Nueve reinas (2000)

User Rating:

7.8/10   

Director:

Fabián Bielinsky

Writer:

Fabián Bielinsky (written by)

Release Date:

31 August 2000 (Argentina)

Genre:

Crime | Thriller

Plot:

Two con artists try to swindle a stamp collector by selling him a sheet of counterfeit rare stamps (the "nine queens").

Plot Keywords:

Stamp | Partner | Stamp Collector | Grifter | Scam

Awards:

21 wins & 8 nominations

Cast

Gastón Pauls	...	Juan
Ricardo Darín	...	Marcos
Graciela Tenenbaum	...	Convenience Store Employee
María Mercedes Villagra	...	Convenience Store Employee 2
Gabriel Correa	...	Convenience Store Manager
Pochi Ducasse	...	Aunt
Luis Armesto	...	Bar Waiter
Ernesto Arias	...	Bar Manager
Amancay Espíndola	...	Woman in Elevator
Isaac Fajm	...	Vendor
Jorge Noya	...	Aníbal
Leticia Brédice	...	Valeria
Oscar Nuñez	...	Sandler
Ignasi Abadal	...	Vidal Gandolfo
Carlos Lanari	...	Man on Cell Phone

Also Known As:

Nine Queens (International: English title) (UK) (USA)

MPAA:

Rated R for language.

Runtime:

114 min

Country:

Argentina

Language:

Spanish

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Singapore:NC-16 | Iceland:12 | Finland:K-11 | Canada:18A (Ontario) | New Zealand:M | Norway:11 | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Belgium:KT | Brazil:14 | Canada:PG | Chile:14 | Denmark:7 | France:U | Germany:12 | Hungary:14 | Ireland:15 | Italy:T | Netherlands:12 | Peru:14 | Poland:15 | Spain:13 | Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Buenos Aires, Federal District, Argentina

Company:

FX Sound

Trivia:

During the filming of the scene where Juan and Marcos run after a motorbike, Gastón Pauls fell and injured his knee and was taken to the Argerich hospital where he got four stitches.

Quotes:

Marcos: Can't you see the way she swings her ass? There are no saints.

Movie Connections:

Remade as Criminal (2004)

Soundtrack:

Il Ballo del Mattone

Fantastic Film! Don't be afraid of the subtitles!

I know some people out there who don't like to watch movies with subtitles. It either makes them feel that they are missing out on the essence of the film because they do not understand the language being spoken, or they simply don't want to be forced to read in order understand what's going on. For those who share that opinion, it's quite a shame because this is one fantastic film that you will be missing.

Being the son of an Argentine-born parent, I more or less understand a lot of the Spanish spoken by the characters in this film, though I am in no way fluent. As you watch this film though, you almost forget that the subtitles are there. You can miss a few lines of dialog and still have a good grasp of exactly what's going on. This is due mainly to the two starring actors in the film who were absolutely incredible. First, Ricardo Darin, is nothing short of brilliant. He's a well-known actor in Argentina and has such an incredibly natural on-screen presence that you can't help but be captivated by his performance. He plays the role of a professional con-man to perfection, combining his dramatic and comedic skills to form an equally villainous as well as sympathetic character. Secondly, his counterpart Gaston Pauls is equally brilliant as Darin's baby-faced accomplice in what is to be a "one in a million" opportunity to swindle a wealthy businessman out of a small fortune.

I've seen the American version "Criminal" - 2004, which is also good, but does not really do justice to the original. Nine Queens is a brilliant piece of international film-making that will not disappoint any fan of the genre. As mentioned by a reviewer, there is absolutely zero "down time" in this film. The dialog is crisp, the characters are very well cast and there is no time wasted with any unnecessary filler or elongated scenes. Every word and every scene builds a bridge to the next and culminates with a surprising and satisfying ending that you definitely will not be expecting. Please, don't let the language barrier prevent you from seeing this film. It's very easy to follow and well worth the small effort required. 10/10.