La primera noche (2003) User Reviews

Decent, worthy filmmaking

[espartaco · 7/10 · 13 April 2003]

At last colombian filmmakers decide to tackle the difficult subject of the recent history of violence and forced displacement Colombia is facing, and do it with respect for the dignity and humanity of their subjects. Unlike the recent fiascoes of the Trianas, which made fun of their caracthers and turned them into dumb sketches in order to make the audience laugh, Restrepo tells the story of two peasants forced to move to the city with respect and honesty. Surprisingly good performaces by all of the cast, especially Carriazo, Méndez and Lizarazo, allow the story to be heartfelt and moving, if not too cold. Sadly, the pace is very contrived and it makes this 80-minute film feel like a two-and-a-half hour movie, and Restrepo's direction shows too much influence from his work in television, hence making everything look a little phony. It's not a perfect movie, it has very visible flaws and weaknesses, but it's a step up in the recent display of crap colombian filmmakers have been handing out. Let's try to keep this up, shall we?

Colombian reality

[axklein · 8/10 · 12 May 2004]

this movie is based on colombia's actual reality......and it is fairly well made.. it contains very heavy stuff in it........but it lets us see what our world is facing right now, it makes us think about a sad reality......and if you've ever seen a colombian film you'll also see how colombian filmmaking made a step forward with this one.. see it.....it is worth it.....but be ready to see some heavy stuff, because that's the kind of reality the world's facing......i recommend it to mature audiences only ***1/2 out of 5

Fantastic movie, tragic reality

[felipev84 · 11 July 2004]

This movie depicts with precision and through great cinematography the reality of the Colombian conflict. Both for the curious foreigner and the local inhabitant this is a movie hard to forget. The acting is surprisingly good and the story is story that some families really face nowadays in the Colombian countryside. I though it was really interesting the manner in which the conflict was portrayed, showing the complexities of a hard reality of misery and despair. The movie explores the sad subject of the displaced peasants who have to leave their houses in search of a better environment in the city. The movie makes us aware of this tragic reality and makes one reflect upon war, peace, life, and inexorably death.