Son of the Bride
Screening: 29 January 2005
Argentina/Spain 2001
Directed by Juan José Campanella
Leading players ~ Ricardo Darin, Hector Alterio, Norma Aleandro.
125 minutes (subtitles).
Synopsis
A charming film set in Buenos Aires. Rafael Belvedere (Ricardo Darin) is a restaurateur, a man stretched to twanging-point by the complexity of his personal relationships with his ex-wife, daughter and girlfriend. In addition, he has financial difficulties as the collapse in the local economy brings the family business to the point of collapse. Now his ageing father, Nino (Hector Alterio), wants to renew his marriage vows with his ailing wife (Norma Aleandro). She has Alzheimer’s and Rafael has avoided contact for a year. Two episodes then cause Rafael to look at the person he has become and re-evaluate his life.* * * * * *
This is billed as a comedy drama – a film to make you laugh and cry. In the skilful hands of Argentinian director Juan José Campanella the movie avoids the sentimental possibilities inherent in the story and he brings truly affecting portrayals from his excellent cast. Ricardo Darin is outstanding.
