Yo Soy un Politico [I am a Politician]

Yo Soy un Politico [I am a Politician] is a 2016 Puerto Rican political comedy-drama directed by Javier Colón Ríos. This unique and insightful film reflects on the local politics and social life of Puerto Rico through humor, irony, and theatrical drama. The film stars talented actors such as Cecilia Argüelles, El Hollywood Boricua, and Leonardo Castro, who bring liveliness and depth to their characters.

This captivating tale revolves around Carlos, played convincingly by Carlos Marchand. Carlos is an IT professional without much interest in politics. However, economic strains lead him to consider a career in politics. Marchand excellently conveys the character's transformation from an indifferent individual to an eager political aspirant with a mix of comedy and realism.

Carlos needs to tackle the complex political landscape of Puerto Rico to accomplish his newfound ambition. Lucky for him, the closet he cleans out for his new home office is full of political memorabilia. Rummaging through the political artifacts, he realizes that his father was once a major player in Puerto Rican politics. As he explores further, Carlos discovers a hidden side to his father and his father’s once influential political career which he never knew existed.

In a swift turn of events, Carlos finds himself wrestling with the decision to follow the footprints of his father. Will he be able to accept and embrace his destiny? Will he live up to the legacy of his father? Yo Soy un Politico presents these questions.

Paired with Carlos on his political journey is Cecilia Argüelles. She plays an idealistic political science student, a go-getter who is formidably sharp, ambitious, and enriched with profound insights into local politics. The undeniable chemistry between Carlos and Cecilia is a noteworthy element in the film. The mutual respect and rivalry between Carlos, who is new to politics, and Cecilia’s character, who is very well-versed in it, becomes an intriguing subplot of the movie.

Another stand-out performance is El Hollywood Boricua who brings comic relief through quirky and hilarious dialogues. Leonardo Castro's contribution cannot be underemphasized with his perfect portrayal of a seasoned political party member, a character that is often frustrating but entertaining.

Written by Frankie Bracero, Yo Soy un Politico deftly mediates between being an entertaining piece of film while driving home serious socio-political comments. It explores the muddy game of politics, regardless of the region, with a very noticeable local flavor. The film does not shy away from throwing light on the real dilemmas and contradictions that politicians often face.

Adding more realism to the narrative, the film carefully showcases the machinations of local politics and election campaigns. It satirically unearths corruption, favoritism, and unethical practices that often go hand in hand with politics, and the way these factors influence the lives of common people or prattle the dreams of upright individuals.

The film also employs subtle humor to bring some light-hearted moments, which prevent it from becoming overly serious and maintain engagement with the viewers. Notably, it also shines a light on the nuances of public relations and reputation management, often seen in the political arena.

Yo Soy un Politico exemplifies Puerto Rican cinema with its unique storyline, convincing performances, iconic soundtracks, and immersive cinematography. It presents a cultural encounter through its storytelling, effectively making the audience part of the protagonist's journey, unearthing the challenges faced by underdogs in politics.

In essence, Yo Soy un Politico [I am a Politician] leaves an impression with its excellent blend of drama, humor, and astute remarks on politics. Its profound cultural dialogues, mixed with a variety of emotions, create a memorable cinematic experience. The film stands as a mirror to society, offering both critique and comic relief, making it a must-watch for both film buffs and political enthusiasts.