Foreign Pick: Lost Embrace (2004)
Ariel Makaroff, a young Jewish Argentine, appears to possess little to no ambition in life. He helps out at his mother’s lingerie shop at an old commercial gallery, where his brother also runs a shady enterprise. He gets along with his neighbors, sleeps with a married woman, and reminisces on a failed relationship. He finds that he’s stuck in life, and realizes his entire existence is fuelled by one uncertainty—why did his dad leave?
Even though his friends and relatives mention him every now and then, they never fully manage to explain the reason for his dad’s departure. Although, the most coherent version suggest that he left to fight in the Arab-Israel war of 1973. As Ariel deals with the gallery’s increasingly complicated politics and rivalries, he must come to terms with the truth behind his father’s exile, even if his relationship with his mother is forever altered.
Argentinian cinema is vastly underrated, yet utterly exquisite in terms of acting, writing and swift editing. The country is home to some of the most brilliant South American directors of their time, such as Juan José Campanella (The Secret in their Eyes), Pablo Trapero (White Elephant), and Daniel Burman, who helmed this week’s foreign language film entry. Burman is renowned for delivering engaging stories about Argentina’s Jewish population, and their struggle to adapt to a mainly Catholic society in which they’re not necessarily welcome. I wouldn’t blame you if you still haven’t checked out any of his movies. There’s probably a misconception that independent South American films are slow-paced and reflective—much like Live-In Maid, which I recommended a few weeks ago. This film, however, features upbeat editing and much dynamic storytelling devices that are uncommon in contemporary Argentine movies.
Apologies for endorsing two or three movies over the last couple of weeks that the general public might not necessarily appreciate or enjoy, but such is the case with some foreign selections. Lost Embrace breaks away from that misconception, as it’s merely a heartwarming film that the whole family can enjoy. Well, maybe not the whole family. There are a few NSFW scenes here and there, but they’re all in good fun!