Cast
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Ricardo Darín
as Benjamín Espósito
Soledad Villamil
as Irene Menéndez Hastings
Pablo Rago
as Ricardo Morales
Javier Godino
as Isidoro Gómez
Guillermo Francella
as Pablo Sandoval
Carla Quevedo
as Liliana Coloto
Bárbara Palladino
as Compliment Girl
Alejandro Abelenda
as Pinche Mariano
Mario Alarcón
as Judge Fortuna Lacalle
Rudy Romano
as Ordóñez
Mariano Argento
as Romano
Sebastián Blanco
as Pinche Tino
Gabriela Daniell
as Alejandra Sandoval
José Luis Gioia
as Inspector Báez
Juan José Ortíz
as Agent Cardozo
Crew
Director
- Juan José Campanella
Writer
- Juan José Campanella
- Eduardo Sacheri
Producer
- Juan José Campanella
- Mariela Besuievsky
- Carolina Urbieta
Reviews
Bazzjazz
Please, I emplore you.
This is the original ‘The secret in their eyes’ without the Hollywood gloss and Pseudo ‘Top Actors/Actresses’
The Agentinian original film that won best foreign film at the Oscars.
Deservedly so.
Don’t sell yourself short and see the Hollywood redo.
It’s got a ending I wish I could tell you about.
See This show!
Apr 26, 2018
afrebrd
Story, director, actors--I bow my head. Have not watched many Spanish movies lately, but along with Iñárritu's 'Amores Perros,' and Babenco's 'Pixote,' I’ve really been missing out.
Nov 6, 2022
CinemaSerf
For many years since his retirement "Espósito" (Ricardo Darín) has been haunted by a brutal case of rape and murder that he was unable to solve. He decides that maybe the best way to formulate his thoughts and re-order the investigation is to write a novel, so with the help of an antiquated old Olivetti from his friend, and the new departmental boss "Irene" (Soledad Villamil) he starts to reconstruct the investigation. Using transcripts and photographs, he alights on the woman's schoolfriend "Gómez" (Javier Godino) who has long since disappeared from the scene. Increasingly, he becomes convinced in this man's complicity and now consulting with the dead woman's widower "Morales" (Pablo Rago) we all start to learn a little about the backstory, and it's complex, violent and tragic in equal measure. Can his deductions find the truth? This is a great example of a methodological and forensic drama that looks at the crime, sure, but it takes almost the same amount of time and effort to examine the strongly built characterisations. The nature of obsession, the desire for closure and completion - all addictive aspects of human nature that Darín and the almost perfect pacing from Juan José Campanella deliver here. It's a mystery that works on several levels evaluating the effectiveness of legal process and modern policing whilst reminding us that those exposed to crime are also affected, sometimes profoundly, by what they encounter. This works really well in a cinema, if you can. The frequently intimate style of the photography and the sparing use of light at times makes this an eerily effective watch that is rarely straightforward.
May 24, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Secret in Their Eyes examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Juan José Campanella brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2009, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Secret in Their Eyes took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $2.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 130 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 190 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 30 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2009, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Secret in Their Eyes shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Talk to Her, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Secret in Their Eyes offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Absolute Power and American History X explore similar territory, The Secret in Their Eyes stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 13, 2009
- Runtime: 2h 10m
- Budget: $2,000,000
- Revenue: $33,965,843
