8/10
More than a simple hot romance
8 December 2017
I viewed this in the English subtitle version. It is not a heavily dialogued film. The title explains that a connection can visit upon (unbidden) a couple which becomes a life-long irrevocable link – from a notion combining a number of cultural nuances. Partway through the film an old women in a Chilean market spoke that thought when she observed the two leads together informally.

It meant little then to the pair and the viewers. At the close of the film a post-script explanation is given amongst the credits. I found that I was moved and caught up in the pair's lives from the early random meeting whilst waiting to board a flight - he a vintner from Argentina and she a Chilean flight attendant (she quickly put- down his reference to 'stewardess') We move quickly to him finding himself seated in the flight in which she is an attendant. He realises he is immediately attracted to her, and in his sleeplessness ends up in the staff booth……a few pleasantries later, a first passionate kiss occurs followed by a promise to meet post-Customs – all seems well.

But a hitch in proceedings means they simply could not find one another at that point. Each of them went on with their lives.

7 years later, they happen upon each other in another flight context; he by now is married with a daughter, she in a relationship similarly, has a son. Both partners are connected to media-entertainment so there is possibility that lives might cross.

The casting is interesting. I'm a devotee of 'foreign films' and have feasted on exotic productions through Festivals and Netflix. Latino film is always a feature and home-based film lovers in their 'feedback' often express their wish that 'love/passion' be overtly displayed (They feel cheated when say a Turkish series – no real lover-kissing is shown; display through eyes, voice and courteous hand-kissing is often what you get – or at most a tasteful Director's cut and fade!). The leading-man here is not a testosterone heavy dude at all but he plays this character sensitively for viewer empathy. The question for the viewer throughout is this truly the Red Thread of myth being expressed in this narrative. Sheer passion, instant steamy sex and mutual orgasms engulf the couple in the short hours they're together, with little said between them to suggest any profound meeting of minds. The difference in how the thread is experienced by each one is a strong theme in the film. One is deliberately non-lovey in words and demeanour, and the other is palpably needy and longing. Another parting occurs and again there is resistance (then yielding) for a re-meet, and the couple reach a denouement of the hard realities which won't be resolved simply.

A viewer should find the writer and director's work satisfying, and it leaves us pondering whether this was or is a real Red Thread. A top film for those who love passionate romance well acted and thought- provoking and some great screen shots of location.
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