Truman

source: Truman

I went to the movies without expectation and in the end, that movie moved me like no other before. I don't know why, can't explain. A must see movie.

Because I liked Ricardo Darin as an actor I choose this film. However well acted and genuine, it is a bit boring. The story: Ricardo Darin is dying of cancer and he meets his long time friend for a last time and he meets a few other people for the last time. And he seeks a new owner for his dog. This movie is not about his dog Truman really. It is basically about dying. It is in no way a bleak movie, on the contrary, talking about dying is done in a lighthearted way.. The bad: it's a bit boring. How can a story about dying be boring, well it can, because it is definitely lacking drama and it aint really funny either. The good: Ricardo Darin is always worth watching as an actor. The story is subtle and friendly.

This movie is perfect in every way as far as my movie watching is concerned anyways. It may be a little slow but it is so embracing. Key word embracing. I give it a solid 9 seriously.

Entertaining all the time, despite the serious undertone and the sad underlying cause that makes everything happen and keeps the story rolling on. It is the unpopular decision to stop medical treatment and scans, to merely await a certain death without all the burdens of hospitals and other forms of medical interference with inevitable death caused by his progressing cancer. Of course, everyone tries to change his mind but they all are doomed to fail (is this a spoiler?). He, on the other hand, causes several surprises while dealing with family, friends and colleagues, in the sense that his attitude is refreshing, far from depressing as could be expected. The dog named Truman that gave the movie his name, is the subject of several attempts to find a suitable new household for him, involuntarily being another cause to keep the story rolling, if not working as a running gag. Apart from dog Truman unknowingly playing a central role, the two main characters are Julian, who is terminally ill and refuses further treatment, and Thomas, who is sent by his wife to let Julian change his mind. The two were close friends many years ago but pick up their friendship easily as if there had been no interruption. While Julian does not stop surprising Thomas with unexpected moves, they both behave very rationally and succeed very well in coping with pitiful scenes and dealing with people avoiding contact because of not knowing how to behave or what to say. All in all, a strong story line and a movie populated with strong actors. Luckily, there is no tear jerking and I could not spot any overly emotional scenes. There is ample humor interwoven in the script, and the surprises induced by Julian and his sometimes-unorthodox behavior, keep our attention from start to finish.

