sergepesic " Undertow", gut-wrenching and quietly powerful Peruvian movie, brings back the faith in the power of story telling. This forgotten art seems to have passed by most of our contemporary film-makers. Luckily it didn't Javier Funtes-Leon. Small fishing village seemingly locked in time capsule. Grueling work, old-time believes, church on Sundays and communal meal after. Everybody knows everybody, or do they? Small towns, like little tribes, include all members of its community.Up to a point. As long as you play by their traditional rules, you'll be fine. But, just try to step out of the rhythm of the tribal tune, and they turn on you. Of course, this is a movie about a repression of gay people and the horrors they have to endure just because they are different. But, it is so much more. The indictment of empty traditions, false morals and greatest possible cheer for personal courage. This is the life we have, these are the cards we are dealt and play we must.With our head up high and damn the consequences, or hiding and trying to please all but yourself. Doesn't seems such a hard choice to me, or is it?

Movie Critic Miguel (Cristian Mercado) is having a homosexual affair with a truly handsome painter Santiago (Tatiana Astengo). He refuses however to have the affair go as far as Santiago wants (he is married) and the latter commits suicide.Santiago's soul cannot rest until he has a proper burial and he comes back as a ghost to be with Miguel--no one but Miguel can see him. Miguel doesn't want the ghost to leave so ties his body to a rock underwater. Once buried properly the ghost will leave.The homo-phobic small religious fishing community ostracizes Miguel when some nude drawings and paintings in Santiago's house reveal the affair.My God life must be hell in a Peruvian fishing village for gays although all the locals seemed eager to participate in a movie filming about it? I do think it is a good look at general life in the village a lot of local non actors are used. The actor playing the gay artist Astengo is an Adonis and played the part well.The ending where the body is found and Miguel confesses all and buries his lover is moving.My problem is I just don't care that much for the genre showing gay hate maybe because I am gay. It is uncomfortable and brings back too many bad memories. This movie is compounded by showing too many shots of pregnant wombs and other modern PC stuff I could do without.The ghost idea borders on the gimmicky but was done well. It is also depressing when barely into the movie the handsome gay good guy is dead from suicide.I wish they would make more movies where the gays beat the system instead of end up committing suicide or have an over sexual mother and other stereotypes that won't die.For the genre this gets about an 8. It is unique and interesting. Have this director make a positive one with happy ending!!RECOMMEND

deborahzzzzz this is one of those films which is 'timeless' - filmed in a beautiful location as fit for a beautiful film - a love between men - absolutely brilliant all the way through & i cannot express the beauty in enough words - the acting is faultless & the love & emotions through out were amazing & so real & beautifully portrayed the strength that each had to show & bear was amazing - the values of both shone through & the way that they handled them was courageous & so respectful in all ways possible - this love made a man so strong in what he believed in - not just in his relationship with Santiago but in his other relationship with his wife & his family & his friends - it made him so much stronger & he Miguel believed in himself so much more - this is one of the best films portraying a love that can be so beautiful & just as important as a love between a woman & a man

pikwwong A truly memorable movie, beautiful shot with good acting I do feel maybe it is real hard to encounter such devotion to one's loved one in our timesI especially appreciated the role Santiago the painter: he is such a good looking man and his unbridled and unchanging passion for his lover moved me deeplyNo idea where the film was shot but the seascapes and the seaside community locales are absolutely stunningHighly recommended movie indeedI sure hope more works will come from the director and the 2 actors