What is it about Argentinian films? They are beautifully made, with riveting scripts – whether dramas or comedies – and fantastic actors and direction.

Now Adios Buenos Aires (Outsider Pictures), from director German Kral, proudly takes its place amongst this roster of notable films.

Picture this: Buenos Aires, the bustling capital, is in the midst of chaos in 2001, as economic ruin plagues the country. Julio, a handsome, reserved, middle-aged shoe store owner is trying to make ends meet and survive the havoc by playing his bandoneon at nights in a tango band.

Julio has dreams of escaping Argentina and emigrating to Germany, where he can find work and support his teenage daughter. While planning to sell his car – a worthy asset, which will help him fund his move  – a hot-tempered taxi driver, Mariela, crashes into him – thereby upending Julio’s plan.

As sparks fly, Julio and Mariela bicker and argue, while Julio’s tango band aims to make more money from gigs by enlisting the talented Ricardo Tortorella, a once famous singer, who is now living in an old-age home.

John Lennon once said: Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans. And Adios Buenos Aires captures this sentiment perfectly.  As Julio dreams of abandoning Buenos Aires in favor of a fresh start, he is forced to reckon with the people and events that hold him back.

The direction and editing are great – the film moves along at a steady pace and always holds the viewer’s attention. And the acting is first-rate. Each character makes a mark. In particular, Diego Cremonesi as Julio and Marina Bellati as Mariela have great chemistry and share some of the best lines in the film.

Yes, the storyline may be nothing new – films about bettering your life elsewhere are abundant. But Adios Buenos Aires offers a glimpse of what average Argentinians were enduring during an awful crisis, and how taxing life was for so many of them.

If you get a chance, see this film. And do yourself a favor, and explore the many other noteworthy Argentinian films that also deserve your attention.

Author Bio:

Tara Taghizadeh is the founding editor and publisher of Highbrow Magazine.

For Highbrow Magazine