Gloria (Chile, Spanish)

Celebrated director Sebastián Lelio, first burst into the limelight with his 2005 films La Sagrada Familia.  LSF received several awards over that year and Lelio has made 3 movies since.  The third in line was one that I had the good fortune of watching at last year’s Mumbai International Film Festival (2013).  I know I am late with this post but better late than never right?

Gloria is a movie that addresses a topic that has been in fancy of late.  Old Age romance.  This time in the form of a 58 year old Chilean divorcee who, like any human being, yearns for company.  She is definitely not excited about the prospect of spending her nights alone – 7 days a week, 365 days a year – or for that matter maybe even a few of them.

So what does Gloria (Paulina García) do? She does what every other 58 year old would.  She decides that life is a party for those who want to have one and grabs every opportunity that comes her way.  Singles Parties become the norm for the day and no potential man is spared.  Unfortunately, while she does get short term satisfaction, the long term gains leave everything to be desired.

All of this, till a certain retired Naval officer who goes by the name of Rodolfo (Sergio Hernández) comes into her life and sweeps her off her feet.  So much that Gloria starts seriously considering a long term relationship with the man.  He is charming.  He is great in bed.  He takes care of her and makes her feel like a queen when they are together.  So why not she says?

Of course, if that was it, the movie would have lasted all of 30 minutes because it is of course not “happily ever after” time yet.  Lelio proceeds to narrate an extremely realistic story of what could happen when 2 people who are past their prime land up getting into a relationship.  Should it be any different from when they are young and energetic? Lelio asks this question in terms of commitment to a relationship.

What I liked about the movie was that he keeps it real at so many levels.  He explores Gloria’s relationship with her now grown up children who have their own problems.  The embarrassment she faces when Rodolfo is introduced to them for the first time.  The pain she faces when she doesn’t get what she wants despite giving it her all.

In short, Gloria is just the kind of cinema that will be part of a festival.  It is slow but beautifully made.  It is real and yet not too boring.  It has some powerful performances from the cast that ensure you are glued onto the screen.  And at the end of it all, you do not mind spending nearly 2 hours watching a Chilean movie because it is true to life.  7 on 10.  Do try to catch up with it when you can.

Watch the trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9PrVESAYeA

And visit the site if you can http://www.gloriamovie.com