The Dark Side of the Heart (1994)

THE DARK SIDE OF THE HEART

The movie is in a good condition. The image definition is good as well and the sound has a good quality too.

I loved the movie! April 10, 2007

One of the best of Argentine Cinema.

If you see two foreign films this year, these should be those two:
"El Lado Oscuro del Corazon" and "Valentin". February 6, 2007

Awesome Movie - Rubbish DVD

I love this film, so I decided to get the DVD. Since getting it on the shops is impossible I had to order it. Absolute rubbish !!!!

- It comes on full screen format cutting the original framing
- It promises a booklet, no booklet
- Poor quality packaging

This product is highly overpriced for what it has offer. January 18, 2007

Very enjoyable

The first 2 minutes, with the specially designed dating bed, are alone worth the price of admission!

Full of beautiful imagery and poetry and music, much of it brilliantly surreal and metaphorical, albeit a few sophomoric spots here and there when it just seems way too classically Romantic.

And that's why I'd give it 4 instead of 5 stars---this film is indeed very enjoyable, but it doesn't have any real edge of satire or self-mocking playfulness. It doesn't seem to be aware of its own existence as merely a work of art wrought by human hands, not reality itself. In that regard it reminds me of the kind of poetry that people often write in their late teens and twenties: heartfelt, passionate, and often moving...but without the lightness and wisdom of a more mature perspective.

Still, it's unique and engrossing enough to be worth owning, in my opinion. September 9, 2006

It's a good, strange, and romantic film..............

If not for anything else, Eliseo Subiela's "El lado oscuro del corazon" will introduce the casual viewer to the poetry of Mario Benedetti, Juan Gelman, Oliverio Girondo as well as the director's own compositions. Eliseo Subiela is one of the best Argentine directors of all times, as this 1992 film clearly demonstrates. Its one of those rare movie that can make you stop and look at life. Eliseo has a gift of story telling, again we see him telling a very sad story of a poet and his life in Bue~as Aires.

Dario Grandinetti, the great Argentine actor, plays Oliverio with equal parts of charm and mystery. Mr. Grandinetti makes an invaluable contribution to the success of the film. He is the main reason for watching this forgotten film that is full of poetry and magic. Sandra Ballesteros is seen as Ana. Ms. Ballesteros is an equal match to Mr. Grandinetti. Nacha Guevara plays Death with panache. Ms. Guevara, who is one of the best cabaret and performance artists of Argentina, is a huge talent that Mr. Subiela utilizes to the best results in the movie. As Oliverio's buddies, Andre Melancon and Jean Pierre Reguerraz are perfect.

The dark cinematography by Hugo Colace adds another dimension in our enjoyment of the film. A masterpiece of poetry & magical realism. The "comic" device of the poet's dialogues with death is sheer brilliance; the many ways a heart can be used are explored masterfully; the friendship between the three Dionysian male friends is a delight. Rent this film if your not to sure but not all rentals has it. And if your able to rent this keep it a few extra days and watch it again. This film is hard to find in stores but fortunately enough Amazon has it on stock for now, Ultimately, this is Eliseo Subiela's triumph in a movie that is not only beautiful to look at, but to listen (or read the subtitles). Happy viewing.
March 25, 2006

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