The movie is trying to immerse the audience into the microcosm of a major restaurant kitchen in New York. Great acting by many of the cast. However, 3 hours are too long for getting the story across. Some elements don't make sense at all and some characters are not getting the focus they deserve. Overall the topic of diverse cultures by migrants and their personal dreams of life are a crucial topic. I would have wished to allow this in a form that would focus on few and with a deeper vertical story line. Raul and Rooney Mara are amazing in their performances. We watched it at the world premiere and the audience was very receptive to the premiere.
4 Reviews
Social critique and hard intimacy in a kitchen galley.
sramirezniembro17 February 2024
Within the bustling confines of a Times Square eatery, a tumultuous ensemble of primarily immigrant cooks, waitstaff, and management struggle to navigate the frenzied lunch rush. This film is punctuated by intense, stress-inducing long-takes reminiscent of 'The Bear' and Barantini's 'Boiling Point', yet its narrative arc diverges significantly. Rather than focusing on the grind of preparing great food in a fancy restaurant, the story delves into the arduous journey of immigrants striving to survive. The ensemble cast delivers compelling performances, with Raúl Briones, stunning, and Rooney Mara powerful portrayals. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the essence of the narrative in an orchestrated chaos. A movie full of heart and heartbreak, it left a mark in the audience at the Berlinale film festival today.
Far too long with little depth and too many experiments
theresa-kuhles21 February 2024
La Cocina lasts 2:20 hours with a plot that could have been told in 60 minutes and lacks depth. Shot entirely in black and white, the play-like film takes place in a busy tourist restaurant in New York's Times Square, where mainly illegal immigrants from all over the world make their living.
Over a period of a day, various scenes thrown together with a mix of film elements show the everyday life of those who have little hope: getting ready, stressful preparations in the kitchen, arguments between the workforce, daydreaming during the break, a theft and a relationship between the cook Pedro and the waitress Julia, who wants to abort their baby.
The film has some funny points and some special experimental shots. But unfortunately the stories of the many characters that are presented largely remain untold. Instead, Ruizpalacios repeatedly chooses very flat dialogues and long close-ups that drag on like chewing gum. In addition, the depiction of the relationship between Pedro and Julia is so clichéd that it resembles a Bollywood film.
Overall, the film was boring to watch. If it hadn't been the world premiere at Berlinale film festival, I would have left after 30 minutes.
Over a period of a day, various scenes thrown together with a mix of film elements show the everyday life of those who have little hope: getting ready, stressful preparations in the kitchen, arguments between the workforce, daydreaming during the break, a theft and a relationship between the cook Pedro and the waitress Julia, who wants to abort their baby.
The film has some funny points and some special experimental shots. But unfortunately the stories of the many characters that are presented largely remain untold. Instead, Ruizpalacios repeatedly chooses very flat dialogues and long close-ups that drag on like chewing gum. In addition, the depiction of the relationship between Pedro and Julia is so clichéd that it resembles a Bollywood film.
Overall, the film was boring to watch. If it hadn't been the world premiere at Berlinale film festival, I would have left after 30 minutes.
Between visual sophistication and emotional distance
asperula@gmx.de17 February 2024
Director Alonso Ruizpalacios's film "La Cocina" impresses with its sophisticated staging, but this does not compensate for the weaknesses of the narrative. The interesting camera work with blurred images at the beginning of the film gives the work a dynamic opening, which then provides relief when the visual blurring dissipates again.
Rooney Mara and Raúl Briones Carmona are convincing in their roles, but even their impressive performances cannot alleviate the challenges that the main character demands of the viewer.
Unfortunately, the film fails to create an emotional bond with the main character. The protagonist seems overexcited, and his uncontrolled rage and the resulting violence against others are not only disturbing but also increasingly annoying. He symbolises a generation of young, disoriented men who have difficultiy finding their way and building stable relationships.
La Cocina's greatest weakness is its lack of constructive solutions. The film presents the problem, but does not offer a clear perspective or possible ways to overcome it. This leaves the viewer with a feeling of dissatisfaction and ultimately makes the film unsatisfying.
Rooney Mara and Raúl Briones Carmona are convincing in their roles, but even their impressive performances cannot alleviate the challenges that the main character demands of the viewer.
Unfortunately, the film fails to create an emotional bond with the main character. The protagonist seems overexcited, and his uncontrolled rage and the resulting violence against others are not only disturbing but also increasingly annoying. He symbolises a generation of young, disoriented men who have difficultiy finding their way and building stable relationships.
La Cocina's greatest weakness is its lack of constructive solutions. The film presents the problem, but does not offer a clear perspective or possible ways to overcome it. This leaves the viewer with a feeling of dissatisfaction and ultimately makes the film unsatisfying.
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