A pretty good movie with great actors , entertainment , intense drama , narrative excitement and fun , too . Cesc Gay delivers an enjoyable comedy in which the main and support cast are frankly outstanding . As the main attraction resides in its excellent cast in which stand out the magnificent stellar pair . Attractive and enjoyable story with emotive and touching moments and very well played . Self-contained Tomás (Javier Cámara) is a sensitive man with goodheart who returns Spain from Canada to find his intimate friend Julián . As he suddenly receives an unexpected visit from his friend Tomás, who lives in Canada . Julian has an illness and preoccupied with the question to the point of obsession . Later on , the two men leave their Spanish lives , and set out in search for his son (Oriol Paulo) who lives in Ámsterdam . After that , they return Spain and accompanied by Julián's faithful dog, Truman, undertake the sad existence and dark future , prompted by Julián's difficult health . A nostalgic and attractive film about friendship , family relationship , love , death and promises . Enjoyable dramedy with stirring moments , agreeable friendship, father-son relationship and a little bit humor. The picture relies heavily on friendship among two old friends , but this one doesn't make boring , but entertaing . The flick also deals with interesting and engaging issues such as family relationship , deadly illness , assumtion death , and many other things . Filmmaker offers a fresh take on a familiar scenario, a beloved friendship and a father-son relationship , it results to be other of the innumerable stories to deal with family and friends . From start to finish this exciting film contains drama , emotion , a marvelous and deep friendship between two friends who will share emotional and surprising moments . Cesc Gay carries out a solid comedy , achieving a big hit at the Spanish box office . Duo protagonist , the anarchic , obstinate Ricardo Darin , and the sensible , honest Javier Cámara , are top-notch , they steal the show , both of whom turn an efficient acting . Nice film , though it has a few gaps , but anyway, its is compensated with the great performances from Ricardo Darin , chewing scenary as the ill person who suffers a complicated situation, refusing any further chemo treatment . Support cast , and cameos , are frankly extraordinary , such as : Dolores Fonzi , Alex Brendemühl , Pedro Casablanc , José Luis Gómez , Javier Gutiérrez , Oriol Pla, Nathalie Poza , Elvira Mínguez , Eduard Fernández , Susi Sánchez , Francesc Orella , Silvia Abascal and many others . And the dog that interpreted Truman died a few months after shooting due to natural causes. Colorful and evocative cinematography with wonderful exteriors from known cities shot in Barcelona , Madrid and Ámsterdam . Atmospheric, adequate score by Nico Cota and Toti Soler .The motion picture was well directed by Cesc Gay . He was born in 1967 in Barcelona, where he often shoots his fims . He is a writer and director, known for the successful Krámpack (2000), Una pistola en cada mano (2012) , En la ciudad (2003) , V.O.S. , Ficción (2006) and this Truman. It had several prizes such as Cinema Writers Circle Awards, Spain 2016 Winner CEC Award Best Film , Best Director Cesc Gay , Best Actor Ricardo Darín , Best Supporting Actor Cesc Gay , Best Original Screenplay Cesc Gay ,Tomàs Aragay . Feroz Awards, ES 2016 Winner Feroz Award Best Actor in a Leading Role Ricardo Darín , Best Actress in a Supporting Role Dolores Fonzi ,Best Screenplay Cesc Gay Tomàs Aragay .Goya Awards 2016 Winner Goya Best Lead Actor Ricardo Darín , Best Supporting Actor Javier Cámara ,Best Original Screenplay Cesc Gay , Tomàs Aragay , Best Director Cesc Gay , Best Film : Marta Esteban ,Diego Dubcovsky ,Trumanfilm ,BD Cine ,Impossible Films .

The movie has a very low rating in Germany, which is weird not only because of a mature scene in the movie, but because of what this movie is about. It's not something children want to see, but more pointed and aimed to "please" an older audience. And it's a very good one with amazing acting and a story that will take you on an emotional ride that will not leave you easily. Truman is the name of the dog and also an English title for the international audience. And even here Germany goes a different way and calls this "Friends for life" (translated). Which I guess is a description of the movie, though you could confuse this and think it's a comedy when it's called something like that ... it's drama don't get that confused! Still relish the lighter moments and also the great script this has ...

Winner of five Goya Awards (the Spanish equivalent of the Oscars), this bittersweet comedy/drama about two men and a dog screened during the recent Spanish Film Festival earlier in the year. It was one of the more popular films in the festival and now it gets a cinema release. This amusing and deeply affecting film deals with universal themes of friendship, mortality, coming to terms with death, and it is sure to appeal to audiences. Julian (played by Argentinian actor Ricardo Darin, from Wild Tales, etc) is an Argentinian actor who has relocated to Madrid where he performs regularly on stage and television. He has been diagnosed with cancer, and after undergoing chemotherapy for a year he has decided to stop the treatment. He is resigned to his fate and sets about setting his affairs in order. Most importantly though he is trying to find someone to care for his beloved pet bull mastiff Truman, and has approached neighbours and strangers. His childhood friend Tomas (played by Spanish actor Javier Camera, from Living Is Easy With Eyes Closed, etc) relocated to Montreal but arrives in Madrid for a surprise visit. he hopes to change Julian's mind and convince him to go back to treatment. Tomas is sensible and restrained whereas Julian is more volatile and emotional in nature. Over the course of the next four days the two men reconnect as they wander the streets of Madrid, talking about their lives, loves, regrets and the future. There is also a side trip to Amsterdam where Julian briefly visits his son, whom he hasn't told about his decision. Truman is largely a two hander as it follows the two friends, although there are a few secondary characters with whom they briefly interact, including Julian's concerned and embittered sister Paula (Dolores Fonzi). The film has been directed by Cesc Gay (A Gun In Each Hand, etc), who handles the material in understated and sympathetic fashion. A droll vein of humour permeates the material. Gay, who co-scripted the film with Tomas Aragay, avoids becoming too sentimental, although the ending is effectively moving. The pacing is leisurely and gives audiences plenty of time to identify with Julian and Tomas. Camera and Darin are two of the most popular stars in their respective countries and they develop an easy going rapport here that seems natural. Gay's warm, honest and humorous script gives the two actors plenty to sink their teeth into and they reveal different layers to their characters. Darin is reunited with Gay, who directed him in A Gun In Each Hand, and he delivers a soulful and subtle performance here. Camera's low key and sympathetic performance here as the stoic Tomas offers a nice contrast. And the dog who plays the titular Truman is also superb; with its sad eyes and hangdog expression it has a warm and humorous presence. Gay and his cinematographer Andreu Rebes (A Gun In Each Hand, etc) make the most of the scenic Madrid locations, which add to the film's winning flavour. Truman is a winning, low key and moving variation on the familiar buddy comedy sub genre.

