THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES (Spanish) (2009)

Not so often we come across a film where emotional undertones of eyes and the secret of mystery case meets their tangled course in the film corresponding to each other and if it happens it won’t be so subtle…so touching like this one. The plot shifts back and forth between the past and present, uniting Benjamin and Irene after 25 years long gap. She was a lawyer then and he was a crime investigator dealing with a mystery case of inhuman rape and murder of a young woman. The case made them attached to a wonderful relationship and a secret they always know but don’t reveal to each other till the case which was almost as old as their relationship reaches its denouement of suspense in the climax.

The way director Juan Josse Campanella has synchronized subtle love story with criminal case and in both of the stories kept tangled unsolved strings for period of long gap is something which deserves all praise for writing and direction and deserved an academy award for this year’s best foreign language film. Its masterly crafted film with fine camera work and gripping editing. Camera plays keen role throughout the film and remains focused with close ups on almost all characters.

And above all, it’s absolutely worth watching thing for the brilliant screen chemistry between Ricardo Darin and Soledad Villamil. They really look like reunited lovers in all flesh and blood than mere cardboard players. Ricardo in his D H Lawrence kind of beard plays the man who’s intelligent, confident and emotionally restraint and he’s great to watch here with equally wonderful Soledad. My god, she’s woman with the most wonderful pair of sparkling eyes full of irresistible emotions inside and you won’t avoid it. The emotions reflects in her eyes and facial expressions so naturally, so effortlessly…it’s the moment where she’s expecting Benjamin to confess something and in return her crystal heart was broken with his favoring of the case. The same scene meets it sublimity in the end. The other beautiful crafted moment is departure scene at railway station and it’s one of the finest touching romantic scenes I’ve seen in a long run.

Mandatory watch for all.

Ratings-10/10