Watch Voces inocentes

Voces Inocentes is a heart-wrenching movie about the devastating Salvadorian Civil War that took place in the 1980s. Directed by Luis Mandoki and released in 2004, this film tells the story of an 11-year-old boy named Chava who lives in an impoverished and conflict-ridden village in El Salvador. The film is both visually stunning and emotionally gripping, providing a harrowing look at the impact of war on ordinary people.

The movie's main character, Chava, is played by Carlos Padilla, who gives a standout performance as a young boy trying to make sense of the chaos that surrounds him. Chava is forced to grow up quickly as he witnesses the atrocities of war first hand. He becomes the de facto head of his household as his mother flees the village, and his father is unable to protect him from the violence that surrounds them. Throughout the course of the film, we see how Chava's innocence is slowly stripped away as he is pulled deeper into the conflict.

One of the standout elements of Voces Inocentes is the way it conveys the sense of fear and danger that pervades every aspect of life in El Salvador during the Civil War. The film opens with a powerful sequence showing a military raid on the village, with soldiers forcibly conscripting young boys into their ranks. This sets the tone for the rest of the movie, as we see how the military's presence looms over every aspect of life. This oppressive atmosphere is expertly captured through the film's somber cinematography and haunting score.

Despite the pervasive sense of danger, Voces Inocentes also offers moments of warmth and humanity. The film expertly weaves in scenes of joy and humor, highlighting the resilience of the characters in the face of adversity. This is particularly true of the relationship between Chava and his friend Cristina, played by Xuna Primus. Their scenes together provide a much-needed respite from the brutality of the war, and illustrate the power of human connection in the face of unimaginable pain.

Leonor Varela also gives a standout performance as Kella, a teacher at Chava's school who becomes an important mentor to him. Kella is a symbol of hope in the midst of despair, and her character offers a glimpse of what the future could look like for Chava and the others who are affected by the war. Her relationship with Chava is a highlight of the film, and their scenes together are some of the most moving.

Overall, Voces Inocentes is a powerful and deeply affecting film that offers a visceral look at the impact of war on an entire generation of young people. It is both a tribute to the resiliency of the human spirit and a rallying cry against the injustices of war. Through its expert direction, incredible performances, and haunting visuals, the film stands as a testament to the enduring pain and strength of those who lived through the Salvadorian Civil War.

Voces inocentes is a 2004 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 66.