Valentin (2002)

Just what I expected

Instant Favorite.

Admirable film.

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

Great Movie to watch with the kids and expose them to the world of International Film. Movie about a kid being raised by his grandmother in the late 60's in Argentina and dreaming of being an Astronaut and meeting his mom some day. Spanish with English subtitles. Enjoy watching how children growing up in other cultures are just like us. We are all so similar. If we are honest, like Valentin, we will realize that we are all just searching for love. Valentin is just an average kid with his own quirks, looking for love and answers. Kids are so honest. Although his movie is funny it also has some sad moments. We need more movies like this!

Valentin is the story of a 9 year old Argentinian boy who lives with his grandmother. His mother is off and his father isn't always around. Grandma is there for the boy and cares for him in 1969 before somebody landed on the moon. Valentin dreams of being on the moon. The film's art direction and mood is very 1969. Valentin plays cupid and hopes that his father marries the young woman he becomes in love with and spends a day. Reality steps in and life isn't always ideal in the end. Valentin's father is played by the film's director and screenwriter. He does a great job in the role. The entire cast especially Valentin performed excellently in this film. The young actor does a fantastic award winning job in this difficult leading role.

Valentín is a young boy living in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, with his grandmother in a very simple home. Throughout the movie we follow Valentín's life and go through all the struggles he goes through whilst being in the middle of a broken family whom he wishes could reunite and treat him right. The story is one of rich Argentine tradition and tremendous personality. What I mean to say is that the different aspects of life in Argentina during the 60s, when the story took place, are quite accurate and very well displayed. Moreover, being that Agresti was telling a story about his childhood, he was able to create a very personable story which speaks a large sum to the audience about a boy's day to day life back then. The character of Valentín that he created is an incredibly enjoyable one who uses verbiage which is normally used by adults and who thinks about things which no child should be thinking about. At the same time however, the child is wrapped up in the idea of being an astronaut, which shows he is very much still a child at heart. This wonderful story is told through a very simple plot and has no need for extravagant Hollywood techniques as its simplicity makes it so much more personable, clever, and enjoyable.

Masterful story telling. I had forgotten I was reading subtitles...I Laughed, I cried .... The child was brilliant...all performances were credible/believable...It was a realistic film in representing life and the simple joys and sorrows we all experience in one degree or another. Faith hope love disappointment, loss and disillusion. The director did a great job as did the cinematographer... I wish I had not come on this film by surprise... I believe it deserved more press than it received. on the cd The interview from the director was also enlightening...on argentina, life love and more. Anyhoo...enjoy...when a good hearted film is what your in the mood for.