Valentin - DVD Review

Rated: PG-13 for some thematic elements and language.
Runtime: 86 mins.
Director: Alejandro Agresti
Writer: Alejandro Agresti
Cast:Rodrigo Noya; Julieta Cardinali; Carmen Maura ....complete cast
Genre: Foreign/Independent
Tagline: Cupid Just Turned Eight.
Memorable Quote: "Hola, My name is Valentin, and I'm eight-years old. I make rockets and I'm working on a space suit."

Valentin (Rodrigo Noya) is an eight-year-old, bespectacled, cross-eyed dreamer with bold aspirations and an imagination the size of all of Argentina. If he can't become Argentina's first astronaut, then becoming a writer will have to do. But first he must get his family back together. Abandoned by his parents, he lives with his mopey grandmother (Carmen Maura) in 1969 Buenos Aires, while his divorced father womanizes his way around the city. Valentin so misses having a normal family that he devises a rather ingenious plan to ensnare a mother.

The movie is written and directed by Alejandro Agresti, who based the story on his own childhood experience in late '60s Buenos Aires. While most American viewers don't know or care much about Argentinian history, the film leaves us with a nostalgic feeling as Agresti steeps his characters in the rich Latin atmosphere. Everyone has a well-rounded abundance that makes the story flavorful, playful and completely relevant.

Child actor Rodrigo Noya stands out in the title role that is only his second feature film appearance. Unquestionably the bulk of the film's success rests squarely on his pint-sized shoulders. His charming wit and nerdy, horn-rimmed smile beg for our sympathy as we watch him mend torn family relations and forge friendships with strangers. One especially tender moment comes from a "date" with his father's latest girlfriend, Leticia (Julieta Cardinali). Velentin is certain he can play cupid and help construct a lasting relationship between she and his father. Of course his plans just make matter worse, but his naivetÃ© and unending diligence win our hearts. The chemistry between he and the soulful Leticia jumps off the screen with a magical palpability that so many filmmakers hope to uncover.

Further enhancing the complexity of Valentin's relationship with his father, Agresti himself plays the emotionally abusive father. There is probably some actual emotional healing that occurs right before our eyes as we watch Agresti bare his soul on the screen. One moment he is calm and reassuring, the next he is violently scolding his son for tampering in his relationships. We also learn of his failure to provide for the family financially. But Valentin correctly surmises that his father is too busy looking for a new girlfriend to send money, which leaves Valentin's grandmother with nothing to do but bad-mouth her son in Valentin's presence.

Having already gained recognition on the international film festival circuit, Valentin is sure to reap accolades from an American audience as well. I challenge you to watch Valentin yet not fall in love with the charming Rodrigo Noya.