User reviews

The story in Puerto Padre certainly had potential. It narrates the story of a kid moving from the Island where he lived his whole life to a nearby fishing and cruise port in Costa Rica after his mother dies. He goes there looking for his godfather, a job and a new life. Things get complicated when he learns that his godfather is dead and instead he has to live with his godfather's brother who is a harsh and authoritative man.

The setting is certainly apt for a good drama and that's achieved partially. The movie has interesting characters that could have become more memorable with better development, storytelling and acting. The cinematography is certainly one of the high points with beautiful shots but that isn't enough to tell a good story. Some important scenes felt rushed and lacking dramatic effect.

Like with many other costarican productions Puerto Padre seems like a good effort which fell short. The film industry is just starting to flourish in this small tropical country so it needs time. The ideas and talent are there but the refinement takes time and experience.

eat story of a sad reality existing in the lost port cities and far away from major cities. I loved the silent mode as shown feelings of the characters. The music is perfectly integrated with the different dramatic moments. The boy, the main actor, it looks like those boys of Passolini film, an authentic "ragazzi". Their expressions of feelings in the face of pressures received, with vacant looks, reminds me some scenes with Marlon Brando. This type of film with little dialogue and lots of psychological depth in the body and facial expressions, shows very subtly different way of making movies. One way out of the Hollywood standard.Bravo!