Watch The Longest Distance

The Longest Distance is a 2013 Spanish-Venezuelan drama film. Directed and written by Claudia Pinto Emperador, this movie tells the story of a grandmother and her grandson who embark on a journey through Venezuela to find the boy's father. The movie begins with a brief introduction to the life of Isabel (Carme Elias), a Spanish woman who has been living in Venezuela for many years. Isabel is a successful businesswoman, raising her grandson, Samuel (Omar Moya), on her own since his parents separated. Samuel has grown up with a yearning to meet his father, an artist who left Venezuela for Brazil shortly after his birth. Despite the distance and lack of communication, Samuel has never lost hope that he will one day meet his father.

One day, Samuel discovers a letter that his father, Jose (Alec Whaite), has sent to his grandmother. Isabel has kept the letter a secret from Samuel, but when he discovers it, Samuel's curiosity is awakened. He wants to meet his father and decides to go on a journey to find him. Isabel is initially hesitant about the idea but eventually agrees to go along with Samuel's plan.

The journey begins with a long and arduous bus ride through the Venezuelan countryside. Samuel and Isabel encounter several challenges along the way, including a bus breakdown and political unrest, which almost derail their plans. But they keep going, determined to find the man Samuel has been dreaming of meeting for his entire life.

As they make their way through the Venezuelan landscape, Isabel and Samuel encounter diverse characters who help them on their journey and offer them a glimpse into the country's social and political realities. The movie touches on several themes, from family love and reconciliation to the challenges of living in a developing country.

The cinematography in The Longest Distance is striking. The movie showcases the natural beauty of Venezuela, with sweeping shots of mountains, rivers, and fields. The visuals transport the viewer to the heart of the country, immersing them in the story and the culture.

The acting is top-notch, with all three main actors delivering authentic and nuanced performances. Carme Elias portrays the character of Isabel with depth and subtlety, bringing to life a woman torn between her love for her grandson and her fear of what might happen to him on their journey. Omar Moya delivers an impressive performance as Samuel, capturing the teen's yearning to experience life and find his father. Alec Whaite, though having only a minor role, manages to convey the emotional depth of a man who has been away from his family for years.

Overall, The Longest Distance is a captivating movie with a strong storyline, memorable characters, and breathtaking scenery. The film's focus on the journey and the relationships between the characters makes it a deeply moving and emotionally compelling experience. Anyone interested in coming-of-age stories or international cinema will find The Longest Distance to be a must-watch.

The Longest Distance is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.