Colombia has a rich and diverse film industry, producing a range of compelling and thought-provoking films that reflect the country’s history, culture, and social issues.
From powerful dramas to lighthearted comedies, Colombian cinema has something to offer for everyone.
Some of the best Colombian movies of all time include “El abrazo de la serpiente” (2015), directed by Ciro Guerra, which tells the story of a shaman and two scientists on a journey through the Amazon; “La estrategia del caracol” (1993), directed by Sergio Cabrera, a satirical comedy that explores social and political issues in Colombia; and “Los colores de la montaña” (2010), directed by Carlos César Arbeláez, a poignant coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the country’s armed conflict.
Other notable Colombian films include “La vendedora de rosas” (1998), directed by Víctor Gaviria, a gritty and realistic portrayal of street life in Medellín; “Gente de bien” (2014), directed by Franco Lolli, a heartwarming drama about a father and son struggling to connect in Bogotá; and “Perro come perro” (2008), directed by Carlos Moreno, a dark and violent crime thriller set in the streets of Cali.
Best Colombian Movies
Overall, the best Colombian movies showcase the country’s talent and creativity, while exploring important social issues and shedding light on the diverse perspectives of its people.
1. The Strategy of the Snail (1993)
“The Strategy of the Snail” is a Colombian comedy-drama film released in 1993, directed by Sergio Cabrera.
The movie is set in a poor neighborhood of Bogotá and follows the story of a group of neighbors who band together to prevent their homes from being demolished by a corrupt mayor.
The film is known for its witty and satirical commentary on Colombian politics and society, and its clever use of humor to shed light on the struggles of the poor and disenfranchised.
The cast, which includes Fausto Cabrera, Fausto Cabrera Jr., and Frank Ramírez, delivers strong performances that capture both the humor and the heartbreak of the characters’ lives.
Overall, “The Strategy of the Snail” is a delightful and thought-provoking movie that offers a unique perspective on Colombian culture and politics.
It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in international cinema and the ways in which humor can be used to shed light on serious social issues.
- The Snail's Strategy ( La estrategia del caracol ) ( La strategia della lumaca )
- The Snail's Strategy
- La estrategia del caracol
- La strategia della lumaca
- Gustavo Angarita, Eduardo Arias, Jaime Azcárate (Actors)
2. Wandering Shadows (2004)
“Wandering Shadows” is a Chilean drama film from 2004, directed by Andrés Wood.
The film tells the story of a group of blind people who live and work together in a sheltered workshop in Santiago, Chile.
The film explores the daily lives and struggles of the blind community, as they navigate their way through a world that is often hostile and challenging.
The film is known for its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of the experiences of the blind, as well as its exploration of themes of isolation, friendship, and human connection.
The film features a strong ensemble cast of blind actors, who bring authenticity and depth to their performances.
“Wandering Shadows” was well-received by critics and won several awards, including the Grand Prix at the Montreal World Film Festival.
The film is regarded as a significant work in contemporary Chilean cinema and a powerful testament to the power of storytelling to explore the complexities of the human experience.
- Csar Badillo, Ignacio Prieto, Ines Prieto (Actors)
- Ciro Guerra (Director)
- English (Subtitle)
- Spanish (Publication Language)
- Audience Rating: Unrated (Not Rated)
3. Confessing to Laura (1990)
In the heart of Colombia’s tumultuous history, Confessing to Laura unfolds against the backdrop of Jorge Eliécer Gaitán’s assassination in 1948, sparking a riotous upheaval in Bogotá.
As chaos reigns, with the city caught in a frenzied destruction, Santiago Franco, a steadfast government employee, finds himself navigating through the pandemonium to fulfill a seemingly mundane task—delivering a birthday cake to his neighbor, Laura, on behalf of his indifferent wife, Josefina.
This simple act of crossing the street becomes a pivotal moment for Santiago, leading him into Laura’s apartment just as the violence intensifies.
An explosion marks his entry, setting the stage for an unexpected sanctuary amidst the bedlam.
Josefina’s distant concern contrasts sharply with Laura’s immediate compassion, offering Santiago a glimpse into a world far removed from his marital discord.
