Doble juego (2004) Reviews

• Con man

  jotix1002006-05-06

  Corruption was rampant in Peru at the beginning of this century after the collapse of the Fujimori regime. The economy was in shambles as everyone felt the squeeze and had to resort to do whatever in order to make ends meet. We meet first Rafo and Laura, a young couple that owe three months rent. Their landlady is getting impatient, but lets them stay in the apartment. Rafo wants to sell his big Chevrolet convertible, but when he finds out how much it will fetch, he decides to keep it. As he and Laura come out of a local market, they are accosted by a man with a young girl who pretends to know him and asks him for help. Rafo realizes he is a street swindler. Lima was full of these people. We meet Salvador, an affable Spaniard, next, as he goes to a five star hotel pretending to be in charge of a company expecting a group of Japanese tourists that will arrive the following day. He talks to the attractive receptionist, who gives him information he shouldn't have. As Salvador emerges from the hotel, he sees an awaiting taxi at the door and hails it. As it turns out, Jaime, the driver, had gone to see his receptionist daughter. Jaime, who is unemployed has resorted to driving a taxi in order to make a living. He is charmed by Salvador into driving him around Lima, something that Salvador doesn't intend to pay. The Spanish man, we realize is a con artist also, but working on a more refined level. Salvador is the key figure in the story as he is the one that ties up all the different narratives. The victim turns out to be Rafo, who, unaware of Salvador's real intentions, falls for the great deal the Spaniard has in store for him. "Doble juego" directed by Alberto Durant was a real surprise. In many ways. It reminded us of the Argentine film "9 reinas", but this is entirely different as the director deals with totally unrehearsed chain of events where street smart people fall victim in ways they shouldn't have fallen. Rafo is played by Fabrizio Aguilar. Fernando Cayo makes a great impression as Salvador, the con man. Giancarlo Brero, one of Peru's leading actors has only a small part, but he makes the best out of it. Mari Pili Barreda, Gianela Neyra, Katia Condos and the rest of the cast do an excellent job for the director. "Doble juego", (also known as "Con Game") is a fun film with a fast pace that will delight viewers as it shows a talented director, Alberto Durant, at top form.

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• A willing victim of a confidence trickster

  icaro_z2004-09-24

  "The Con Game" or "Doble Juego" is a smart, fast paced, engaging film that explores the depths of deception and blind trust. The intricate web of lies perpetrated by a Spaniard posing as a major executive of a telephone company in Peru ties in the lives of local struggling Peruvians of every social level. Fernando Cayo plays the con artist and he certainly deserves a special mention. His presence not only holds the story together but also enhances the irrepressible tempo of the movie. He gives an unconscious performance only given by those who are not "making believe" but truly believing the character. Also worth noting is Katia Condos understated work as the real state broker who falls for the trickster's charm and swift lexicon. Obviously, there is a surprise ending which I shall not divulge but I strongly suggest letting yourself get swindled by this enticing film.

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