The Mirrors Of The Soul

Rating: 10/10 (12 May 2010)

Are you in the mood for a well written,directed & acted drama,with a hint of romance & intrigue? You can't do much better than 'El secreto de sus ojos' (released in English speaking countries as 'The Secret In Their Eyes'),a film that was Argentina's entry for the Academy Awards for best film from that country. It tells the story of a retired defense attorney (Benjamin Esposito,played by the fine Argentine actor,Ricardo Darin,of 'XXY',and 'Nine Queens'fame) who is writing his memoirs,in hopes of turning them into a book. When he becomes interested in trying to re-open the case of a brutal rape/murder,he goes to his former employer for leads (Irene Menendez-Hastings,played by Soledad Villamil). What Benjamin discovers is lost feelings he felt for Irene). Cutting back & forth in time,we see stories of the young Benjamin & Irene working for the same government law firm,and the ups & downs of the law profession in 1970's Argentina,during their dirty war,which is never mentioned. This is a smart,well written screenplay (by the film's director,Juan Jose Campanella,mostly known for his work in both Argentinian,as well as American television,and Eduardo Sacheri,from the novel by Sacheri). Besides the above mentioned cast,the film also features Pablo Rago,Javier Godino,Barbara Palladino,Rudy Romano & Juan Jose Ortiz. Juan Jose Campanella wears three hats as director,co-writer & film editor. The film's lush cinematography is by Felix Monti. This is bravura film making for thinking persons who demand more from film than just car chases,explosions,fart jokes & other mindless droppings from Hollywood. Spoken in Spanish with English subtitles. Rated 'R' by the MPAA,this film contains some strong language,flashes of an unpleasant rape scene,nudity & bloody violence