Watch Bad Day to Go Fishing

Bad Day to Go Fishing is a 2009 Spanish-Uruguayan film directed by Álvaro Brechner. The movie tells an offbeat story of a legendary wrestler, Jacob van Oppen (played by Gary Piquer), and his unscrupulous manager, Orsini (played by Jouko Ahola), who journey to a small town deep in the South American countryside to take part in a wrestling match against the local champion, Natu (played by César Troncoso). The story takes place sometime in the 1960s, and the film has a strong 1960s aesthetic to it, both in terms of the visuals and the soundtrack.

The movie begins with a quirky little prologue, which sets the tone for what is to follow. We see Jacob van Oppen performing wrestling matches throughout Europe, which are all rigged, with Orsini playing the role of the villain. The prologue establishes the contrast between the larger-than-life Jacob and the manipulative Orsini, and it also sets up the expectations for the main showdown in the film.

After the prologue, we find Jacob and Orsini arriving in Santa Maria, a small town in the middle of nowhere, where they set up an elaborate wrestling match against Natu, the town's champion. Here, we are introduced to the film's other central character, Beto, played by Antonella Costa. Beto is a streetwise young woman who earns a living as a carnival fortune-teller. She becomes interested in Jacob and the wrestling match, and she starts to bond with the two strangers, eventually joining them as they wander through the town in search of wrestling fans and support. Along the way, we see different aspects of Santa Maria, meet various locals, and witness a range of strange, surreal events, all of which are intended to portray the quirky charm and dusty melancholy of the small town.

The wrestling, which forms the main plot of the film, is unlike any wrestling you may have seen before. Jacob, an aging wrestler who struggles with his own insecurities, is pitted against Natu, a fierce opponent who has never been defeated. The match itself is a fascinating spectacle, full of artifice, trickery, and over-the-top melodrama. It is also a physical and mental challenge for both wrestlers, as they grapple with their personal shortcomings, fears, and the pressures of winning. The wrestling is not only a plot device but also a metaphor for the struggle between different personalities and beliefs, and for the way people use illusions to cope with reality.

What sets Bad Day to Go Fishing apart from other sports dramas is its quirky, offbeat approach to storytelling. The film is not just a plot-driven narrative about a wrestling match; it is a character study, a surreal fable, and an ode to the spirit of independence and rebellion. The film explores a range of themes such as friendship, loyalty, truth, and authenticity, all of which are put to the test amidst the dusty backdrops of Santa Maria. The film also manages to strike a balance between humor and melancholy, with some genuinely funny moments interspersed with poignant, contemplative scenes.

In terms of the technical aspects, the movie is visually striking, with deft cinematography and art direction that capture the rustic charm and faded beauty of Santa Maria. There are also some impressive action sequences, including the wrestling match and some street fights, all of which are well choreographed and executed. The music by composer Jorge Drexler is another highlight, with a mix of nostalgic melodies, upbeat rhythms, and haunting vocals that add to the film's unique atmosphere.

Overall, Bad Day to Go Fishing is a charming, entertaining film that defies genre conventions and offers a fresh perspective on sports dramas. With superb acting, excellent direction, and a quirky plot, the movie manages to strike a chord with audiences who are looking for something different. If you are a fan of offbeat cinema, this film is definitely worth watching.