Derecho de Familia (Family Law)
Along with Indian movies, Argentinian ones are my favourite at the moment. Completely different from each other, I know, but maybe that is what makes it more attractive and balanced, watching such different kind of cinema.
What I like about Argentinian films is their simplicity, the natural way in which the actors perform and the mixture of moving and emotive scenes with funny ones. Everything seems just like real life – there’s no happiness without pain and vice versa. Great sense of humour, Argentinians have. Another thing I admire them for is their ability to make a great piece of work on a small budget.
Derecho de familia (Family Law) is one of those simple stories that will touch your heart and at the same time will make you laugh. Awarded several prizes during last edition of Mar del Plata Film Festival, Derecho de familia is Argentina’s official submission to 2007 Academy Awards for Foreign Language Film category.
With Derecho de familia, director Daniel Burman, completes his trilogy on relationships between fathers and sons through the eyes of another Jewish young man, once again called Ariel and, also once again, played to perfection by actor Daniel Hendler. Burman started his trilogy in 2000 with Esperando al Mesías (Waiting for the Messiah), which I still haven’t managed to watch, and it was followed by the interesting movie El abrazo partido (Lost Embrace) in 2004, another award-winning film which was also chosen for 2004 Academy Awards for Foreign Language Film category.
Derecho de familia is the story of a young lawyer and lecturer in Law, Ariel Perelman, and his relationship with his father, Bernardo Perelman, a well known barrister who works in a completely different way from his son. Perelman Sr is trying to convince his son to work with him and do things the way he does, whereas Perelman Jr is happy with his job and his manners. The film, narrated voice-over by Ariel, also shows us the way Perelman Jr met his wife and the present relationship they have between them and with their two year old son, a cute little boy who, incidentally, is the son of director Daniel Burman. The latter also plays a very little but interesting role in the film himself as the school educational psychologist.
Daniel Hendler is great in his role of Perelman Jr and Julieta Díaz as Sandra, Ariel’s wife, is just like a breath of fresh air. I had the chance to see her in Herencia, one of my favourite films, and I think she is a very talented charming actress. A slick performance from the whole cast, even the smallest of the roles like the painter makes it a very easy to watch -and enjoy!- film.
There are some very funny moments especially those involving Ariel dealing with Sandra’s Pilates classes or with his son’s school activities and the problems they cause him to interact with other parents.
The music, just as simple but pleasant as the film, makes a good accompaniment to it.
All in all a lovely film that will help us remember about the important things in life we tend to forget so easily.
Tags: Latin America, Spanish, Video
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awesome! thanks monica, for putting this on my queue
Monica, Nice post ;)
I have to say I admire how you can sit and watch foreign films, I really do struggle with different language movie’s. If they have subtitles it’s a big bonus but then i need to switch of the sound so I can concentrate fully ..
ps – your name is spelt incorrectly in the about author section.
And who told you that you cannot write…:-”
you should watch Iranian Cinema, then. i reckon, it’s a bit similar to Argentina cinema. some Hindi directors have tried it, you know like, Baton Baton Mein ;)
Thankyou Monica!!
I for one, am always on a search for wonderful little gems in foreign cinema (or otherwise!) and this seems like a lovely film, would go and see it if it were playing here.
The performances and music seem impressive. Overall, a very interesting trailer.
Will definitely keep a look out for that one.
Sangeeta: I know some people who have the same problem as you’ve mentioned, but i really think thats the beauty of watching foreign films.
I tell some friends to imagine theyre reading a book and have visuals along with it when viewing foriegn films with subs.
It worked on a couple!!
By the way, has anyone seen a french film called ‘He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not’??
Its a few years old now but i absolutely love it!!
Striker,
Thanks. Try to watch it soon! ;)
Sangeeta,
)
Thanks.
Of course, it is not just a big bonus, there must be subtitles for me!
But watching an Argentinian movie and switching off the sound is a crime :o so if you ever do that… don’t let me know, please. Listening to Argentinians speaking Spanish is a pleasure for your ears, you know… :d
PS: I think I sorted that out. Thanks!
Honhaar,
Nobody told me, I just know it. :-”
I have only watched a couple of Iranian films -we don’t get any here unless at certain festivals-. I don’t remember the title of the first one, it was a while ago. The second was a recent one called Zemastan (It’s winter), by Rafi Pitts.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0499166/
I enjoyed it. Wonderful cinematography.
So you watch Iranian and Argentinian films? :-?
nah monica, you know me, i barely watch hindi movies so forget about me watching foreign movies. besides i am neither passionate about cinema nor observer of cinema.
