Blessed By Fire (2005) NR - 3 Stars

Based on a true story, the movie takes place in 1982 and was filmed in Argentina spoken in Portuguese with English subtitles. Turns out I have rented this movie before but didn't recognize the title or description. But, still not disappointed as it's a good movie of true friendship given the worst of conditions. The film looks back at these three men's lives after the wars end. Narrated by a now 40 year old Esteban Leguizamon, he is summoned to the bed side of one of his best friends Vargas, who has attempted suicide and now in a coma. After Vargas dies, Esteban goes back to the spot to recall the terrible memories and heal his wounds of their times there as merely boys.

Three 18 year old friends Vargas (Pablo Ribba), Edgardo Esteban Leguizamon (Gastón Pauls) and Juan (Cesar Albarracin) all are sent to Malvinas to fight the battle against the British controlling the land. From the moment the boys arrive on the shores of the Malvinas beach, they are questioning how they ended up there. The harsh living conditions from freezing weather, severe hunger and the abuse from their superiors, have them running scared and feeling inadequate. The men feel they are out numbered and up against and army of much better trained and equipped soldiers. But it's not until the end where they will do much fighting against the enemy before the Argentines surrender. Meanwhile, just trying to stay out of the generals way will be their biggest challenge.

The Lieutenant belittles and tries to break the men's spirit by calling them "useless grunts." One day near their foxhole, the three can no longer bare their hunger, and capture and slaughter a sheep for dinner. But while tying to dispose of the carcass, Vargas is discovered and put on public display of humiliation and torture. His friends come to his side and admit their part in the feast. Now the three are ordered to carry equipment to the front line. It is here where the boys will become men as they try and defend Malvinas. In a fierce battle, Juan will lose his life as Esteban disobeys direct orders and trying to bring Juan to safety as they retreat. From Esteban's point of view, the movie shows the slow and gradual immersion of their fragile lives into the heart of death itself. Twenty years after the war, Esteban decides to return to the islands to come to terms with his past and heal his old wounds.

2006 Blessed By Fire - Tribeca Film Festival - Best Narrative Feature.
2005 Blessed By Fire -Havana Film Festival - Best Film.

Koch Lorber Films LLC
Director: Tristan Bauer
Writers: Gustavo Romero Borri, Miguel Bonasso, Edgardo Esteban
Producer: Carlos Ruta

I viewed 7/08