French: dans ses yeux
International: the secret in their eyes
Year: 2009
Verdict: 9/10
Directed by: Juan José Campanella
Based on the novel: La pregunta de sus Ojos de Eduardo Sacheri
Played by: Ricardo Darín, Soledad Villamil
" In one's eyes...you can tell if the person's lying or telling the truth, you have to look deep into it. "
A provocative thriller that weaves a tale of compassion, secrets that slowly unravels as it unfolds, a story about murder, mysteries in life and love.
Like a novel, it's a page turner that will leave you watching till the end.
Don't confuse this as a spanish film because it's Argentinian.
" A certain man can change his whole appearance, his face, his job, even his lifestyle, but one thing you can never change in him is his Passion. "
The protagonist of this film is played by Ricardo Darin, who's Benjamin Esposito in this film, late 30's he's working in the justice dept. for a clerical job, along with his colleague named Sandoval, who's light headed, a good companion, but also has a bad habit of drinking.
One day, along comes a lady called Irene Menendez Hastings, played by Soledad Villamil, ravishing, has a goos family background, recently graduated and has a degree from Harvard law school.
Esposito was instantly head over heels but chose to remain silent and kept his feelings to himself, coming from different backgrounds, he doesn't think he will be good enough for her.
One afternoon, Benjamin was asked by one of the judges to look into the case of a Young lady, who was tortured, raped and killed.
He was reluctant at first and uninterested about it, but all that is about to change once he gets involve in this case, too involve that it suddenly looks like an obsession, ultimately, finding out who the real killer is.
I would love to tell you more about its details, unfortunately, that would spoil the story and the ending which is the best part.
It has some funny moments between Sandoval and Benjamin and heartbreaking scenes with Irene and benjamin but the must see part was around the football field, catching the killer and interrogating him afterwards.
The killer's motive is ruthless and senseless, yet we don't know how someone's mind changes and reacts to certain situations.
A tale about beginnings and changes, there's a lot of flashbacks and recollections that is vital in every scenario.
Kudos for them winning the Goya awards and the Oscar.
I think Ricardo Darin is a great actor, he can spill out emotions without any dialogue and he's work with this talented director also, J.J. Campanella, with films such as The Son of the Bride which is also a nice film.
Trailer:
here's winning this year's Oscar Awards.