Cast
View AllJorge Alberti
as Erick Montalvo
Ricardo Álvarez
as Leo
Jorge Antares
as Police Officer Figueroa
Jesús Reyes Castillo
as Police Officer
Leonardo Castro Sitiriche
as Police Officer
Pedro Juan Figueroa
as Pedro Navaja
Carlos Fontané
as El Italiano
Anibal O. Lleras
as Chao
Alfonsina Molinari
as Dr. Aponte
Natalia Rivera
as Michelle Montalvo
Jessyka Rodríguez
as Agent
Ramiro 'Ramir' Delgado Ruiz
as Italian Mafia Guy
Ángel M. Sanjurjo
as Mafia Guy
Carlos Ferrer
as
Omar Cruz Soto
as Victim
Crew
Director
- David Aponte
Writer
- César Farrait
- David Aponte
Producer
- Ramón Mangles
- David Aponte
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Back to the Beginning 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 David Aponte 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 2015, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Back to the Beginning took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.4 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 2078 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2015, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Back to the Beginning shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Cherry-Red, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Back to the Beginning subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Leave No Trace and The New Eve explore similar territory, Back to the Beginning 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: November 22, 2015
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Budget: $375,000
