Is Once Upon a Time in the Andes Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2024)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2024, Once Upon a Time in the Andes represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama, War, Romance category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into The Peruvian Andes. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, War, Romance 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: "The Peruvian Andes. Andean shepherdess Margarita finds Lautaro, a dying Chilean soldier who has fled from a battle. She takes him home and nurses him. When he finds this out, her father decides to hide him, putting his family at risk. His only condition is that the soldier must leave when he recovers. Over time and despite the linguistic differences, the shepherdess and the soldier establish an intimate relationship. When he is discovered, the Chilean is taken prisoner but his life is spared as the shepherdess is expecting his child."

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. Despite the inherent talent of Maribel Baldeón, the performance in Once Upon a Time in the Andes feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Rómulo Sulca Ricra is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 86 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 Once Upon a Time in the Andes 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, War, Romance, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 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, Once Upon a Time in the Andes explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2024 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Rómulo Sulca Ricra 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, Once Upon a Time in the Andes is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Maribel Baldeón or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Once Upon a Time in the Andes is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.