95 min
Country: Chile
Language: Spanish
Director: Cristián Jiménez
Writers: Cristián Jiménez, Alejandro Zambra (novel)
Stars: Diego Noguera, Nathalia Galgani and Gabriela Arancibia
Bonsai (Spanish: Bonsái) is a 2011 Chilean drama film directed by Cristián Jiménez, based on a book by Alejandro Zambra. It premiered during the Un Certain Regard section at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.The film was released in UK theaters on 30 March 2012 and US theaters on 11 May 2012.(Wikipedia)
Based on the much-lauded novel by Alejandro Zambra, Bonsai is the second feature from already cult Chilean director Cristián Jiménez, whose debut Optical Illusions screened to international acclaim.
With a structure that revolves loosely around Proust’s novel, Remembrance of Things Past, the story centres on the lengthy love affair between two college students – Julio (Diego Noguera) and Emilia (Nathalia Galgani).
In deadpan, hipster style we’re told from the beginning where their fate lies – in the end Emilia dies and Julio remains alone. To get to that point however, Jimenez employs a flash forward/backward dynamic that softens the blow.
Julio is a young man obsessed with literature. He meets Emilia after a class during which he’s lied about reading Proust. Skipping ahead 8 years in the future Julio now longs to be a writer himself. He applies for a job as a typist to the famous novelist Gazmuri but when he loses out because his asking price is too steep, he pretends the job is his to impress his attractive neighbour and sometime lover, Bianca. The story he writes instead is based on his own love affair with Emilia.
Hip, funny and moving, Bonsai features pitch perfect performances from a very talented cast. Diego Noguera gives a performance that is both funny and touching while Nathalia Galgani has a simmering Latin sensuality that, together with superlative direction from one of Chile’s rising stars, make Bonsai a real cinematic treat.(Raindance.co.uk)
Awards
Cannes 2011: Nominated for Un Certain Regard Award: Cristián Jiménez
Havanna Film Festival 2011: Won FIPRESCI Prize: Best Film (Cristián Jiménez) More Awards
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