B-Happy

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08/17/2008 Es triste. Buena, pero no increible. See more 12/26/2007 Si es chileno es ....mmm See more 11/01/2007 Directed by Gonzalo Justiniano Sound depressing? Incredibly, director Gonzalo Justiniano blends Kathy’s trials by fire with enough earthy humor and hope to keep “B-Happy” from becoming a downer. A perpetually optimistic teacher – dancing on what appears to be a Prozac-induced cloud of denial – encourages Kathy to “Be Happy” despite the blight of poverty and decay enveloping them. The contrast makes for an effective running joke. "I'm not afraid of anything...dogs, gypsies, night, wind or earthquakes," repeats 14-year-old Manuela Martelli [Best Actress, Havana Festival]—and she needs to believe it. She lives in a ramshackle house outside Valparaíso with mom Lorene Prieto [THE SENTIMENTAL TEASER, 99 fest], who's preyed on by her boss; her dad, back from the pen, knocks over a gas station and steals a car while they're on an outing—then things really get tough. But she always has that mantra in this multi-awarded coming-of-age story. Toronto, Berlin Festivals. "B-Happy” is one of many coming-of-age films appearing at SIFF, this time concerning a 14-year old Chilean girl named Kathy (Manuela Martelli). Living in a ramshackle house falling apart at the seams with a hardworking mother and chemical-gobbling brother, Kathy’s bleak life is full of disappointment and void of opportunity. Her father (Eduardo Barril) is a criminal miscreant and veteran of the local criminal justice system, bouncing in and out of jail. ***This is a very good film from Gonzalo Justiniano. He brings a story that looks real, with real situation, and real characters. Characters that you have to give them a chance to show you that life is life as is. This might just be happening next door to you and you do not know it. Although the cinematography looks and feels like we are in a place where the sun rays hit differently, it hits you with a new fresh look at life. The real life we do not want to face sometimes. This movie has so many characters that each one of them give you a touch of life that makes it rich on the screen. I was able to enjoy this movie very, very, very much. Give this movie a chance. Give yourself a break into a new perspective in life. Real life is out there and Gonzalo Justiniano was able to put it on a film. Lorene Prieto(Kathy's mother) gives a powerful performance and Manuela Martelli (Kathy) is the greatest. Rent this movie. You will not be disappointed. Give real life a chance. Life is simple sometimes. But you have to live it See more 10/27/2007 que peli mas buena, recomendada,you need to see See more 09/13/2007 This movie has a very good aesthetic. If you can't understand Spanish, watch the subtitle version, not the dubbed version! See more Read all reviews

B-Happy

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