What an interesting surprise this film turned out to be, despite all odds, I really enjoyed this deeply. The Milk of Sorrow is the first film from Peru I have seen and it has one of the most out there plots I have seen in awhile. The best thing is that this story is handled so maturely and properly that it can’t help but generate interest in its topic, in its characters, and in its themes. The well restrained direction makes this ridiculous and awkward story play with complete sincerity; and despite some bad pacing between the acts, it’s really a film that came out of nowhere to impress me. Definitely a foreign film contender in my mind, and a film worthy of all the praise it can get.
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The Milk of Sorrow is all about a girl named Faustia who was born with a depression passed on from her mother thru breast milk, making Faustia melancholic, anti-social and fearful of men. To make matters worse, at a young age, Faustia somehow managed to lodge a potato in her vagina that has now, years later, become a medical problem. We first meet Faustia on her mother’s deathbed, her final words sung out as an ode to her dead husband Jesofo; she wishes to be buried beside him where he lay miles away. Faustia being both devastated and reliant on her mother must now find a way to accomplish her mother’s final wish. This event forces Faustia into the world, and we follow her down her sorrowful and uncomfortable path, as she find work with an understanding pianist who tries to break Faustia's shell through song. There are others around her who both help, and hinder Faustia in her trials and travels; various elements of comedy and tragedy prevail here. Does redemption and clarity lie at the end of Faustia’s tale? One must watch to find out.
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So when this film unravelled itself in the first twenty minutes, I had to admit that this was an extremely far fetched story. Or in another way, I felt it was a story I could never relate to. But again it’s the wonderful restraint that the director and actress works here that makes the film really believable. And what a performance this lady gives here, I mean understated for sure, but completely compelling with her seriousness and charm. There are a lot of silent moments, as Faustia doesn’t say much and is very timid, but something about the performance intrigued me, and had me thinking about the Faustia inside, what was going through her mind ect. It just felt like a very honest performance, it would be nice to see some attention there. A side from Magaly Solier in the titular role, the rest of the cast is decent, brilliantly cast, wonderful bit performances all around. The film is lush and beautiful, taking in all the sites and lifestyle of Peruvian living. A lot of wonderful ironic moments occur in the film that keeps it alive, and the protagonist complex and interesting. Just an all around well played affair that uses all the right techniques to get it’s deranged and thought provoking ideas across. It could of been more lively in certain parts, and the ending could’ve had more impact, but overall, Faustia’s world of sorrow was enchanting and enthralling to visit.
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So on the whole I definitely would recommend this film in a sea of foreign films that haven’t really won me over save a few. I think this film stands out for its unique plot and brilliant acting directing. I won’t lie, this is a film that you will have to accept for how ridiculous it seems, but it’s worth it to watch someone live with these problems and how they make a go of it. A great deal of class and tact went into this exotic little piece of cinema that very little in the Milk of Sorrow ever curdles. Recommended.
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The Milk of Sorrow is all about a girl named Faustia who was born with a depression passed on from her mother thru breast milk, making Faustia melancholic, anti-social and fearful of men. To make matters worse, at a young age, Faustia somehow managed to lodge a potato in her vagina that has now, years later, become a medical problem. We first meet Faustia on her mother’s deathbed, her final words sung out as an ode to her dead husband Jesofo; she wishes to be buried beside him where he lay miles away. Faustia being both devastated and reliant on her mother must now find a way to accomplish her mother’s final wish. This event forces Faustia into the world, and we follow her down her sorrowful and uncomfortable path, as she find work with an understanding pianist who tries to break Faustia's shell through song. There are others around her who both help, and hinder Faustia in her trials and travels; various elements of comedy and tragedy prevail here. Does redemption and clarity lie at the end of Faustia’s tale? One must watch to find out.
.
So when this film unravelled itself in the first twenty minutes, I had to admit that this was an extremely far fetched story. Or in another way, I felt it was a story I could never relate to. But again it’s the wonderful restraint that the director and actress works here that makes the film really believable. And what a performance this lady gives here, I mean understated for sure, but completely compelling with her seriousness and charm. There are a lot of silent moments, as Faustia doesn’t say much and is very timid, but something about the performance intrigued me, and had me thinking about the Faustia inside, what was going through her mind ect. It just felt like a very honest performance, it would be nice to see some attention there. A side from Magaly Solier in the titular role, the rest of the cast is decent, brilliantly cast, wonderful bit performances all around. The film is lush and beautiful, taking in all the sites and lifestyle of Peruvian living. A lot of wonderful ironic moments occur in the film that keeps it alive, and the protagonist complex and interesting. Just an all around well played affair that uses all the right techniques to get it’s deranged and thought provoking ideas across. It could of been more lively in certain parts, and the ending could’ve had more impact, but overall, Faustia’s world of sorrow was enchanting and enthralling to visit.
.
So on the whole I definitely would recommend this film in a sea of foreign films that haven’t really won me over save a few. I think this film stands out for its unique plot and brilliant acting directing. I won’t lie, this is a film that you will have to accept for how ridiculous it seems, but it’s worth it to watch someone live with these problems and how they make a go of it. A great deal of class and tact went into this exotic little piece of cinema that very little in the Milk of Sorrow ever curdles. Recommended.
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