By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.5 cats
Director: Luis Mandoki
Starring: Carlos Padilla | Gustavo Muñoz | José María Yazpik | Leonor Varela | Ofelia Medina
Original language title: Voces inocentes
Country: mexico, puerto_rico, united_states
Year: 2005
Running time: 80
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365938/combined
Bruce says: “INNOCENT VOICES gets my vote for the best cinematography in 2005. From the opening scene of the solders’ footsteps in the rain, it is clear this film will be a visual treat. The night scenes, particularly the frightening sieges on small villages by a wanton army, are absolutely breathtaking. Cinematographer Juan Ruiz Anchía (AT CLOSE RANGE, HOUSE OF GAMES, OFF THE MAP, GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS) uses a palette that is filled with vivid color; his images are crystal clear. His technique provides great balance to the bleak story that unfolds.
“EL Salvador suffered a civil war for over twelve years beginning in the early 80’s. During that time more than 70,000 people were killed, often brutally and senselessly. INNOCENT VOICES chronicles the story of Chava (Carlos Padilla) over a year prior to his approaching his twelfth birthday, a significant milestone for boys in Salvadorian villages. The army periodically marches through the villages invading schools and homes looking to forcefully conscript boys of twelve into the army where they are taught to wield weapons and return to kill former friends, relatives and neighbors who sympathize with or support the guerilla forces. Even worse, the guerilla troops also enlist the small children into their fold, knowing the army will take them away if the guerillas don’t get them first. Only one thing is true – by the age of thirteen a boy will become a killer no matter which side he fights for. Based on a true story INNOCENT VOICES is more focused on the horrors of civil war than delivering messages of right and wrong although the politics of the film appear somewhat one-sided.
“The threat of an enemy, hidden part of the time yet barbarous when making its presence known, is made vary real by director Luis Mandoki. That constant threat affects every aspect of daily life. The suspense is chilling. In a particularly disturbing scene the army kills the insubordinate village priest in order to set an example for the rest of the village.
“Chava’s mother (Leonor Varela) is willing to protect her children at any cost. In spite of her own political leanings she maintains an outward neutrality. She willfully hides her son from the military. She is wise in not wanting her children to be influenced by her freedom fighting brother. She forbids Chava to listen to the guerilla-operated Radio Venceremos on the radio his uncle has given him. She’s no fool to think that her son will not have to choose sides; she simply prolongs that moment as much as humanly possible.
“Carlos Padilla is a charming and competent actor although I found it difficult to imagine he was approaching puberty. His friends and schoolmates, who end up on both sides of the conflict, seem slightly more mature and age appropriate. In real life, the boy escaped to the United States; he returned to El Salvador after the civil war ended. 4.5 cats”