Steve,
Glad to know you liked the trailer! Keep an eye on it. It might release with the excuse of Oscars? Who knows…
I agree about the beauty of watching foreign movies with subtitles, in fact I enjoy hearing how other languages sound. It is much more interesting than dubbed versions, for example
I haven’t seen “He loves me, he loves me” not. But Audrey Tautou is in it, right? I love her!
Honhaar, but how do you know they are similiar then? :-?
you said: “Argentinian films is their simplicity, the natural way in which the actors perform and the mixture of moving and emotive scenes with funny ones.” and I believe, Iranian Cinema (mostly) follow that kind of particular…
Yes Monica, thats the one with Audrey Tautou who is as watchable as ever!
She’s like the Kajol of french cinema for me!
It really is a very, very interesting film.
Well, on the surface it is just a love story, but the narration makes the difference.
If you do decide to watch, please try not to read the synopsis, as i feel it works better this way.
By the way, have you sen Mani Ratnam’s ‘Kannathil Mutthamittal’??
Great stuff!!
And Im 110% with you about films should be heard in their original language.
It gives you a certain flavour and ‘feel’ of the characters, and the place that they are from.
Incidently, Sangeeta you may like the Korean film ‘3 Iron’ as there is almost no dialougue in the film.
Nice to see a certain Hindi director steal the idea for his promotional posters of ‘3iron’ in ‘Aashiq Banaaya Aapne’!!
Can’t believe they steal posters too!!
Anyway, Monica i’ll definitely keep a look out for that one, and hopefully you’ll se ‘HLMHLMN’ too.
Audery is just too good…
Monica, I know it’s a crime .. maybe i need the right company to help me through the movie
Steve, I’ll have to do a search on that movie, the concept must appeal or else I can guarantee a cast iron being struck across your head for suggesting it ;)
Also Steve, I need complete silence when I read my book, or at least i need to be so lost that all i can hear is sound of my voice and visualise with my vivid imagination when reading books, any distraction can be off putting.
Sangeeta…accha baba!
Was only trying to make it seem more appealing.
You have a point.
Its just that im more of a visual person, so whilst i could go through 1000’s of films, i just cant sit and read a book.
I need the visual set up to begin with.
But if you read alot (which it sounds as if you do) then you’ll be viewing the film very differently to myself.
Fair point though…
Steve,
I bet you have seen “Amelie”, right?
I will try to watch HLMHLMN without reading a single thing about it although that might be risky. I went to see her in “A Very Long Engagement” and I had to make a big effort not to leave the cinema because of the war scenes. They were just too much for me :-& Thankfully the rest of the film was worth it.
I will write about more Argentinian films in the future ;)
Sangeeta,
I am good company but I guess you are thinking of another kind of company, hahaha. ;)
I have seen “Iron 3″ and it is a great film! I think you would like it. Good suggestion, Steve! Now you’ve got two to blame if you don’t like it! And what is that thing about the poster, Steve?! :o
And I also need complete silent when I am reading a book, Sangeeta. I can’t even listen to music while reading, what most people can do! :(
Ofcourse Monica, ‘Amelie’ was a wonderful film, which deserved all the praise it got.
And yeah, the war scenes were a l-i-t-t-l-e gruesome in ‘engagement’ but they enhanced the movie.
Whilst on ‘3 Iron’,did you notice the arabic track by Natacha Atlas ‘Gafsa’??
In one word, WOW!!
I’ve become a fan for life!!
Strange how I discovered her through a Korean film??
But glad i did, she’s awesome!
Anyway, back to the poster similarity, check out the links below.
You may have to scroll down the page..
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDReviews17/3-iron_dvd_review.htm
(and then our desi ‘inspiration’!!)
http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/moviewallpapers/7695.html
And yes, i am aware that even Mani Ratnams ‘Dil Se’ posters had been ‘inspired’ by Meg Ryan’s ‘City Of Angels’!!
But we still love Mani, henna!!
I got to watch foreign films only after I got to the US…must say Netflix has a pretty awesome reccomendation system, really. Some of the names I remembed offhand are:
Children of Heaven (Iranian)
Amelie (slightly disappointing, after all I’d heard)
Oldboy (Whoa..actually the whole revenge triology is good…must say Zinda was a terrible copy..but changing the ending Gupta showed he didn’t even understand the totality of OldBoy)
Steve,
No, unfortunately I didn’t notice that track :-( but it is indeed strange you had to find out through a Korean film, yes!
You’ve made me feel like watching Iron 3 again now! :-s
About the posters… I am shocked :o
I had not idea about that “Aashiq Banaaya Aapne” poster!
