Undertow

2009
7.7| 1h40m| NA| en| More Info
Released: 23 September 2009 Released
Producted By: Dynamo
Country: Peru
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website: https://www.dynamo.net/eng-contracorriente
Info

A married fisherman struggles to reconcile his devotion to his male lover within his town's rigid traditions.

Genre

Drama, Romance

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Director

Javier Fuentes-León

Production Companies

Dynamo

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Undertow Audience Reviews

Laikals The greatest movie ever made..!
SincereFinest disgusting, overrated, pointless
Brendon Jones It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.
Marva-nova Amazing worth wacthing. So good. Biased but well made with many good points.
sunsetsymphony 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.
derrickluciano I wouldn't miss reviewing this film because it's one of the most engaging gay themed films I've seen. Although a lot of films have depicted repressed characters, gay husbands and gossipy neighbors, this one takes the tragic ghost love story angle. And finally, this is the film which succeeds in showing what it is to be a real man.Mico and Tiago are lovers but can never be a couple in a conservative seaside village where gossiping is a favorite pastime. Mico initially does not accept who he truly is nor who he truly loves but what follows is his journey to confront himself amidst a very homophobic community. And this he does without any disrespect for his family, religion and tradition. Most are excellent actors. Feel Mico's anguish when he first realized what happened to Tiago. Sympathize with Mariela as she carries her baby hurriedly out of her house. Or look at Tiago's very expressive eyes...Cinematography is excellent, with beautiful seaside sceneries, sand amid gushing winds, and purple, orange or moonlight skies. Pacing is excellent. There's comedy, there's drama, a bit of suspense and most of all, a loving romance.Watch this film. It is about true love and honor. The final scene at the boat is truly beautiful and uplifting!
sarnela You think that you've seen gay movies and this one is the next one in a row. Honestly?No gay feeling throughout the whole movie. No spicy thoughts, no scandal. You can cry a river and become more and more angry at the human narrow-mindedness. A masterpiece revealing everybody's obsession with the idea of purity, straightness and order. An order that has to be simple - everything that is disturbing it has to be thrown behind the board...A simple movie with a complex message... or a complex movie with a simple message. Choose by yourself.
evening1 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.