Gold Seekers (Buscadores)
SIFF's capsule summary: "National Treasure meets The Goonies in this high-octane entertaining adventure from the makers of hit sensation 7 Boxes that begins when a teen finds an antique map pointing to hidden treasure, leading his band of whip-smart friends to stage a daring heist. Ages 13+." (Paraguay, 2017, 102 minutes)
SIFF link: Gold Seekers
During the devastating Paraguay War, people buried treasures to preserve them for after the war - but most never came home. Ever since, treasure seekers have followed maps and rumors in search of the buried treasures.
As his treasure seeker grandfather nears the end of his life, he gives Manu (Tomás Arredondo) a book that contains a treasure map. His friend Fito (Christian Ferreira) and retired treasure seeker Don Elio (Mario Toñanez) follow the map - to a foreign embassy. There they try to enlist the aid of embassy employees Ilu (Cecilia Torres) and Lili (Sandra Sanabria).
The Paraguay War was the bloodiest in South American history, and Paraguay lost terribly. I don't know whether buried treasure legends came from it. In the film's history, the legends are commonplace, but a matter of skepticism. They're a great premise for an action comedy.
The story is often far-fetched, but it's plausible enough to bring very good suspense to the action, and to keep the way open for very good comedy. The score is very good. The acting ranges from dubious to very good.
Overall, I rate the film good. And it's a whole lot of fun.
The film is second only to 7&Boxes as the best-selling Paraguayan film ever, and it's by the same people. We need to see 7&Boxes too now!
Languages: xxx, with English subtitles.
Rating: I don't think this film has a US rating (yet), but I'd guess it would rate a "PG-13", in spite of a bit of foul language in the subtitles. There's some violence, but crime doesn't pay. The closest thing to sexuality is mild flirting.
Screening: noon, Pacific Place (room 4).
Audience: a typical SIFF press screening crowd, somewhat over 100, about 285 seats (estimated capacity).
Snacks: none.
Ads and announcements: no ads at press screenings; SIFF volunteer "J" provided announcements.
Notes to myself:
SIFF statistics: 5 films (all features), no parties.
SIFF link: Gold Seekers
During the devastating Paraguay War, people buried treasures to preserve them for after the war - but most never came home. Ever since, treasure seekers have followed maps and rumors in search of the buried treasures.
As his treasure seeker grandfather nears the end of his life, he gives Manu (Tomás Arredondo) a book that contains a treasure map. His friend Fito (Christian Ferreira) and retired treasure seeker Don Elio (Mario Toñanez) follow the map - to a foreign embassy. There they try to enlist the aid of embassy employees Ilu (Cecilia Torres) and Lili (Sandra Sanabria).
The Paraguay War was the bloodiest in South American history, and Paraguay lost terribly. I don't know whether buried treasure legends came from it. In the film's history, the legends are commonplace, but a matter of skepticism. They're a great premise for an action comedy.
The story is often far-fetched, but it's plausible enough to bring very good suspense to the action, and to keep the way open for very good comedy. The score is very good. The acting ranges from dubious to very good.
Overall, I rate the film good. And it's a whole lot of fun.
The film is second only to 7&Boxes as the best-selling Paraguayan film ever, and it's by the same people. We need to see 7&Boxes too now!
Languages: xxx, with English subtitles.
Rating: I don't think this film has a US rating (yet), but I'd guess it would rate a "PG-13", in spite of a bit of foul language in the subtitles. There's some violence, but crime doesn't pay. The closest thing to sexuality is mild flirting.
Screening: noon, Pacific Place (room 4).
Audience: a typical SIFF press screening crowd, somewhat over 100, about 285 seats (estimated capacity).
Snacks: none.
Ads and announcements: no ads at press screenings; SIFF volunteer "J" provided announcements.
Notes to myself:
SIFF statistics: 5 films (all features), no parties.