Watch Valentin

Valentin is a charming and heartwarming coming-of-age film set in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the 1960s. The film centers around its titular character Valentin, played by Rodrigo Noya, an intelligent and endearing little boy who is trying to navigate the challenges of growing up while living with his grandmother and dealing with family issues.

The film is directed by Alejandro Agresti, who also plays the role of Valentin's father. Julieta Cardinali, on the other hand, plays the role of Leticia, Valentin's teacher who becomes a source of support and guidance for him.

Valentin's story is told from his perspective as he reflects on his past in a series of flashbacks. We learn that his father abandoned the family when he was young, leaving him and his mother to fend for themselves. His mother, in turn, had to leave him with his grandmother to pursue a better life in Europe.

Now living with his stern grandmother, Valentin longs for the love and attention of his absent parents. He spends his free time daydreaming about his father, whom he imagines to be a high-flying astronaut, and keeping a scrapbook of newspaper clippings about his various space missions.

Despite his circumstances, Valentin is an intelligent and creative boy who is highly observant of the world around him. He has a curious mind and a love for life, which he sometimes expresses through his quirky and imaginative ways.

The film is punctuated by Valentin's encounters with the people around him, who all play a significant role in shaping his worldview. Whether it's his strict grandmother or his eccentric neighbor, Valentin learns something new from each interaction.

One of the most significant relationships in Valentin's life, however, is the one he has with Leticia, his teacher. Leticia is kind, patient, and supportive, and she quickly becomes a source of comfort for Valentin. She helps him learn to read, enriches his imagination, and provides him with a positive role model.

Through Valentin's interactions with Leticia, the film also touches on the political turmoil that was happening in Argentina at the time. The story takes place during the rise of the military government, which led to widespread censorship and social unrest.

Overall, Valentin is an endearing and bittersweet film that beautifully captures the struggles and joys of childhood. The film strikes a beautiful balance between humor and poignancy, and it's hard not to fall in love with Valentin and his charming ways. The film's final scene is particularly heartwarming, leaving the audience with a sense of hope and optimism for Valentin's future.

In conclusion, Valentin is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys coming-of-age films that are both heartwarming and melancholic. It's a beautifully crafted story that pays homage to the struggles of childhood and the beauty of human connection. Whether you're looking for an uplifting story or a poignant drama, Valentin will not disappoint.

Valentin is a 2002 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 52.