Death in Buenos Aires (2014) User Reviews

Better than average

[laduqesa · 7/10 · 26 October 2020]

I guess the film needed to be set in the eighties to explain the corruption and cover ups. The set designers and director did a good job of making Buenos Aires and its locales look authentically retro.

Ambiguity pervades the film in both a sexual sense, in the relationships between the main male actors and the plotline of the aftermath of the murder.

We can be pretty sure of who the murderer is fairly quickly but his denials ring true and lead to the viewer's discombobulation as to who really did it.

Everyone is raving about Chino Darín as Ganso and it's true, he is an utter hunk with a magnetism and attractiveness that are used to good effect in the film. But Demián Bichir as Chávez also looks incredibly good for his age.

The film kept you guessing as to how it would be resolved right up to the end. I wasn't expecting that particular ending but in the context what had come before, the way it happened and what did happen were a continuation of the underlying themes of the film.

This was a worthwhile ninety minutes.

Vehemently hated the ending!!!!

[ohlabtechguy · 5/10 · 23 December 2018]

This movie was compelling to watch because it was unique, had a lot of twists and turns and one of the leads was young, masculine and attractive. Good acting. High production values, but the end was a complete let down. I actively hated the entire movie after seeing the ending. It was truly disgusting!!! It was a deliberate, pathetic trick played by the screenwriter. Those who gave this high marks are sadistic. If this had been a high production "straight" movie, this ending would not have stood. But since it's a gay movie and gays are loathed as well as self-loathing, this type of ending is considered "acceptable" by the screenwriter/director. As a gay person, seeking positive gay themed entertainment, I resent this attitude with a passion!!!

Had potential but...

[borgolarici · 7/10 · 13 December 2019]

The crime plot line is nothing special but that was forgivable: it's not really the murder that matters but it gets investigated and here the investigation was written lazily. The romantic subplot had the potential to be explosive but it felt forced and rushed, because the male lead lacked chemistry.

Darín is so good tho. So handsome!!!

The Argentinian Columbo

[DreamerX616 · 7/10 · 10 January 2020]

An entertainingly good detective movie with a gay undercurrent, neither of which are truly fleshed out but the potential was there. Knowing the killer from the beginning which was reminiscent of the US tv show Columbo did this film no favours, leaving the viewer with no real tension, no did he / didn't he debates or build up which made the killers assertions of innocence towards the end meaningless. Our veteran cop plays the tortured soul well, dealing with family problems at home while coming to turns with feelings for the new, very handsome, male rookie on the team but there didn't feel as if there was enough of it. Again no believable progression or consequences (until the very end) of this hidden and 'forbidden love' for the 80's when this movie was is set. The ending hasn't really sunk in yet if I believed it was a good pay off - it could have gone any of a number of ways but for 'evil' to win over love? Hmmmmm I don't know, at least it didn't go a Happily Ever After, skipping off into the Hollywood credits ending I guess. The soundtrack is wonderfully 80's which is why I gave this 6* movie an extra point.

correct

[Kirpianuscus · 6 March 2020]

One of films correct crafted, proposing different spices and ways and genres, using one of pretextes and for other proposing new perspectives , reflecting, in wise manner, a time and a world, well acted and having smart storytelling. And it is enough for discover the fine show of murder, investigation and attraction.

Pretty bab police drama....

[LeatherCajun · 6/10 · 30 November 2019]

The film looks good and the acting is fine. Chino Darín is especially talented and appealing. The story, however, is kinda dumb and very thin. Key characters are not really fleshed out or fully explained. The twist is contrived and also underexplained.

Nonsensical and backward

[toboer · 3/10 · 22 October 2019]

Characters and plot line are implausible and ridiculous. The characters behave irrationally from one scene to the next. Also very outdated and backward treatment of sexuality for a 21st century film.

Desperdicio de elenco y producción.

[juancruzmoreno · 4/10 · 13 May 2020]

Producción: 9. Actuaciones: Beichir 3 - Darin 7 - Antonopulos 7 - Casella 4 - Arana 7.5. Dirección 3. Música: 7. Sonido 4. Historia 5.

