There's material for a grim and gripping film here. And, given Anthony Hopkins as his leading man, director Sergio Toledo really should have done better. But, taking everything at a snail's pace, he muffles much of the impact of this depressing tale of military repression in 1976 Paraguay - then lets the story slide into an abrupt and unsatisfying conclusion. Where professional polish would have added punch, Toledo allows the Hopkins character too often to drift away from being a resolute centre and gets an uncharacteristically theatrical performance from Norma Aleandro and an unexpectedly halting one from Ruben Blades as Hopkins' lawyer. Even with all its faults, though, the film's to be commended for opening a window on little-known but no less horrifying violations of human rights. Tough talk and details of torture mean it should be kept away from sub 15-year-olds, though older teenagers as well as adults may find it food for thought and an education too. Slow and sombre stuff.


©ipc tx. Film content from TVTimes