Review of Machuca (2004) by Edgar C — 17 Sep 2014
A powerful coming-of-age story that parallels the 1973 military coup in Chile that installed Pinochet to power. Gonzalo Infante (Matías Quer) is a privileged boy who becomes friends with the poor student Pedro Machuca (Ariel Mateluna) after the priest (Ernesto Malbran) who runs the boys' school he attends begins to integrate rich, poor, and racial diverse students. The friendship between Matías, Pedro, and Pedro's cousin Silvana (Manuela Martelli) is used to explore these divides, leading, sadly, to tragedy in the aftermath of the coup.
The movie is full of humor but unblinkingly surveys the issues of youth and the troubling circumstances occurring at the time. Especially depressing are scenes of bullying and racism, often committed by characters the viewer may have come to sympathize with.
This review of Machuca (2004) was written by Edgar C on 17 September 2014.
Machuca has generally received very positive reviews.
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