Is How silly are to grow up Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2000)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2000, How silly are to grow up represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Marcos (Gustavo Garzon), an existentially bored university lecturer, gets a grant to return to his birthplace to carry out biochemical research. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Marcos (Gustavo Garzon), an existentially bored university lecturer, gets a grant to return to his birthplace to carry out biochemical research. There he meets old buddy Raul (Leo Masliah), who is now a priest. The story opens out to bring in their schooldays 20 years earlier, during Argentina’s politically active ’70s, when Raul was going out with Tamara (Victoria de Elizalde), who now lives in Paris with husband Paul (Ginger Poujoulet). The mature Tamara (Laura Melillo) returns to be with her sick mother, and Marcos unwittingly stumbles across some high-level politico-economic corruption on the part of the lab’s owners, led by Dr. Castembacher (Jean Pierre Reguerraz). In a piece in which perfs win out over plot, Garzon is satisfyingly nuanced as the disillusioned Marcos. Technically, pic’s restricted budget makes itself felt."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Audiences are treated to a masterclass in acting by Gustavo Garzón, whose portrayal of the protagonist is imbued with a depth and vulnerability that is rare in contemporary Drama. The chemistry with the supporting players is palpable, creating a gravity that pulls the viewer into the screen.

The direction by Roly Santos is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 97 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is How silly are to grow up truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 8/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, How silly are to grow up explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2000 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Roly Santos respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, How silly are to grow up is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Gustavo Garzón or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, How silly are to grow up is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.