Is Septiembre del 75 Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2009)
Flor, the sister of José Humberto Baena, continues the tireless struggle that her parents took until the end of their days: vindicate the innocence and memory of her brother. Baena was a member of the FRAP and was shot on September 27, 1975 after a summary war council. He was accused of the attack that killed policeman Lucio Rodríguez. In the process, no material evidence was presented nor was there any witness. Xosé Humberto always maintained before his family that he was innocent.
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Documentary cinema, then Septiembre del 75 offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2009 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
Septiembre del 75, a standout production of 2009, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Documentary landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Flor, the sister of José Humberto Baena, continues the tireless struggle that her parents took until the end of their days: vindicate the innocence and memory of her brother. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary 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: "Flor, the sister of José Humberto Baena, continues the tireless struggle that her parents took until the end of their days: vindicate the innocence and memory of her brother. Baena was a member of the FRAP and was shot on September 27, 1975 after a summary war council. He was accused of the attack that killed policeman Lucio Rodríguez. In the process, no material evidence was presented nor was there any witness. Xosé Humberto always maintained before his family that he was innocent."
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. The presence of Alberto San Juan provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.
The direction by Adolfo Dufour 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 95 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 Septiembre del 75 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 Documentary, 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 4/10 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, Septiembre del 75 explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2009 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Adolfo Dufour 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, Septiembre del 75 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 Alberto San Juan or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Septiembre del 75 is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 1.6 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.