Buenos Aires Vice Verse (1996) User Reviews

A fascinating, complex portrayal of Argentina

[elusivedynasty · 1 December 2004]

The clever feature of 'Buenos Aires Vicevera' is that the movie leaves the viewer in suspense until the end, when the relations among the characters become clear. The majority of the film alternates among scenes of various characters which appear to be totally unrelated.

There are many characters and it is difficult, at times, to follow all of the happenings since the scenes jump around. The disadvantage of the various, unrelated scenes is that the viewers do not feel attached to any character and are not able to easily follow each character's development. The advantage is that it is intriguing and creates suspense, which will keep the viewer interested until the end.

The film mixes conflict with humor in a creative balance which creates a delicate balance between tragedy and humor. The movie does not intend to be a comedy, but it does employ comic devices to maintain viewer interest. For example, the scene in which the lady is 'dining' with her ex-husband is entertainingly funny, although the humor does not mask the absurd reality and the mental 'anguish' of the lady . The movie has a significance that is greater than the simple activities of the characters. Each of the characters, to some degree, is a symbol for a different social class or a different type of person. The rich boyfriend and the poor, homeless child symbolize segments of society. The child is especially important in this film because it is dedicated to 'los niños desaparecidos.'

I would recommend this movie to anyone, although I would suspect it will have more impact on those with interests in Argentina. Nevertheless, it deserves to be seen.

The essence of Buenos Aires

[Baires Psycho · 10/10 · 10 June 2000]

OK, there are a few things that don't work in this film, like, for example, the begining, wich is a little slow.

But that's pretty much the only thing that's not good about the movie. This film captures the true essence of the city of Buenos Aires and of its people, especially in the final hour. Vera Fogwill, as a young, un-experience film-maker who goes trough half the city filming and searching the beauty of Buenos Aires, along with the company of a boy from the street, wonderfly play by newcomer Nazareno Casero, gives one of the most heart-breaking and sweet performances ever seen on film.

Mirta Busnelli is also great, as a divorce woman, who is still in love (in fact, obsess) with her ex-husband, who's a tv host, so she puts the tv in the other side of the table and eats dinner wile she talks to him. And Carlos Roffe is excellent playing a men in love with the crazy woman.

Director Alejandro Agresti shows a mixed view of Buenos Aires: he maneges to show it both beautiful and uggly, in every scene you watch you get the feeling that's pretty but it also sickening.

This is one of the best film I ever seen, and that's simply because it's director succeed in showing the city trough he's eyes.

If you can get it, and you're in the moud for some lafs and tears, watch it.

This film describes Buenos Aires through different characters and situations in a perfect way

[sura-2 · 10/10 · 8 February 2000]

This film describes Buenos Aires through different characters and situations in a perfect way. If this is reality, it´s a personal thing, but I think the visual effects and the looks of the character bring us an emotional picture of who we are. Although the music helps to get in touch with the script. I have only words of respect to this movie, and to Alejandro Agresti´s performance as the Director, Writer, Producer and his acting performance a blind person.

desaparecidos?

[llanero · 9/10 · 18 October 2006]

The movie is very good, technically speaking. The script, the shooting and the final cut deserves much more attention that it probably had, considering that is an Argentine film.

I disagree, however, with Mrs. Velazquez comment in what it concerns the subject of the movie in relation to the last dictatorship. I think no link between the subject of the movie and the dictatorship could be made, except for what regards the old couple that hired the services of one of the female protagonists for shooting out scenes of the everyday life with a camera, and herself being a daughter of desaparecidos. But that is in itself not the main stream of the subject the movie is meant to address. Rather, the movie is a portrait about everyday life in a Buenos Aires overwhelmed by the dramatic shift in values, decadence, domestic social (and somewhat racial) non-resolved issues, and people's spirit of survival against all odds, as result of the profound social and economical crisis that -though the economical side of it was not particularly evident at the time the film was shot- it could be seen it was coming up.

A raw and moving look at a complex city.

[pijaomonkey · 28 September 2004]

Buenos Aires Viceversa is not a movie to watch for a good time. Although it has its humor (most of which can be easily lost if you are not fluent in Spanish) the film can be dark and even confusing at times. It is definitely artsy and it makes a statement about the turbulent political undertones that still linger in Buenos Aires two decades after a devastating dictatorship. However, the film excels in the honest and raw manner in which it presents its many characters. The acting is so good and the shots used are so simple and untouched that you almost get lost in these peoples' lives and you feel as though your eavesdropping on them. Despite the numerous characters, each one is given depth and personality through the course of the film without falling into the traps of stereotyping. Daniela, in particular, is revealed to us mind and body as the film progresses, and by the end you are moved by the shocking ending which mostly effects her. What I didn't like about the movie was how confusing it can be at times. You're really better off if you have some knowledge about the socio-political situation in Argentina in terms of the legacy of the dictatorship and the consequences from so many "desaparecidos". My knowledge on the subject is somewhat limited so I feel I didn't capture the message entirely. The film is interesting however, and the acting, like I said, is superb. Although I might have missed out on some of the message due to my lack of understanding on the subject of the "desaparecidos" it does raise my curiosity and that is a sign of a good movie.

Great soundtrack

[piet_bataillie · 26 November 2001]

Hello, I'm not an expert of Argentina history, but personally, I really liked the movie, especially the style, the way it was filmed. On the political content, I cannot judge. I especially liked the music ( Barber ) and the piano music. Does someone know who is the composer of that piano theme ?

Very disturbing and confusing depiction of Argentina

[Staceyq7 · 20 November 2004]

The film Buenos Aires Vice Versa seems to follow a documentary style. It seems more so of a soap opera in this manner by flipping back and forth through various groups of people. I enjoy this format and how all of the characters seem to connect through various bazaar relationships. This effort to create unity within a movie such as this is remarkable and noteworthy. Yet, the subject matter of the missing family members, violence within humanity and jealousy sparks interest. However, I must mention that throughout the entire movie I was very confused as the segments within did not really explain enough about the characters to fully understand the background. I believe this to be a very integral part of the success of a film. Perhaps I needed more knowledge of Spanish or a further understanding of Argentina's past social crises. Regardless, Agretsi should take into account that his viewers may need some further information or background before starting a movie such as this. Overall, its subject matter and manner of presenting these themes are very intriguing. But, I would expect that the director's goal is to have his message clear in order for the viewers to reflect upon his presentation. For me, this was not the case and I suspect others must feel the same way. Also, I wish that Buenos Aires Vice Versa would have presented some kind of comic relief to break the tension and horror that was shown. Usually when more than just one element of emotions are conjured up, the viewer feels more ties to the film.

A really wonderful movie

[diegogaltieri · 8 September 2002]

Buenos Aires Viceversa is a wonderful movie about a young film maker and her vision about Buenos Aires city.

Directed by Alejandro Agresti (who is my favourite argentine director, I call him 'The argentine Tarantino') made an excellent job in direction with very original shots.

The acting is really great too, specially Carlos Roffe and the young boy Nazareno Casero. They are very natural, you cannot tell they are acting.

The plot is interesting and will make you laugh and cry. I recommend this movie.