No (2012)

Drama

Director: Pablo Larraín
Writers: Pedro Peirano, Antonio Skármeta
Starring: Gael García Bernal, Alfredo Castro, Luis Gnecco, Néstor Cantillana

"The revolution WILL be televised!"

An adaptation of Antonio Skarmeta’s unpublished play El Plebiscito, which narrates the story behind the political campaign that triumphantly set opposition to dictator Augusto Pinochet and eventually led to the democratic elections a year after, in Chile.

Gael García Bernal plays René, an advertising man who gets involved in the political battle against Pinochet leading up to the 1988 national referendum that asked the Chilean people if they want the dictator to extend his rule over the country for another eight years. Approached by the "No" side committee, René enters the campaign but stays away from angry political images and instead successfully emphasizes an upbeat, almost apolitical vision of happiness and the future.

Shot in a kind of televisual realist style, using low-definition VHS technology, which gives the movie a very 1980s feel, and using substantial bits of archival footage that enhance the impact of the moment in history, this Oscar nominee in the foreign language category is heartfelt homage to Chilean history and a fascinating case study in basic-level democracy, but also a brilliant piece of world cinema that any lover of independent films should see.

Plot summary from IMDb: Military dictator Augusto Pinochet calls for a referendum to decide his permanence in power in 1988, the leaders of the opposition persuade a young daring advertising executive - René Saavedra - to head their campaign. With limited resources and under the constant scrutiny of the despot's watchmen, Saavedra and his team conceive of a bold plan to win the election and free their country from oppression.

Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 11 wins & 14 nominations.
Runtime: 118 min
R