Maktub (2011) Reviews

• Nice and attractive Dramedy about the relationship between a stressed family man and an ill boy

  ma-cortes2013-04-13

  This is a fairy Christmas tale narrated in sensitivity and intelligence and are treated ethic and moral issues developed in great sense of ductility and fairness . Maktub (an Arab word meaning : It was written) deals with Manolo (Diego Peretti who holds a strong Argetinean accent) suffers an acute crisis : the routine work is unbearable , his marriage to Beatrice (Aitana Sanchez-Gijon of The machinist) is on the brink of the abyss and relationships with their children are not good . As he suddenly sees a fat woman everywhere . One day , he meets Antonio (Andoni Hernandez) , a Canary boy at 15 years old with cancer, but with a desire to live as contagious Manolo's life is turned upside down radical . Antonio's mother (Goya Toledo of Mararia), Manolo's mother (Amparo Baro of Volver a Empezar) and her singular friend (Marivi Bilbao) , the neighbor of the family (Enrique Villen), a fun food deliveryman (Jorge Garcia of Lost), an extravagant nurse (Rosa Maria Sarda) and a host of characters, completely change the tedious life of Manolo . Enjoyable film plenty of good feeling , sense , deep sensibility as well as a well written script delving into the human psyche . It's an agreeable , quiet film , perfectly acted and concerning the narration about the relationship between a middle-age man and an ill boy and their family. Gentle , sympathetic Diego Peretti and the little boy Andoni Hernandez , give good performances , both of whom finally learn the meaning of the friendship and help each other . It is an endearing and intimate film , well directed and well acted by an all-star-cast , but perhaps fails a little the main protagonist whose optimism is as obvious that results to be excessive . Supporting cast is frankly excellent as Enrique Villen as a neighbor and including known actresses such as Aitana Sanchez Gijon , Goya Toledo and veteran players as Rosa Maria Sarda , Amparo Baro and recently deceased Marivi Bilbao . The film attempts to spread optimism about the events of life , with its amusing sides and dark areas . Not trying to be unrealistic and make everything as in a fairytale but giving way to mirth and humor . In addition , the film gives us a nice panorama about a middle-class family , its pity , goodness, sacrifice, work , companionship and various situations happen in its existence . Paco Arango tries to mix genres ranging from comedy to melodrama with some fantastic touches ; furthermore he takes parts from American films of the fifties, particularly those of Frank Capra plenty of emotional and family feeling in which solidarity triumphs and humor despite the blackness . Special mention to colorful and gorgeous cinematography , being filmed in Madrid by Carlos Suarez , one of the best Spanish cameraman , author of splendid photographs in notorious films such as The El Escorial Conspiracy , Dagon ,The End of a Mystery , The goalkeeper , Rowing with the wind and many others . Lively , jolly as well as emotive musical score by Nathan Wang . Rating : 6'5 ; This a good-feeling movie full of mirth , humor elements , and enjoyable message .