Ricardo Darin plays Julian an Argentinean émigré who now lives in Madrid and is something of a 'has been' actor. He is divorced and his kids are all grown up and forging their own paths in life. But he has a dog – Truman whom he dotes on. Then one day his old best friend turns up. This is Javier Camera playing Tomas. He has come over from his new life in Canada to see his old friend, for possibly, one last time. The story shows how despite a gap of many years they are able to pick up from where they left off and can be as honest with each other as only true friends can be. The dog though is central to everything. They also catch up on past lives that had lain half remembered until now. Now as a comedy this sort of fails as the humour is more incidental rather than up front. Where it does score is on the relationship side and a very gentle unfolding drama where we sort of know the ending from nigh on the beginning. That said there is enough here to give the plot a degree of vibrancy that engages the viewer. In Spanish with good sub titles this is a reflective film that is designed to be such and will reward those looking for a film with both feet planted in realism.

Greetings again from the darkness. Is this a cancer movie? A dog movie? A buddy movie? Well, the answer is yes – at least somewhat – to all three. Writer/director Cesc Gay and co-writer Tomas Aragay offer up an unusually paced and uniquely focused film that is likely to strike a chord with many viewers, while leaving some others thinking, what's the point? For those of us in that first group, it's an absorbing ride-along with a not overly likable character who is out to put his proverbial "affairs in order". Two exceedingly talented actors take the lead here and draw us right in. Ricardo Darin (terrific in The Secret in Their Eyes, 2009) is Julian, and Javier Camera (an Almodovar regular, so shuddersome in Talk to Her) is his long time friend Tomas. Knowing his friend is dying, Tomas hops on a plane back to Madrid, from his new life in Canada, in order to spend four days and yes, to say goodbye. The surprise visit sends the two long-time buds on a kind of (mostly) inner-city "road trip". Their daily outings include: a trip to the veterinarian so Julian can prepare his dog Truman (a non-puppy Bullmastiff) for the coming change; a doctor visit to convey the desire to cease treatment on the tumors; a bookstore to search for material on pet psychology; a diner where Julian confronts old friends – a lunch that provides significant insight into Julian's mindset; an in-home visit to a potential pet adoption family; a direct chat proving 'the show must go on' with the owner (Jose Luis Gomez) of the theatre where Julian works as an actor; a spur of the moment flight to Amsterdam for lunch with Julian's estranged son Nico and wife Sophie; and a meet on the street with Julian's ex-wife. In between, there are exchanges with Julian's cousin Paula (a very good Dolores Fonzi) who can't hide her frustration despite offering unwavering support. There are many wonderfully subtle moments that keep the story grounded and prevent anything approaching the typically over-dramatic movie that we have become so accustomed to. Death and comedy don't tend to blend well, but there are some charming and even comical moments that sneak in … sometimes during the moments that Julian is expressing regret for things said or done, or not said or done. He attempts to make amends, but this isn't about the profound moments – no, it's about the small ones. When Julian mutters the brilliant line, "I used to be a romantic hero", we know exactly what it means. This isn't the usual tear-jerker, but it will likely tug at the heart strings, even as it touches on death on one's own terms (a common cinematic theme these days).