Film Review: ‘Even the Rain’ Takes Preachy Approach to Powerful Story

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CHICAGO – Actress-turned-filmmaker Icíar Bollaín has an important story to tell in her fifth directorial feature, “Even the Rain.” The film is drenched in self-importance, nearly all of it justifiable. Historical events are eerily and poignantly re-enacted against a fascinating modern backdrop, drawing parallels between past and present corruption. It’s regrettable that this great idea was given such a workmanlike execution.

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 3.5/5.0
Rating: 3.5/5.0

Infamous outspoken historian Howard Zinn assisted screenwriter Paul Laverty with his research for the story, which takes place on the eve of the Bolivian Water War in April of 2000. Into the volatile city of Cochabamba enters a film crew led by opportunistic producer Costa (Luis Tosar) and impassioned director Sebastian (Gael García Bernal). They’ve decided to shoot their new project about Spain’s conquest of the Americas in Bolivia rather than Santo Domingo primarily because the locals will work for much less.

StarRead Matt Fagerholm’s full review of “Even the Rain” in our reviews section.

Many of the film’s early sequences suggest the playful tone of a mockumentary, as the filmmakers attempt to maintain control over their production as the surrounding location spirals into chaos. Costa is so focused on the bottom line that he’s incapable of comprehending the significance of the protests forming in the streets. He’s irritated that one of the film’s key local actors, Daniel (remarkable newcomer Juan Carlos Aduviri), is vocally assisting in the revolt against the privatization of Cochabamba’s water supply. After Daniel’s activism threatens to derail the filming schedule, Costa resorts to blackmail in order to keep the actor quiet. When the desperate producer exclaims, “Can no one else do this water stuff?”, his sheer ignorance borders on the comical. Yet the film’s surface narrative ultimately concerns itself with Costa’s awakening humanitarianism, as he starts to connect with the locals as people rather than discount props.

‘Even the Rain’ stars Luis Tosar, Gael García Bernal, Juan Carlos Aduviri, Karra Elejalde, Raúl Arévalo, Cassandra Ciangherotti, Sonia Ovando and Milena Soliz. It was written by Paul Laverty and directed by Icíar Bollaín. It opened Feb. 25 at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema. It is not rated.

StarContinue reading for Matt Fagerholm’s full “Even the Rain” review.

Gael García Bernal stars in Icíar Bollaín’s Even the Rain.
Gael García Bernal stars in Icíar Bollaín’s Even the Rain.
Photo credit: Vitagraph Films

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