Mi Angelito Favorito

Mi Angelito Favorito is a 2013 drama-comedy film that is directed by Sergio Berrocal and stars an all-Dominican cast comprising of Irvin Alberti, Carolyn Aquino, and Freddyn Beras Goico. The film is is one of the most heartwarming and delightful films to come out from Dominican cinema in recent years. It revolves around the theme of the battle between good and evil, extrapolated into the earthbound life of an ordinary man.

The movie hinges on its lead character, Don Macario (Irvin Alberti), a hardworking, albeit unlucky, family man who struggles to make ends meet. With a heart of gold and a spirit working harder than his luck, Macario's plight forms the central theme of the story. He is faced with various situations that play with his moral compass and challenge him in ways that fundamentally question the human spirit's tenacity.

Carolyn Aquino plays a dual role in the film - as Macario's supportive wife, consoling and encouraging him, as well as the feisty angel who has fallen from the sky to protect him. As an angel turned human, she gives Macario the lessons of life and love, enhancing the film's emotional depth. The combination of Aquino's poised and earnest performance is a considerable part of why this film resonates so deeply.

Freddyn Beras Goico, known for his exceptional acting prowess, adds another quirky character to his skillset with his role as the devil who antagonizes Macario. Not a traditional devil figure, but an elusive man who persistently throws Macario in all sorts of trials and tribulations, which becomes the source of the film's major comic relief while never straying from the primary plotline.

The script is well-paced and coupled with the meticulous direction of Berrocal, it artfully portrays the complexities of human life, highlighting the dilemma to choose between what's right and wrong when faced with adversity. It interweaves comedy and drama in a seamless manner and brings to the forefront moral and societal issues that are relatable for a broad audience, transcending cultures and communities.

Despite its supernatural elements, the film is rooted in the struggles and desires of everyday life. It is a symbolic manifestation of the constant tussle between good and evil that exits within all of us.

Mi Angelito Favorito also showcases beautifully captured scenes of the Dominican Republic giving viewers a genuine and rich feel for the country's culture and lifestyle, creating an enticing mix of realism and fantasy. It goes beyond merely being a movie and becomes a visual journey which transcends its geographical boundaries and offers the universal appeal of humanistic values.

The cinematography is well executed, the narrative filled with engaging dialogues and the performances of the actors truly make this film a delightful watch. The entire cast works cohesively to create identifiable characters that evoke empathy and laughter. The movie successfully hits the right notes to deliver a serious message wrapped in light-hearted humor, elevating it from a mere comical flick to a thought-provoking commentary on life.

Packed with comedy, drama and a hint of fantasy, Mi Angelito Favorito uses folklore in a fun and contemporary way to draw viewers into a world where angels and devils walk among men. Here, magic and sardonic wit converge to create a distinct brand of self-aware humor, showing us that life, even at its most difficult, can be a ride worth enjoying.

Mi Angelito Favorito has a razor-sharp sense of character and morality, and it establishes itself as a charming movie that will make you laugh, ponder, and appreciate the little joys of life. The Dominican Republic should be proud of this cinematic gem that so poignantly portrays the spirited life of its people while conceptualizing a universal story of the age-old battle between good and evil.