Watch The Man Who Shook the Hand of Vicente Fernandez
- NR
- 2012
- 1 hr 39 min
-
5.9 (334)
The Man Who Shook the Hand of Vicente Fernandez is a heartwarming drama-comedy movie directed by Elia Petridis, which was released in 2012. The movie stars legendary actor Ernest Borgnine in his final leading role before his passing, as well as Barry Corbin and Carla Ortiz. The story revolves around an aging man named Rex Page (Ernest Borgnine), who has spent most of his life living a mundane existence in a retirement home in California. Rex feels unappreciated and overlooked by most of society, and he's frustrated by his own inability to make a lasting impact on the world.
One day, while on a trip to a nearby flea market, Rex impulsively buys a shotgun that belonged to legendary Mexican actor and singer Vicente Fernandez. Rex is a fan of Fernandez's music and is fascinated by the idea of owning an object that belonged to such a famous figure.
Soon after, Rex suffers a fall and is hospitalized for a while. During his recovery, he discovers that he now has the ability to speak Spanish fluently. Rex is amazed by this development and starts to see it as a unique opportunity to do something meaningful with his life.
Rex decides to use his newfound language skills and take a trip to Mexico, with the intention of meeting and shaking hands with his idol, Vicente Fernandez. As Rex makes his way to Mexico, encountering various characters along the way, he starts to find a newfound sense of purpose and fulfillment in his life.
The performances in The Man Who Shook the Hand of Vicente Fernandez are superb. Ernest Borgnine delivers a moving portrayal of a man who is filled with regret about the way his life has turned out but still has the strength to pursue his dreams. Barry Corbin also delivers an excellent performance as the no-nonsense manager of the retirement home where Rex lives, and Carla Ortiz brings a healthy dose of charm as a Mexican actress who befriends Rex during his trip to Mexico.
The film's humor is both subtle and poignant, making it a perfect blend of comedy and drama. The scenes in the retirement home are particularly amusing, with Rex's interactions with the other residents providing some of the movie's funniest moments.
The movie is also beautifully shot, with the contrast between the dull, sterile environment of the retirement home and the vibrant, colorful streets of Mexico being particularly striking. The Mexican landscape provides an essential backdrop for the story, giving the film a sense of authenticity that is hard to ignore.
Overall, The Man Who Shook the Hand of Vicente Fernandez is a touching and inspiring movie that resonates with anyone who has ever felt unfulfilled or overlooked. The film is a testament to the human spirit, showing that it's never too late to pursue your dreams and that sometimes it's the smallest things that can make the biggest difference. If you're a fan of character-driven dramas with a healthy dose of humor, you won't want to miss this one.
The Man Who Shook the Hand of Vicente Fernandez is a 2012 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.