The power of the sensational media is examined in this film by Ecuadorian director Sebastian Cordero. He has created a disturbing piece of film making, almost a documentary, in style, that examines how unscrupulous journalists manipulate the news. "Cronicas" is a tough movie to sit through, but perhaps that's Mr. Cordero's achievement. The film will make one think.
"Cronicas" takes us to the interior of Ecuador. There is a pederast running wild in the countryside raping and killing innocent children. An investigating reporter, Mannolo Bonilla, is sent to investigate about the case. Bonilla is based in Miami, where he no doubt contributes to those sensational types of programs directed to Latinos in which a lot of blood and gore is the norm for some of those Spanish channels.
Manolo Bonilla is a man who has seen a lot. That is why when Vinicio's car kills one young boy, he is taken by the mob before the police arrive and he is set on fire. Manolo instructs his cameraman to keep on filming because that item will run prominently in Victor's program. Vinicio is saved by the police, who take him to jail together with the people who tortured him, and the father of the boy who was killed.
Bonilla suspects Vinicio of being the famous Monster of Babahoyo. The problem is that Vinicio is a cunning man, who might be the one killing the children. When he interviews him, Bonilla thinks he has unearthed the truth, but through mixed signals, Victor goes ahead with the story and Vinicio is made to appear as a victim and is released from prison. In the end, Bonilla leaves the country as a hero, but little does he know he has contributed to perpetuate the killings that will continue because the real culprit is at large.
John Leguziamo has one of the best moments of his career as the journalist who passes through all these troubled areas capturing for the camera and interviewing people who will have to deal with their own reality in their environment, whereas Manolo Bonilla will return home to Miami and will probably forget about what he has seen.
Damian Alcazar is Vinicio, the bible salesman with a lot in his conscience. He is a troubled soul who is in denial and don't recognize his guilt. Mr. Alcazar gives a great performance. Leonor Watling is Victor's wife and a producer of the news program. Alfred Molina is only seen on his television program, but doesn't have much to do.
The cinematography of Enrique Chediak captures the misery and the substandard conditions of the area where the film takes place. The haunting music by Antonio Pinto enhances the action. Ultimately, the director Sebastian Cordero is to be congratulated for clarifying for us the concept that if it is seen on television, then, it must be true what we are being shown, and it's the truth, even if it is manipulated one.
"Cronicas" takes us to the interior of Ecuador. There is a pederast running wild in the countryside raping and killing innocent children. An investigating reporter, Mannolo Bonilla, is sent to investigate about the case. Bonilla is based in Miami, where he no doubt contributes to those sensational types of programs directed to Latinos in which a lot of blood and gore is the norm for some of those Spanish channels.
Manolo Bonilla is a man who has seen a lot. That is why when Vinicio's car kills one young boy, he is taken by the mob before the police arrive and he is set on fire. Manolo instructs his cameraman to keep on filming because that item will run prominently in Victor's program. Vinicio is saved by the police, who take him to jail together with the people who tortured him, and the father of the boy who was killed.
Bonilla suspects Vinicio of being the famous Monster of Babahoyo. The problem is that Vinicio is a cunning man, who might be the one killing the children. When he interviews him, Bonilla thinks he has unearthed the truth, but through mixed signals, Victor goes ahead with the story and Vinicio is made to appear as a victim and is released from prison. In the end, Bonilla leaves the country as a hero, but little does he know he has contributed to perpetuate the killings that will continue because the real culprit is at large.
John Leguziamo has one of the best moments of his career as the journalist who passes through all these troubled areas capturing for the camera and interviewing people who will have to deal with their own reality in their environment, whereas Manolo Bonilla will return home to Miami and will probably forget about what he has seen.
Damian Alcazar is Vinicio, the bible salesman with a lot in his conscience. He is a troubled soul who is in denial and don't recognize his guilt. Mr. Alcazar gives a great performance. Leonor Watling is Victor's wife and a producer of the news program. Alfred Molina is only seen on his television program, but doesn't have much to do.
The cinematography of Enrique Chediak captures the misery and the substandard conditions of the area where the film takes place. The haunting music by Antonio Pinto enhances the action. Ultimately, the director Sebastian Cordero is to be congratulated for clarifying for us the concept that if it is seen on television, then, it must be true what we are being shown, and it's the truth, even if it is manipulated one.