Ismael

We're all looking for something that eludes us. And many times, that thing we're looking for is a family. (Even if we already have one!) Because family —the perfect family— is at the same time a haven and a preview of our future. "Ismael" is a movie that knows that this world is full of maps, but keeps the essential one as a secret: the map of our own feelings. What are they, really? Which ones are good, and deserve to be nurtured, explored? And how do we deal with all of them?

"Ismael" is a small Odissey, with a boy of 8 at its core, looking for the same answers we grown ups crave for. And it moves with elegance and humor, carefully avoiding sappiness. It made me feel not only respected as a viewer, but cherished. There are many movies that impose their own feelings on you; "Ismael" is too smart to do that. Marcelo Pineyro, the director, has always shown restraint in his movies, because he counts on the viewer's intelligence.

This is an delightful film. It will grow on you and take roots. (And by the way: the couple Belen Rueda and Sergi Lopez play deserve their own spin off movie!)