Crime, deception, and suspense – Nine Queens has them all. The film is non-stop action, from the very first scene as “Juan” attempts to swindle a gas station attendant out of 45 pesos to the last. When watching this movie, viewers will get a close up glimpse into the shady dealings of the Argentinean crime scene. Be prepared to think when watching Nine Queens.
The film’s plot is centered on a newly formed partnership in crime. Fellow con artists Carlos and Juan have perfected the art of deceiving and stealing from unsuspecting men and women. By happenstance the pair meets early in Nine Queens and decides to work together for one day to see how viable a joint venture could be. Viewers learn that Juan’ father is incarcerated and that Juan will do almost anything to get enough money to pay his way out. The only thing standing in the way is his pesky conscience. As the day goes by, the plot builds to one large swindle. Will the con artists be able to sell their set of Nine Queens stamps and get the needed money, or will they be beaten at their own game?
Juan, played by Gastòn Pauls, is the protagonist of the film. His personality is endearing, and he uses that quality to his benefit throughout the film. Even though almost everything he does in the film is illegal, it is difficult not to feel sorry for his character; viewers may even find themselves hoping for Juan’s success in his plots to manipulate. Juan’s sidekick, Marcos, is played by Ricardo Darí. Without Marcos, little of the action would ever have occurred. It is interesting to note for the international viewer that both of these men are Argentine nationals, and both have received best actor awards for their role in Nine Queens. Having grown up in Argentina lends credibility to the actors and makes their roles that much more believable.
Setting plays a large role in the film. Juan and Marcos frequently move between two worlds – the underworld and the world of the rich and powerful. An interesting dynamic is at play in this dichotomy. The underworld is where normal Argentinians spend their day-to-day life. Corruption can be seen throughout the film; one shot narrated by Marcos exposes just how saturated the streets are with criminals. Furthermore, viewers witness how corrupt the Argentinean legal system is through the story of Juan’s father. From the dirty streets the action moves to a clean hotel. Regardless of the image it gives off, the hotel is just as corrupt as the streets. Here the viewer can see that, even though globalization may be occurring, it is not changing the way people act. The viewer also may note the resistance of Argentinean nationals to globalization. Marcos’ sister works in the hotel to try to make an honest living, embracing American ideals whereas Marcos stays on the fringes of society.
Get read to be on the edge of your seat!
I like the interpretation of the hotel as a seemingly clean place, separate from the crime-ridden streets, and finding out it has just as much corruption as the streets do. You mention the fact that there is a major twist at the end that will surprise viewers. Does the plot center around the sale of the Nine Queens or does it center around the interactions between all of the characters and how inter connected they are in the con artists' corruption? the underlying plot that comes to light more and more as the movie goes on is the question of whether or not a thief's word is to be trusted.
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ReplyDeletethis review is awesome. I should have wrote better on mine, since i did not know what was expected. Anyway, the review is good and quick to read. It also catches the essence of the movie and sounds like a real critic.The review did not point out in the flaws in the movie which was the intellectual fantasy that tries to combine the realistic with the unrealistic. Also, the widespread corruption and the poverty shows the state Argentina is in. This review was more like a summary that an analysis.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the film has a constant theme of crime within the city. The people on the streets must always be on the lookout for thieves and con artists. I believe that Marco and his sister represent opposite sides of the globalization effect as he remains resistant while she embraces the new opportunities it affords.
ReplyDeleteGood job on the review. You did good describing what happens and not giving it away but you also made it so the viewer would try to figure out what happens. Also try to get other aspects than the setting. Everything else was pretty much good, getting our attention and keeping it through the entire review.
ReplyDeleteHaynes did a great job capturing the style of a film review. He mentions all pertinent information (narrative genre, brief plot synopsis, characters, themes, ideas, and cinematic elements) linearly, so bringing the reader from a general understanding of the film to a more focused viewpoint. He also makes a good argument about the vantage points of globalization being represented by Marcos and his sister.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was a very enticing review; I especially loved your use of questions as a persuasion technique in the second paragraph. It covered everything a good film review should cover, without becoming drawn out and boring. There could have been a little more analysis on other aspects such as lighting, costume, etc. Other than that it kept me interested throughout, good job!
ReplyDeleteVery detailed film response, and very well written. There is one typo, but no big deal. The writing has a flow that makes reading very engaging. Good diction choices.
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