Valentin

Valentin presents an intriguing narrative set against the backdrop of 1960s Buenos Aires. The central character is an 8-year-old boy named Valentin, played by Rodrigo Noya in his breakout role. Alejandro Agresti, who also directs, stars alongside Noya as Valentin's somewhat unreliable father.

The movie begins by setting the scene in a narrow and colorful street in Buenos Aires. In her portrayal of the history and culture of Argentina in the mid-20th century, the film effectively prescribes its tone. The narrative mulches within the realms of drama, comedy, and romance, often overlapping to construct Valentin’s complex world.

Rodrigo Noya, in his mesmerizing and endearing performance as the bespectacled, dreamy-eyed Valentin, is truly the heart of the film. Valentin is a precocious, intelligent, and empathetic child whose understanding of the world around him is beyond his tender years. Raised by his grandmother (played by Carmen Maura), he often finds himself abandoned by his capricious father (played by Alejandro Agresti) after his mother's departure. Bearing the brunt of an unstable and at times harsh upbringing, Valentin navigates through the inconsistencies and hardships of his life, often with a maturity that astonishes.

However, beneath his wisdom is a child's heart filled with dreams of becoming an astronaut, and yearning for a stable, loving mother-figure. Alejandro Agresti, who plays his father, portrays a complex sympathetic character. He is not perfect and at times deeply flawed, failing to provide Valentin with a regular paternal presence, but he also demonstrates genuine love for his son.

Julieta Cardinali, as Leticia, brings warmth, tenderness, and beauty to the screen. Her entrance into Valentin’s life brings about significant changes. Being the new girlfriend of Valentin's father, she offers Valentin a glimpse into a hopeful future, relieving him of his solitude. The interactions between tiny Valentin and the peculiar, intriguing Leticia are depicted with touching authenticity and delicacy, revealing hidden layers to the characters and their aspirations.

The strong supporting cast, from Valentin's decrepit yet loving grandmother to his friendly neighbors and eccentric relatives, paints a vivid picture of his surroundings. Their lives, filled with minor yet poignantly relatable challenges, weave into Valentin's own narrative, enriching the story while adding significant layers of depth and nuance.

The film’s direction is praiseworthy. Alejandro Agresti, who is also the writer of the film, brilliantly captures moments of innocent childhood with distinct realism. His storytelling style is warm and immersive, and he impressively balances heart-wrenching moments with light comedy. The screenplay is a masterpiece, intelligently using humor to tackle serious themes and wrapping hefty social commentary in a compelling narrative.

The film also harnesses its setting beautifully. The streets of Buenos Aires form an intimate tapestry that runs in the backdrop of the narrative. It’s presented not just as a city but as a character itself, radiating warmth, melancholy, and vibrancy.

The music, composed by Paul M. van Brugge, complements the narrative perfectly. It is nostalgic and light-hearted, capturing both the sadness and the joy of Valentin’s young life. The cinematography is also noteworthy. It successfully conveys the mood of the film from a child’s perspective, heightening visual and emotional impact.

Despite dealing with mature themes like familial discord, abandonment, and domestic abuse, at its core, Valentin is an uplifting tale of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of love. It's an engaging, heart-warming story that gives audiences a thoughtful, yet entertaining study of human behavior, the complexities of relationships, and the innocence and resilience of childhood.

Valentin is a must-watch for those seeking a charming cinematic experience that goes beyond the ordinary, offering key insights into the power of dreams, the complexities of human relationships, and an extraordinary child's journey towards happiness and fulfilment.