Star rating – 9/10
This
is a spectacular, moving, and totally original documentary from Patricio Guzmán
that really is worth
seeking out. The concept sounds a bit unlikely, as it covers two seemingly
totally unrelated subjects.
The
astronomers of Chile study the starry skies above the Atacama Desert, the
driest place on Earth, for the mysteries of space. And desperate relatives
search amongst the same territory, only this time below the parched earth for
the Disappeared - those people who were murdered for their political views
under the military dictatorship of General Pinochet that came to power in 1973,
after the overthrow of the elected left wing Government and murder of its President
Salvador Allende. For the same desert was the site of many of the notorious concentration
camps, brilliantly sketched by one architect who was held prisoner there, and
kept every detail in his head.
This
film contains simply stunning cinematography, with some of the most beautiful
and barren places on the globe, and contains images of the solar system that
match the paintings of Leonardo da Vinci for sheer glory, and majesty.
And
the quest for answers, either in the solar system and far flung galaxies; or
for what happened to brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters all those years ago
is mesmerising and moving. This is a wonderful film that is awe inspiring and
heartbreaking, but ultimately carries a message of hope for humanity.
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