Perro Bomba 2019
Distributed by Pragda, 302 Bedford Ave., #136, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Produced by Juan Caceres
Directed by Juan Caceres
Streaming, 80 mins
College - General Adult
Racism; Social Problems
Date Entered: 12/01/2020
Reviewed by Andrew Koval, MSLSPerro Bomba is deserving of a larger audience. A coming-of-age drama of a Haitian young man named Steevens whose family immigrated to Chile. Racism, betrayal and poverty are prominent themes as Steevens is subjugated to these experiences in varying degrees throughout.
The country’s rich cultural heritage is on display through faith, a cavalcade of street vendors, and culinary favorites all the while offering viewers a gratifying narrative. A layered experience. Scenes are deliberate and methodical and build to a crescendo of self-actualization for the protagonist. Resplendent with humanity.
The musical score is phenomenal with lavish beats. Interludes feature dance sequences bookmarking each segment giving viewers a sense of plot transition. And the cinematography is often striking with vibrant color schemes.
Worthwhile for libraries serving Spanish speaking populations as well as non-Spanish speaking populations who are willing to embrace English subtitles in exchange for a meaningful narrative with emotional heft. Perro Bomba presents the human condition. And therein establishes this works fundamental appeal.
Awards:
Gramado Film Festival (2019): Audience Award; Golden Kikito for Best Director; Guadalajara International Film Festival (2019): FEISAL Award; Malaga Spanish Film Festival (2019): Silver Biznaga for Best Actor; Silver Biznaga Best Iberoamerican Film
Published and licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Anyone can use these reviews, so long as they comply with the terms of the license.