Ramjit,
I was not disappointed with Amelie at all but sometimes it is true that you expect too much from a film because of what you heard and then it is not what you thought. That happened to me with Chocolat.
I would like to watch “The children of heaven”. I’ll see what I can do about it.
Monica, the song was played throughout the whole film… he takes that c.d to every house and plays it.
I think its that characters fave song or summat?!
Yes,’A.B.Aapne’ really took the biscuit man!
But the film was not a remake thankfully.
Anyways, Happy New Year to you and to all the participents on this ‘wonderful’ site!
Lets try and watch many, many more good quality films this year.
By the way, have you seen ‘Yun Hota To Kya Hota’ and ‘Meenaxi’??
Yes, I remember about him playing the CD in every house, Steve, but I can’t remember about the song. I definitely have to watch it again!
I haven’t seen “Yun Hota To Kya Hota” or “Meenaxi”, yet. I want to watch “Meenaxi” but I don’t know anything about YHTKH, I am afraid :-s
Happy New Year!!! < :-p
Well I am 200% sure that Im the one and only person who appreciated ‘Y.H.T.K.H’ as no one knows anything about it!!!
Naseerudin Shah tried his hand at direction with this one, and whilst the critics and others ripped it apart, i found it to be really interesting and a worth a watch, and a pretty decent effort.
Paresh Rawal and Konkona Sen Sharma(isnt she just amazing??) were sheer excellence on screen!
The other actors Jimmy Sheirgill, Irfan Khan, Suhasin Mulay, Ayesha Takia (Honhaar, are you listening??) were also very good, as was Ratna Pathak Shah.
Oh, and Naseerudin Shah’s son Imaad Shah also made a promising debut with this film.
Well, i thought so.
It deals with these four characters who, for different reasons, want to leave India and go to the states…but, fate has something else in store!
I Loved it.. and I will continue to reccomend it until I get atleast one person to see it!!
And ‘Meenaxi’ is a real treat!
I feel pure admiration for Mr M.F.Hussein, who has proven that you could be in your 80’s and still make awe-inspiring cinema!
Again this is just my opinion, but the more I see ‘Meenaxi’ (yes, there have been quite a few occasions!) the more I love it!
Ok, so there are a couple of scenes which I felt spoil the movie, but they last around 2 mins, which aint too bad henna??
Rahman’s music, Tabu’s performances (she plays three characters), Raghuvir Yadav’s portrayal of the anguished writer..oh man, i could go on and on!!
And the cinematography??? Arre wah wah wah!!
In one word, Hypnotising!
Again, alot of ppl chose not to see this gem, but I really see this film as progressive cinema….
Its open to interpretation and it is immensly UNDERRATED!!
Re the song in ‘3 Iron’, see if you can sample the song ‘Gafsa’ by Natacha Atlas online somewhere.. It may come back to you….
Have you seen ‘Being Cyrus’??
Another example of hindi cinema stepping in the right direction.
Good stuff!!
Monica, just for you!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlCP6I45z6s
Its such a beautiful track.
Sit back…enjoy… Youtube Zidabaad!!!
Steve,
“Nice to see a certain Hindi director steal the idea for his promotional posters of ‘3iron’ in ‘Aashiq Banaaya Aapne’!!
Can’t believe they steal posters too!!”
They’ve done it before … the poster for “Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Ayee” took off from the poster for “Basic Instinct”
Steve,
Wow! What a song! Thanks a lot for that!!! Don’t you find it heartbreaking somehow? Sniff, sniff. Even though I don’t have a clue what she is saying! I think I will have to listen to more of her songs now.
As for “Yun Hota To Kya Hota”, of course I know what film that is now!!! Doh! Sometimes I get confused with titles :”> Although I won’t be able to watch that one until it is out on DVD, I am afraid. But being Naseeruddin’s debut as a director I don’t want to miss it. And hey, Konkona is in it!!!
Being Cyrus… I asked Father Xmas for that one, but I think he is either delayed or terribly absent-minded :((
No probs Monica, Im glad you liked the song..but im still amazed at how it didnt stand out for you the film.
I couldnt stop playing the scenes in which they used the song.
She is extremley talented and yes, there is a sense of pain and ‘yanhaai’ in that song. Kinda reflected the character well in the film too i’d say…
And thankyou for deciding to see ‘YHTKH’!!
Trust me, it is much better than alot of the ‘bakwaas’ which the indian film industry gave us.. not that im comparing it any of the film, but I feel Naseerudin chose a rare and risky theme for his debut film.
‘Cyrus’ you just have to see man!
I really feel its a step in the right direction for hindi films.
