Yet another film which I've stumbled across in the early hours of the morning, El Perro is a smalltime Argentinian offering.
The film presents us with a nice little tale of an elderly and recently laid off mechanic. Through his proclivity towards helping others, he comes into possession of a dog "La Chien", whom he soon befriends and together with Donado, a dog trainer he comes into contact with, begins to enter into professional contests.
From its beginning, we are introduced to the main character Coco, a lonely man searching for purpose after having lost his job. A lighthearted, simple, credulous story dotted with chuckles and moments of "Awww", El Perro brings us an excellent portrayal of an immensely likable character. Quietly suffering the sense of loss after his dismissal, Coco is a warm protagonist, if not a flawless one. The charming Juan Villegas portrays effectively the relationship his character forges with the initially disobedient canine. Their growth to friendship feels a little too swift, however, the dog's change very sudden and apparently reasonless. The film has very little going against it, but at the same time, does not have a huge amount going for it, its simplicity ultimately standing against it in terms of effect.
More cute than meaningful, with a story slightly too weak to carry it the full way, El Perro lacks some of the characterization and depth which might have earned it a higher rating. Warm and memorable despite this, it is certainly worth a watch.
The film presents us with a nice little tale of an elderly and recently laid off mechanic. Through his proclivity towards helping others, he comes into possession of a dog "La Chien", whom he soon befriends and together with Donado, a dog trainer he comes into contact with, begins to enter into professional contests.
From its beginning, we are introduced to the main character Coco, a lonely man searching for purpose after having lost his job. A lighthearted, simple, credulous story dotted with chuckles and moments of "Awww", El Perro brings us an excellent portrayal of an immensely likable character. Quietly suffering the sense of loss after his dismissal, Coco is a warm protagonist, if not a flawless one. The charming Juan Villegas portrays effectively the relationship his character forges with the initially disobedient canine. Their growth to friendship feels a little too swift, however, the dog's change very sudden and apparently reasonless. The film has very little going against it, but at the same time, does not have a huge amount going for it, its simplicity ultimately standing against it in terms of effect.
More cute than meaningful, with a story slightly too weak to carry it the full way, El Perro lacks some of the characterization and depth which might have earned it a higher rating. Warm and memorable despite this, it is certainly worth a watch.