Movie Review: Lost Embrace

Alternate Title: Don't Cry For Me, Argentina

Story: Woe is he, the young adult who can't find himself. Ariel is uncomfortable in his own skin. His neighbors and his family business job all make him itchy to bolt Buenos Aires and emigrate to his grandparents Poland or even better, a larger Europe.

This entertaining, warm, funny film focus' on an enclave of contemporary middle class Argentinean Jews all of whom own small businesses in a mall. We meet the community of small business owners, share their foibles, their secrets, their hopes.

The film centers on family, tradition, culture, redemption, love and recognition of the value of living one's life to the fullest.

Acting: The entire cast was wonderful with special kudos to Daniel Hendler as Ariel. He is yet another smoldering young Spanish language actor to grace the big screen.

Predilection: I like foreign films and it won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the 2004 Berlin Film Festival. Daniel Hendler won the award as best Actor.

Critters: None.

Food: Lekach (seems to be a honey cake that is consumed during the entire film).

Theater Audience: Fairly packed with an appreciative crowd for a midweek early show.

Drift Range: It is hard to drift during a subtitled film.

Squirm Scale: 0 (but if you have never seen a bris performed you might squirm).

Oscar Worthy: No.

Nit Picking: Other than an overly jiggly camera I had no nits to pick.

Big Screen or Rental: Rental would be fine.

Length: 100 minutes.

LOBO HOWLS: 6