Saturday, October 9, 2010

Program 8: Undertow

Our Narrative Centerpiece, Undertow is sure to be a top contender for this year's ImageOut Audience Award. This moving and emotional drama is screening at 6:45pm at the Little Theatre, so don't miss out! And be sure to bring your hankies.

53 comments:

Anonymous said...

One of the most affecting gay movies I've seen since "Brokeback Mountain". If you missed this one, rent it. But be prepared for something that will stick with you for quite some time.

Anonymous said...

I agree-a very beautiful film!

Erik L. said...

I absolutely loved this movie, too. Another beautifully filmed movie...with an interesting/touching plot. I'm a sucker for a tragic love story----this ranks right up there for me with "The Bubble" from a few years ago!

Michael G said...

I'm so glad people are reacting positively to this film. I'm amazed at how much this film could make me cry even after having seen it a few times. The emotions are so real and so raw. That scene at the end, with Santiago's hand touching Miguel's face one last time, is one of the most heartbreaking scenes I've seen.

Yet I've heard comments from other folks here that it's too melodramatic for them or too predictable. But I don't really know how they could have predicted that it's going to be a ghost love story. So boo to the haters. Haha.

And I wish there were subtitles for the Cumbia music (Latin waltz) that plays during the end credits as that is just as touching as the sweet and tender love story in the film. You should look up the song "Aunque No Sea Conmigo."

Woody said...

The film was beautiful, and I loved watching it. I did find it a little predictable (after the main plot was reviled), but there were a few points where there were unexpected bumps in the road.

I agree that if you missed this, it's well worth tracking down and seeing. It's one of the top drama films I've seen at ImageOut in years.

Michael G said...

There is so much beauty and emotions on the screen that to think too far ahead of the movie just robs from your enjoyment of what is being presented. And even so, it's the flawless execution that counts the most even though you think you might know what the outcome would be.

Stefan said...

I did think this was kind oflike a Peruvian "Brokeback Mountain". But not really...I love this movie. Everything was so well acted. Seriously I hope I see this one again.

Ryan D. said...

This has to be one of my favorites in the festival.

Ugh - even just thinking about it makes me want to cry. It was beautifully set, acted, and written. It reminds me of a gay version of "Ghost," which is a classic. Santiago's blue eyes and tragically beautiful soul really pulled me into the undertow of the sea. You literally felt the pain of everyone in that village, and it was just amazing.

I only wish that there weren't any technical difficulties like there were. I feel like there were a few small details that we missed because parts of the film blacked out. So in a sense, my only complaint is that I didn't get to see more of the film - which is great for a film.

Love, love, love this movie!

Rick P said...

I loved this film and rank it as one of the best films of this or most festivals. It is beautifully filmed with the stark landscape enhancing the emotions in this film.
I agree that one shouldn't think too far ahead but just to be in the moment with this movie. There were tears after the touching final scenes and makes me want to see this one again.

Michael G said...

@Ryan - The couple of blackouts were just due to reel connections. You didn't really miss anything, fortunately.

I think a lot of people are thinking they missed a scene showing foul play. There was no such thing. It was an accident.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
A superb film -- beautifully acted with sensitive direction. The scenery was most striking and the story was most moving. A great film in every aspect.

Dennis F said...

From the ballots:
Such a wonderful movie. The best of the Festival yet. Thanks for getting a film version. The color and scenery were so warm and beautiful.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Fantastic film on all levels. Great acting and topical subject matter. Inner struggles of coming out to truth -- poignant -- relevant. Heartstrings pulled on this one.

The woman that preempted with her "sell" was uncomfortable to watch. Limit time for these "speechies" to 5 mins tops. Like Erik Libey -- he is short/sassy/funny and to the point!

Bill W said...

From the ballots:
What a beautiful film!

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Moving!
Emotional!

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
I was not expecting much but ths film blew me away emotionally. Wonderful scenery and cinematography. Thank You!

Rei R of Thompson, PA said...

From the ballots:
Great selection!

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
A very touching story, deeply felt, well-acted with gorgeous photography. It had a lot to say.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Transfixing, heartbreaking, lusciously beautiful. A gift to watch (but total cryfest!). Thank you!

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Beautiful, sad but beautiful.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
O U T S T A N D I N G!!!

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Awww ... this is like a Peruvian Brokeback Mountain. I think it's Oscar worthy.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Lovely film!
Fab film!
Best film!

Cory C said...

From the ballots:
Poignant

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
BRAVO!

Todd P said...

From the ballots:
Great foreign feature!

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Wonderful - great - made me cry.
Better than Howl.

Tom C said...

From the ballots:
W O W

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Excellent film!
Financial Architects sounds like a great resource for the LGBT community BUT I came for a movie! I resent the sales pitch. Please don't do this again!

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Excellent. Another great one!

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Great cinematography. Just too sad.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Well done. Easy to follow. Kept me riveted.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Amazing story & intense emotional depth from all quarters of this small Peruvian village. Cinematography with emotional depth and beauty!

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
BEST FILM IN A WHILE. THANKS!

Jamie W said...

From the ballots:
Excellent. Staying true to love!

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Magnificent in its austerity, purity with the poignant metaphor - dead and unseen, unheard. Humans erased from reality. The film connects the soul to faith and to the courage to serve others as part of the community.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Top notch!

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Very well done -- I hope it wins the Oscar.

Gayle R of Victor said...

From the ballots:
This is one of the most beautiful movies I have ever seen. The story captures the tragic elements of life's choices and allows the main character to rise in his own humanity with courage that audiences rarely get to see. Bravo!

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
The wife should win the Oscar!

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
My favorite thus far!!

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
A tragic but beautiful love story. Thank you, Michael!

Carlos L said...

From the ballots:
MUST WIN!

Jeffrey C said...

From the ballots:
Beyond excellent! WOW!! Absolutely wonderful film.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
So sad

Colin S of Victor said...

From the ballots:
I was deeply moved by the humanity of this beautiful film.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
What an incredibly moving film! IT delivers a very powerful message without being heavy handed. Beautiful!

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Love the 35mm!
Way to go, you charmer!

Scott M said...

From the ballots:
Excellent film but what's with the pre-screening advertising? More annoying than Tinseltown. I hope ImageOut got something in return for the imposition on the audience.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
It just breaks your heart for them ALL, not just Miguel and Santiago.

I just wish the film didn't black out twice.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
(NEVER have that community sponsor speak again!)

Superb film -- makes the price of the full festival pass worthwhile.

1st rate romance and tearjerker.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
One of the most touching films of any genre I've senn in years. Beautiful!

DJ M said...

From the ballots:
Awesome -- in every respect.