Born and Bred masters

Cast:
Guillermo Pfening (Santiago), Federico Esquerro (Robert), Martina Gusman (Milli), Tomás Lipán (Cacique), Victoria Vescio (Jose), Nilda Raggi (Victoria)

Santiago, a young man who restores antiques and does interior decorating, is quite well-off thanks to a successful atelier set up with Milli, his wife. Together with their young daughter Josefina, they make up a happy family, enjoying life day after day, with no unpleasant surprises. Nevertheless, in the intimacy of his home, Santiago reveals that this apparent well-being evades him. A sudden accident on the road triggers a family tragedy, a violent shift in his life.

Rome FilmFest 2006

With Born and Bred, Pablo Trapero displays the same knack for intimate storytelling that made his Crane World so moving, while returning to the themes of isolation explored. But Born and Bred is much darker. It taps into elemental emotions - fear of death, the terror of losing those we love most and the pain of that loss - and speaks in a language that is distinctive to its talented director. Stunningly photographed, expansive vistas make this film a powerful visual experience, while rich performances give it tremendous soul.

Diana Sanchez, IFF Toronto 2006