The Secret in Their Eyes (2009) | agoodmovietowatch
The Secret in Their Eyes

Pick #117

The Secret in Their Eyes

Dir. Juan J. Campanella & Juan Jose Campanella · Argentina, Spain · Spanish

A meditative drama from Argentina that won the Oscar for best foreign-language film

9.2 Our score

2009 Movie Crime, Drama, Mystery ICYMI

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Our take

A slow-burning Argentinian thriller about a retired legal counselor and the one case he investigated that just would not die, The Secret in Their Eyes is a taut and sharp mystery. As layers of mystery unfold, the story draws the viewer in and becomes entangled with the deteriorating political situation in Argentina. Notably, the film features a single-take 5 minute shot – a fantastic technical achievement and a testament to the directorial vision and skill.

What it won

Awards

Oscars

1 win

Won: Best Foreign Language Film

BAFTA

1 nom

Nominated: Best Film not in the English Language

European Film Awards

1 nom

Nominated: European Film

César Awards

1 nom

Nominated: Best Foreign Film

Goya Awards

2 wins · 7 noms

Won: Best New ActressWon: Best Spanish Language Foreign FilmNominated: Best CinematographyNominated: Best DirectorNominated: Best FilmNominated: Best Lead ActorNominated: Best Original ScoreNominated: Best Production DesignNominated: Best Screenplay

The story

What happens

Hoping to put to rest years of unease concerning a past case, retired criminal investigator Benjamín begins writing a novel based on the unsolved mystery of a newlywed’s rape and murder. With the help of a former colleague, judge Irene, he attempts to make sense of the past.

Elsewhere

What the critics said

Notable Critics

"From scene to scene, the movie has an enormously vital swing to it."

— David Denby

"A stylish and intelligent Argentine offering -- destined to become a world cinema classic."

— Clemmy Manzo

The details

About this pick

Year
2009
Type
Movie
Director
Juan J. Campanella & Juan Jose Campanella
Cast
Javier Godino, Pablo Rago, Ricardo Darín, Soledad Villamil
Language
Spanish
Country
Argentina, Spain
Rated
R

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