March 31, 2022
Around the World: Latin America
Despite being right below the Southern US border, most people in this country may not know much about the cultures of South and Central America outside of cuisine and negative internet comments. Much like anything, if you look just a little deeper into it, there’s so much more than meets the eye and you wouldn’t want to turn back. These countries have created many wonderful, exhilarating films worth anybody’s time, and here are a few of them:
Black Orpheus (1959)A retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus & Eurydice set in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, Orpheus makes his endeavor to bring back his love, Eurydice, from the dead. From the first frame to the last, this film is packed with energy that heightens every scene, with not a dull moment in sight. With the colorful arrays in the carnival and the delightful bossa nova soundtrack, this is one that I could never tire of watching. Now streaming on HBO Max.
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)Ophelia, a little girl traveling with her pregnant mother in WW2 Spain, is tempted to a world of magic and fantasy while fearing her violent, fascist stepfather. A love letter and analysis of old European fairy tales, this film carries with it a strange beauty in its wonder and brutality. It may not be one to watch on date night, but that gives no excuse not to see one of the most (pun intended) magical films ever made. Now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.