Good production, inconsistent script, bad actors direction

[puturro · 2/10 · 2 September 2018]

While the Buenos Aires of the 80s is very well portrayed, the script is poor and leaves many holes. Actors are unconvincing in their roles. It's a shame such that good actors are so badly directed.

In general the movie is very well filmed, good photography good outside locations and all. But the story is not well told.

Great movie that delivers on many different levels

[aleksandarsk · 10/10 · 11 November 2014]

I loved this movie. I can't understand the low rating. It's very well written, acted and directed. It's a great character study, there is a good deal of comedy in it, as well as suspense and drama. It's also very believable overall. The 80s ambient is very well recreated, not only through the music and the clothes, but also people's attitudes and mentality, and therefore it compliments the plot. It's hard to say anything more without revealing any spoilers, but if you'd like some light entertainment with a good movie that doesn't take itself too seriously and yet it delivers on so many levels and succeeds to engage, to entertain and surprisingly even to make you reflect about life on a deeper level, this movie is for you. All I can say is the movie is good , and you can make whatever you want from it - a light evening entertainment or a good psychological and character study.

2 hours to uncover what we already knew

[jaevlamor · 2/10 · 26 April 2020]

2 hours of straight gay cops bumping on each other until the end of the movie reaches and no more gay stuff can fit in. And it ends.

I'm in love.

[adamjohns-42575 · 5/10 · 21 June 2020]

I think this film must have been sponsored by the cigarette companies of Argentina as there were very few scenes without smoking. That didn't distract me too much because I was already too busy staring at Chino Darìn, his beautiful face and backside in those trousers!

I actually quite enjoyed this one, although it got a bit weird in the middle with horses in the street and chasing each other, although I personally would have liked to have seen more of their building relationship. I could also have done with a bit more clarity on how the crime was committed. I would imagine that it hasn't translated well and my Spanish is almost non existent.

I liked the 80's touches, but didn't understand why it had been set at Christmas?

Pretentious and unconvincing.

[lvanexel · 2/10 · 17 April 2018]

I think the rating of 5+ is too high. The movie is pretentious and totally unconvincing. There is no character study, although the acting is nice. The music is OK. In short: disappointing and for me a waste of time.

Captivating, at time joyous, fresh

[floatingpolarbear · 10/10 · 18 January 2016]

This movie has a mediocre rating because it has a female director. Period. It is an excellent film and deserves a 10 out of 10. If you enjoy movies that give you a genuine slice of life from a far away place with well calibrated characters, mood, locations, you are going to love Death in Buenos Aires. The story uses the setting of a murder investigation to explore sexuality, manipulations, torn fragments of unfulfilled desire and trust. There is beautiful music throughout which brings the watcher directly into the middle of the flux of emotion, staring wide eyed at the gorgeous city with yearning. Monica Antonopulos is stunning as a detective who is at the peak of her youth and beauty and wastes no time enjoying it. Chino Darin as the young policeman is disturbingly handsome and slippery, a great screen presence you cannot take your eyes off for a second.

Engaging and entertaining investigation thriller with some refreshing surprises

[The_Cool_Critic · 9/10 · 21 December 2014]

While IMDb movie ratings are typically on the spot, the rating for this film is one of those few instances where it is seriously off the mark. The movie deserves a definitely higher rating for it is one of those few movies that intelligently explore new terrain in a done to death genre in cinema -- which in this case is the investigative crime thriller.

The premise of the film centers around the murder of the scion of a wealthy family and the investigation that follows.Damien Bichir and Chino Darin are the two leads here involved in the investigation and their performances perfectly complement the zany screenplay and apt writing. Although it is understandable that the movie lacked the mega millions that bankroll a Hollywood studio production, the execution here in terms of acting, photography, writing and the soundtrack is as good as it gets. Also, props to the makers for a surprisingly accurate recreation of the 80s ambiance without getting kitschy or tacky. The story has plenty of interesting twists, and that along with the excellent chemistry shared by the two male leads makes this one a must watch.

