on. But then, I was went with the flow of emotion and passion that was emoted --and enjoyed it more rather than trying to analyze-- I had a hard time reading the credits and would like to know specifically where the filming was done in Southern Spain--Jerez area? What was the river? and the party boat looked like it was moored at seaside? Also, who sang the beautiful ballad/song at the end of the movie--very hauntingMovie Review: Hola!
Summary: 4 Stars
Great music . . . not much of a story but wonderful to listen to.Movie Review: El sur de España y los gitanos que sufren.
Summary: 3 Stars
I found this film to be disappointing. Yes, the music and flamenco dancing is wonderful. But as I am enduring this film I can't help but think that the director used every possible moment to "shove" some sort of dancing or singing into the story line which in and of itself needed a lot of work. I love the culture from Spain and just about all it has to offer. A pattern I seem to notice with the many films Spain produces is that taboo issues are brought to the service. For example in this film, the nephew is mentally disabled. I don't know if in real life this actor is or not but how often do you see this in American films? Another example would be Pedro Almodóvar's film All About My Mother where several characters struggle with HIV, or Noriega's main role in Abre Los Ojos where a good looking man loses it all to being facially disfigured. My point is these films are art reflecting real life situations. A more realistic experience in my opinion make for a more enjoyable experience. Flamenco has some gorgeous cinematography, the acting was quite good, the story and how it flowed just needed a lot of polishing.