Undertow (2009)

Fresh and Exciting

Admirable film.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Miguel is extremely selfish. He doesn't seem to be overwrought with grief when he understands that Santiago is dead, when he actually should be. Also he doesn't seem to consider much that Santiago's ghost is but fiction - or if not, suffering a great amount in the black hole that surrounds him when he is not close by to Miguel. Thirdly, he lies constantly to his wife to the point that she is sick of it (not to mention completely that he completely insults Santiago while doing so). His character could have had fewer of such fatal flaws, but I suppose that is why he loses everything at the end.A second criticism is that there are some contradictory aspects to this film. The main one is that it plays with the idea of religion and homosexuality at the same time. Why exactly does it support the concept of religion by framing the story around Santiago's soul/ghost (only possible for one who would believe in religion), yet focus on and admire something considered anti-Catholic, being homosexual? Whatever flaws the film or Miguel had, the love story was nonetheless very beautiful. I loved the moments in which Santiago is truly happy for Miguel, even though what makes Miguel happy is not related to Santiago himself (i.e. when Miguel is happy after seeing the ultrasound of the baby, when Miguel shows him the baby and is now a father). Some of their actions with each other, like the first hug that Santiago gives to Miguel - full of warmth - and the boyish, incredibly joyful smile of Miguel when they are able to walk together in public.But the most touching scene of all that gave me goosebumps for a full minute straight was the very last one. The sudden yet soft sweep with which Santiago's hand reaches for Miguel's face made me feel my heart rise all of a sudden, caught in the air. Their loving last kiss is what makes you feel like everything Miguel lost was worth it, just knowing that that flame ever existed between them.A creative, well-acted (excluding the 2 white actresses), and touching film, if not a bit frustrating. But the ending - sublime.

I was surfing on net last night about best gay movies than i came to this movie.. After watching this movies i cried for almost an hour, because in India its almost same, difficult for people to come out about their sexuality and most of the married Indian males try to search their love in other guys.The story, the acting and the emotions are so true and you can easily relate you with movie. Simple, small and friendly village, where people understand each other and lives in a unity and the emotions of a gay men, his simplicity and the way he messed up with all the stuff makes it more real. The end part was very touchy and i still found myself crying when i think about it. I know how it feels to say goodbye forever to someone you love more than anything in this world.This is one of the movie where they have represented gays with a different point of view unlike other movies about only sex, gay parties, sex buddies and making jokes on feminine gays. Its about the true feeling of a guy for someone, though he love his family but he doesn't wanna loose that someone special as well.

Contracorriente (Undertow) is simply a gem of beautifully shot pictures, perfectly cast actors, an extraordinarily well written script and masterful direction.I did not initially expect Contracorriente to be a movie that would haunt me for days after watching it, as it seemed to be a perfectly straight forward story judging from the text on the back of the DVD-case. I was even a bit worried that it might be cliché or simply cheesy. It was not however. Not more than a few minutes into the movie I started to suspect that I might have grossly misjudged the nature of the film and I was happy to be proved wrong.The locations, the people, the acting, the language were all so beautiful and the very delicate and slowly evolving story made for so much more than simple entertainment. Especially the subtle hint of possibility in the ending left a very warm and hopeful feeling but the movie as a whole makes a very strong and lasting impression.I was very moved by this movie and the very strong statement that it makes and a variety of the most beautiful and strong scenes have stayed in my thoughts for days on end for both the sad parts and the joyous moments.I can only recommend that you watch it if you haven't already - and I am looking forward to seeing it again soon myself and expect it to be something that I will do more than once.

I liked this movie about what it could be like to be gay in a small Peruvian seaside village -- painfully difficult.Amid strongly homophobic attitudes, Miguel is having a clandestine affair with an artist named Santiago. The two genuinely seem to care about each other. The only problem is that Miguel is married and his wife is about to give birth. Though Miguel's situation will leave many unsympathetic, I was fully drawn in and engaged. I found nearly all the characters highly believable and likable and I cared about their perspectives.This compelling tale takes place in a gorgeous environment.I like that the story ends less happily than honestly.Seeing this was a deep and satisfying experience.