For its unusual treatment and excellent production, this one gets an almost- perfect rating from me. Hopefully, we will see a sequel.

Deserves way more than IMDB 5.4

[BILLYBOY-10 · 9/10 · 16 March 2018]

This is a terrific film and has only 5 reviews all 10 & 9, so how come only 5.4? It deserves at least 6.8 since it's a really good film beginning to way amazing end. All performances are top notch and the story is super. Highly recommend.

A Great Work in the Tradtion of Argentine Filmmaking

[sftrojan · 9/10 · 2 April 2018]

This film is infinitely better than the 5-Star average it has received. While not a cinema blockbuster, it's more of an art house film with twist or two! Playing on the dark humor of films like "Relatos Salvages," this film, capitalizes on the excess of the 1980's exploiting everything we love to hate but can't wait to watch again! Part of its genious is treating difficult themes subtly while smashing them over our heads! Brilliant directing, writing and acting! I eaherly await Natalia Meta's next project!

quirky Detective story with interesting relationship between two policemen.

[edwardlynchma · 10/10 · 30 November 2014]

This is a very good film. It has a good storyline, which keeps you wondering if the young policeman is playing games with the main character, his Boss or is he genuinely attracted to him? The acting and direction is great. The story unfolds with a cover up of the murder and the investigation and detection of a suspect. Will the murderer be found and are the Detectives going to accept a cover up? I think the film might have been too short but this could mean that a second film might be planned. The ending is left open to the viewers to concluded if he is dead or will an ambulance be called, will he survive and is there any hope of a relationship between the main characters?

Amazing chemistry.

[kesblans-192-284908 · 10/10 · 30 July 2018]

Great film. With awesome over the top choices and lighting. Brilliant chemistry and interesting choices. Kitschy and at the same time awesome.

Intrigue and suspense in Argentina

[ComedyFan2010 · 9/10 · 9 September 2017]

This movie is a great detective story set in Buenos Aires of the 80's.

It probably would help to know more of Argentinian history and the corruption of that time. I am not too familiar with it but I still enjoyed the movie without concentrating on it. The spirit of the 80's is very well portrayed.

Great acting and awesome cinematography. The scene of horses running down the street is great.

The best part of the movie is having all the twists that make one change the view on what is going on. And until the very last shot one struggles to figure out who is right and who is not. At the same time while having great suspension the movie is also not too heavy on the mind and easy to watch.

Well acted and directed but predictable plot

[jerry-70896 · 8/10 · 27 December 2019]

Good solid acting and directing but it was so obvious from the first shots who the murderer was.....sort of ruined the rest of the movie if you are into murder mysteries like me and there was no intention of making it seem like someone else was the murderer. But as a moral lesson, it did serve a universal purpose in that it showed how fluid sexuality and passion can be. When faced with beauty and lust, we humans can be so stupid and lose control of ourselves. In contrast, those endowed with beauty can easily use that asset for evil/immoral purposes because it gives them so much power over mere average looking mortals. But that has been the source of many stories, tales and epics throughout the history of mankind. Look unto thyself and see what thy soul is.

Beatifully shot film with a gorgeous lead actor

[mjanssens26 · 9/10 · 1 March 2020]

This is shot as beautifully as a Paul Verhoeven or Brian De Palma film. Lovely visuals and colors and a cast who are very easy on the eyes. An intriguing mystery wrapped in gay undertones all taking place in an exciting 1980's big city. Fast-paced and a fun ride.

Compelling neo-Noir

[okh-652-727478 · 9/10 · 31 July 2022]

Viewers who don't like the ending of this film have no appreciation of noir. Ignore them! Superbly plotted and acted and it keeps you guessing till the end (unless you're a total cynic). Worth watching a second time to catch the many breadcrumbs that are left to lead you to the truth. I have withheld one star for the one clunky plot device involving equines.