The Heiresses

An extraordinary independent film, “Las Herederas” (English title “The Heiresses), for me is definitely a film to be watched and rewatched. I've seen the film described as an LGBT genre film, and whilst it is not – not, an LGBT film, it is much more than that, and to be honest I'm not sure whether labelling a film by a particular genre (be it a Western, a Thriller, a Romance, a War film etc etc etc) is necessarily always helpful. It is enough sometimes to say that one finds a particular film, good or not as the case might be – regardless of any perceived genre, and I found “Las Herederas” to be very good.“Las Herederas” is a remarkable film, and in many ways. Set and filmed in Paraguaya. An independent film that, according to the Director, Marcelo Martinessi, had a great deal of help from everyone involved and from numerous countries – the film is also a co-production with France, Germany, Norway, Brazil, Uruguay, and Italy. Socially, Paraguay being basically conservative and Catholic, the making of a film that has characters that are not normally readily accepted in such a culture is a bold film to make perhaps. Lead actress Ana Brun who is a Lawyer by trade, used a name other than the one that she uses when doing her legal work. She nearly dropped out of the project given the film's perceived inherent risks in regard to her work as a lawyer. Luckily she didn't drop out from the film though and Ana Brun went on to win numerous awards including Best Actress at various film festivals for her role in the film.“Las Herederas” is a film about awakenings, of the individual, but not only of an individual but maybe of more besides. A slow, contemplative film, it is also educative in terms of what it tells the audience about an aspect of Paraguayan society, to anyone (like me) who is not familiar with Paraguay. The cast are excellent. Some of the cast are seasoned stage and screen performers and others like Ana Brun are acting in their first feature film (though not acting for the first time) – it was also the director's first feature film, and all are superb.I watched “Las Herederas” for a second time and watched it with the Directors Commentary running. Marcelo Martinessi speaks English for this release of the DVD (avoiding more subtitles for anyone who is not fluent in Spanish) and the film's English Language subtitles are present on the screen as he gives his commentary. It was one of the most helpful and informative commentaries I've listened to with regard to a film, and his commentary will make more viewings of the film somewhat different and better again for me.Light plays a big part in the narrative of “Las Herederas” and how it is used is done subtly and is done in a way that helps tell the story, but if I had a criticism of this film then the lighting would be something that I could criticise. For me in much of the film, scenes are not illuminated enough, which leaves little to be seen by way of detail for the audience. It's my only criticism but I think that it is a significant one.The film doesn't have a soundtrack as such but does have incidental music at times, and there is a song at the end of the film that I think sounds wonderful. The closing credits of the film roll as “Recuerdos De Ypacarai” plays. The song is performed by Maya Belsitzman and Matan Ephrat. There is a YouTube video of this song and if you Google:Maya Belsitzman & Matan Ephrat Recuerdos De Ypacarai...you should be able to find this amazing song as well as a trailer for “Las Herederas”.Some of the awards that “Las Herederas” has won include “Best Film” and “Best Actress” at the Berlin Film Festival.On the DVD (ASIN: B07GB48XTW) you get:“Las Herederas” (1 hour 34 minutes)ChaptersSet Up: 5.1 Surround, 2.0 StereoExtras:Director's Commentary“La Voz Perdida” (10 minutes) short film directed by Marcelo MartinessiTheatrical TrailerOther Trailers

I didn't watch it as I wasn't aware it was in Spanish language. So can rate it.

This rather unheralded film is a gem, with brilliant acting and acute social observation. Other reviewers (Amazon.com) have made useful comments about the place, the social status of the two main characters, etc. I would simply add that this apparently low-budget film breaks the mould of Hollywood and Hollywood-derived lgbt films, a most welcome phenomenon. It is a most welcome addition to anyone's collection of lgbt films, as well as providing an equally welcome glimpse of 'how the other half (Latin America) lives'.

A real downer this one. No momentum, a bleak, claustrophobic atmosphere & little chemistry between characters. Deadly dull

Movie is good. DVD is Region 2 only for those interested.

Don't waste your time