And the performances were really very, very good.
Finally Simone Singh had a role which showcased more of her talent rather than the 2 minute ones she got in ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham’ and ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’.
Man, she was a revelation in this.\:d/\:d/
Konkona is so damn watchable…. Im sure she doesn’t realise how fantastic she is.
Great to see her in ‘Omkara’ and ‘Yun Hota..’ this year.
I’ll even watch ‘Deadline’ at some point coz she’s in it.. love this girl!:x:x:x
Well, hope you check out more stuff by Natacha, i sure did. I went out and got all the albums i could lay my hands on!
I was quite ill at the time and was bed ridden, but it was the best time ever, as i lay there and played Natacha’s songs…wah, kys awaaz hai!^:)^
And Santa, by the way, needs a ‘jhaapar’ for not givig you ‘Cyrus’!>:p
I keep hearing a lot of Cyrus, so i guess i should make sure to watch it soon…. i think ‘Yun Hota..’ was a bit slow for me at first, but i think it was very well put…and i agree it was much better than some
Baarishh, barso re!!
FINALLY! Someone has seen it other than myself!!
I am surprised you found it slow, I quite liked the pace.
And ‘Cyrus’ you must see.. Im not saying its going to rock your world or anything, but as far as progressive cinema goes, this film does break a few rules and has its own style.
Being Cyrus was a good watch but it really wasn’t all that. It didn’t grip me as much as it probably should’ve but yeah it was a change from the normal cinema and it’s good to have a change.
Talking of changes .. I finally got see a copy of Black Friday – now Steve that’s something you will have to watch!
@steve…i am sure i’ll like the film just cuz u said it “breaks few rules and has its own style”…which is much better than watching a movie with a same ol style/story…
sadly i have to wait few days to get the film as someone else from the town is renting it from our one and only shop..
Monica!!!!
Estoy felicidades que esta aqui!!!!
Thank’s for the heads up. I am tentatively going to the Palm Springs Film Festival next weekend, and I am sad that this film is only playing during the week :(
That said, do you know anything about Chicha Tu Madre? It is one of the selections and it looks great!
Please let us know more!!! I know that Argentina has a vibrant film culture, but only rarely do the films get released here in the US.
Also, you are right. Argentinian spanish is one of the most beautiful languages in the world.
I loved Amelie, but don’t know if I would have loved it as much if I hadn’t seen Delicatessen and City of Lost Children first, previous films by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Because I am such a fan of his earliest films, I loved Amelie because he used so many of the same thematic elements (and, Dominique Pinon – a French gem)…
Which, would be an interesting conversation. How many films have you loved based on the fact that you loved the filmmaker’s work, regardless if the said film was good or not?
@ Monica: Co Mastas Senorita…Gracias for writing on PFC….Welcome. Loved the term you used for Lawyer: “BARRISTER”. Hadnt heard that for eternity…Very simple and sweet way of writing you got…just like the movie family law you mentioned. Kudos!!!!
Monica: another good debut, introducing many of us to Argentinian movies!
YHTKH, I felt, wasn’t bad, but possibly flopped due to over-expectations from Naseer, who took to direction after a very long time in movies. It’s worth a watch…
Meenaxi seemed like Husain’s modern art. I love ARR’s music for the movie…
Steve,
I think you should post about this film now! ;)
I don’t have “Iron 3″ DVD so all I can remember about it depends on my bad memory :-s but I think I might get hold of it in the sales after this conversation!
I agree about Konkona: she is great and no, I don’t think she realizes how wonderful she is. LOL
About Santa’s lapse… let’s see if I can rely on the Three Wise Men bringing it to me on the 6th, following the Spanish tradition! ;;)
Sangeeta,
is Black Friday one I should add to my wish list?
t!
Thank you!
So sorry to hear you won’t be able to watch Derecho de familia during Palm Spring Film Festival :(
Sorry, I don’t know anything about “Chincha tu madre”, I have checked the trailer but I don’t think it is my kind of film, so I cannot say anything about it, really.
As for Amelie, I haven’t seen Delicatessen or City of lost children, I am afraid…
Re filmmakers’ work… hmmm, not a big fan of a particular one myself, although I have enjoyed films by Carlos Sorín despite them being very simple stories and not very commercial (I tend to like films my friends find boring :-s )
OM,
LOL @ the barrister comment.
)
Thanks
Let me tell you a secret, I write in a simple way because that is the only way I know!
Randramble,
Thanks.
I think I will try and watch both films at some point. “Meenaxi” soundtrack is great. I love AR Rahman’s work. And when he sings… oh, I just love his voice!