Blessed by Fire (2005)

Recommended

Argentina/Spain

Feature Film

Original Title: Iluminados por el fuego

Director: Tristán Bauer

Writers: Tristán Bauer, Miguel Bonasso, Edgardo Esteban, Gustavo Romero Borri

Cinematographer: Javier Julia

Composers: Federico Bonasso, León Gieco

Cast: Gastón Pauls, Pablo Riva, César Albarracín, Víctor Hugo Carrizo, Virginia Innocenti, Juan Leyrado, Arturo Bonín

A former friend’s suicide attempt brings painful memories of the Falklands war flooding back to a 40-something Buenos Airean, in this movingly acted and painfully visceral film, which perfectly captures the bloody horrors and needless human tragedies of war, but unfortunately it is let down somewhat by its rather sentimental and nationalistic final act. Iain.Stott