Undertow (Contracorriente) [DVD]

Undertow (Contracorriente), a Peruvian film in the Spanish language, is quite simply a tale of a true love that lives on, the gay equivalent of 'Truly, Madly, Deeply'.

Fisherman Miguel is a pillar of the community and lives happily with his pregnant wife, but secretly enjoys a very passionate relationship with his lover, the enigmatic artist Santiago, who exists on the fringes of their very traditional society.

All is well in this unconventional love triangle until a tragic event puts Miguel's life on a new course. He is suddenly forced to examine the relationships he has with those he loves and whether he can be true to himself even though admitting his true nature may risk his place in the community.

This was an engaging and appealing story, beautifully shot and delicately performed by a very attractive cast. I found it to be deeply emotional and was profoundly moved by the storyline and the haunting music. In fact, when it was on at the Cornerhouse in Manchester during August 2010 I went to see it three times. It has become a favourite and the DVD will be a treasured part of my collection for many years to come.

It doesn't matter who you choose to love, you know love has its complications. This beautifully filmed movie is set in a small town in the north of Peru, Cabo Blanco.

Being a Peruvian, I must say I'm very proud of it. The scenery is superb, the acting is brilliant -I even cried with the most dramatic scenes- and the story really reflects what happens in Peru and most parts of Latin America: if you're a "straight" man and you have sex with another man it's OK, as long as nobody knows it. But what if destiny has something new for you?

This DVD has interesting extras, such as interviews with director - Peruvian Javier Fuentes-León - and stars Cristian Mercado and Tatiana Astengo, a very talented Peruvian actress. Moreover, you get a stills gallery and the official trailer, which is one of the best I've seen. Oh, don't miss the song at the end of the film, it's called Aunque No Sea Conmigo, by Celso Piña and Cafe Tacuba. This is my own translation:

"You can take as long as you need
I'll be here, waiting for the day
You decide to come back and be happy
The way we used to be

I know well that you must be suffering, just like me
The loneliness that two lovers feel
When they decide to break up but still struggle
Not to see each other

But that doesn't mean
That I have stopped loving you, not even one day
I am with you, even though you're far away
Your happiness comes first, mine doesn't matter

But if you have now
Even half of the love I still feel for you
I swear, I bless the one who loves you
I want you to be happy, even if it's now with me".

Again, I'm very proud of this film, which has been pre-selected to represent Peru as a candidate for Best Film In A Foreign Language in the next Academy Awards.

.....Society....and our Communities tell us: "You've not a Ghost of a Chance."

(( When Society, family, others close by and, sadly, even ourselves keep us from being who we are supposed to be.....from loving the person we are supposed to love....then we've allowed ourselves to be screwed (and, yes, I'm talking about me....and, likely, some of you). And every now and again, to remind us of this, as happens in this tale, there will come some sign or object....perhaps as simple as a "Candle"....which mysteriously appears in our lives, causing us to recall what we've lost ))

(( Have you ever thought....or said to a Beloved: "Without you, there is Nothing?" If yes, then you were foretelling a major theme of this film ))

A married, coastal fisherman (Miguel) as our main lead, and an unattached, visiting artist (Santiago) are the focus of this passionate love story between 2 men, spanning youth into adulthood. We'll learn this affair has a likely background of boys spending summers together...of fun times...and, no doubt, moments of finding love with one another. Sadly, however, this is a film focusing on their current day relationship which, like that of Romeo & Juliet, is being thwarted in almost every way.

So, for now, we find ourselves watching and becoming absorbed in an extremely impassioned---though well hidden---love affair. With nearly every scene involving these two leads, our view of the intensity of their love for one another continues to be reinforced, as the film makes its way to a heart-rending conclusion. Of hundreds of such films I own, none surpass the realistic displays of love and affection given us by these actors....this director. And in watching this story play out, it becomes oh so obvious that, while Miguel deeply cares for his pregnant wife, it is Santiago who is the Great Love of his life. We see a relationship which has even reached the point of loving "endearment names" being used for one another (Miguel as "Mico" / Santiago is "Tiago"), not to mention our witnessing numerous scenes of closeness---erotic and otherwise.

Some final thoughts: You'll witness pure joy in something as simple as a hand-in-hand stroll......and sadness as stirring as a loving hand on cheek. Happy emotions deep enough to hit you in the gut.....but also sadness...tears...loss. If you're not ashamed of crying, you will probably do so. This is a movie of lessons for many of we viewers, importantly telling us that letting go of a love, even one we may have at times denied, is an impossibility. An especially apt lesson....if we are to live a truthful future life (just watch as our main lead resolves his truth during a heartbreaking moment).

PS--Watch for a young, fellow fisherman, Tano by name, who I often see lending support when most others don't, and taking a definite interest in our beleaguered Miguel. See where he positions himself in at least one group gathering....notice where his eyes flicker in scenes involving Miguel. Ah, who knows if he is a possible harbinger for Miguel's future. (Am I dreaming this up? You decide.)

PPS--If this type film in DVD form is of interest to you, it's apparently not yet available in Region 1 (United States, et al) coding. However, if you have the proper playback equipment for Region 2, I obtained my copy from overseas affiliate, Amazon.co.uk

*This word used in film dialogue captions