A PERFECT DAY (2015)

Directed By: Fernando Leon De Aranoa 
Written By: Fernando Leon De Aranoa & Diego Farais 
Based on the Novel "Dejarse Llover" By: Paula Farais 
Cinematography By: Alex Catalan 
Editor: Nacho Ruiz Capillas 


Cast: Benicio Del Toro, Tim Robbins, Melanie Thierry, Olga Kurylenko, Sergei Lopez, Fedja Stukan 


A group of aid workers work to resolve a crisis in an armed conflict zone.


The film has an international cast of actors from different nationalities and origins. As the film follows two days in the life of foreign aid relief workers.

While the characters aren't perfect there is a humanity to them as in their hearts they want to help and do the right thing. Even if Benicio Del Toro's character reminds he audience of the type of character who is only a few days away from retirement.

This is the most I have seen Benicio Del Toro play a normal average type person. It is kind of a relief as here there is no showing off or character tics to his performance and he is wonderful in it.

The film is a small film, but defiantly a crowd pleaser. With horrors that are more everyday or average for the people they are trying to help.

The film is mostly centered around the removal of a dead body from a well that is poisoning a towns water. Along the way there are roadblocks and bureaucratic rules that keeps getting in the way.

Throw in there an efficiency expert, who is an ex affair of one of the main characters and a child wondering around who they take with them. That the film ends up almost a political caper. Though with it's breezy tone throughout never shoes away from reminding you of the dangers the characters face. Which seem to be just around the corner, but the film manages to stay bright and keep the town somewhat light throughout.

The film stays entertaining. As it keeps moving along. With various plot threads and personal stories of the characters that help define them and their time while away from home.

Wish I could say that the film was more noteworthy or that it sticks around after you watch it.

The film never rises above a certain level. Never showcasing or providing the stakes it wants about throughout.

They keeps the film closer to the day to day real life of the workers, but also leaves some disappointment amongst the very few things they seem to achieve and help they are able to provide.

The cast is game and work together as a unit. As their energy is infectious to the audience.

The film allows for flirting and some sexual intrigue between the characters that comes up time to time, but stays verbal more than anything.

Though if looking for something hard hitting despite the description this isn't the film for you necessarily.

The bureaucratic rules and loopholes they must jump through is what gives the story life. Plus the circumstances of host trying to complete this simple task lead them from one high wire situation to the next in the spacious bleak landscape they also informs us of the citizens and culture. As the film offers no real indulgences. Though seems to be very liberal.


Grade: B