As the night deepens, Santiago and Laura, free from the watchful eyes of Josefina, embark on a journey of self-discovery and candid confessions.
Laura, the spinster schoolteacher, and Santiago, trapped in a life of unfulfilled aspirations, peel away the facades they’ve built around themselves.
Through a series of intimate conversations, card games, and shared melodies, they forge a connection that transcends their ordinary lives.
Their newfound bond culminates in a moment of passionate escape, a brief respite from the chaos outside.
Laura’s act of helping Santiago flee into the uncertain dawn signifies a poignant farewell to their transient sanctuary.
The aftermath leaves Josefina grappling with loss, only to find solace in Laura’s embrace, unaware of the profound transformation that has occurred just across the street.
Confessing to Laura thus captures the essence of human connection in times of crisis, weaving a narrative that is as much about the personal revolutions within as it is about the historical turmoil outside.
![Confessing to Laura [VHS]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41V08DXGVVL.jpg)
- María Cristina Gálvez, Gustavo Londoño, Walter Rojas (Actors)
- Jaime Osorio Gómez (Director)
- Audience Rating: Unrated (Not Rated)
4. The Hidden Face (2011)
“The Hidden Face” is a Colombian-Spanish psychological thriller from 2011, directed by Andrés Baiz.
The film tells the story of a famous conductor named Adrián who moves to a small town in Colombia to lead a philharmonic orchestra.
When his girlfriend Belén suddenly disappears, Adrián begins to search for her and discovers a hidden room in their house that Belén had been using to spy on him.
As he investigates her disappearance, he begins to uncover secrets about her past that threaten to destroy their relationship.
The film is noted for its tense and suspenseful atmosphere, as well as its exploration of themes such as jealousy, betrayal, and the dark side of love.
It also features strong performances from its lead actors, including Quim Gutiérrez and Clara Lago.
“The Hidden Face” was a critical and commercial success in Colombia and Spain, and was also well-received by international audiences.
It has been praised for its effective use of psychological tension and suspense, as well as its exploration of complex human emotions and relationships.
The film is often considered one of the best psychological thrillers to come out of Latin America in recent years.
![The Hidden Face ( La cara oculta ) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Spain ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51E37+xsOcL.jpg)
- The Hidden Face ( La cara oculta )
- The Hidden Face
- La cara oculta
- Martina García, Quim Gutiérrez, Clara Lago (Actors)
- Andrés Baiz (Director) - The Hidden Face ( La cara oculta ) (Producer)
3 Characteristics of Colombian Movies
Social Commentary
Many Colombian films address social issues and comment on the country’s political and economic realities.
These films often provide a critical examination of social problems such as poverty, inequality, and violence, and explore their impact on the lives of ordinary Colombians.
Realism
Colombian films often strive for a realistic portrayal of their subject matter.
Many Colombian filmmakers use non-professional actors, real locations, and unscripted scenes to capture the authentic experiences of their characters.
Regional Diversity
Colombia is a diverse country with distinct regional cultures and identities. Colombian films often showcase this diversity, highlighting the country’s different regions, traditions, and dialects.
Films set in cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali often portray the unique urban cultures of these places, while films set in rural areas showcase the country’s rich natural landscapes and traditional ways of life.
3 Reasons To Watch Colombian Movies
Cultural richness: Colombian cinema offers a unique insight into the country’s rich culture, history, and traditions.
From the Andean mountains to the Caribbean coast, Colombian movies showcase the country’s diverse landscapes and the many cultural influences that have shaped its identity.
Powerful storytelling: Colombian movies often tackle difficult social and political issues with sensitivity and depth.
They offer a nuanced perspective on topics such as poverty, violence, and social inequality, and provide a powerful platform for marginalized voices to be heard.
Rising prominence: Colombian cinema has been gaining international recognition in recent years, with several films receiving critical acclaim and awards at major film festivals around the world.
Watching Colombian movies is a great way to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in Latin American cinema.
Best Colombian Movies – Wrap Up
Colombian cinema has produced some truly remarkable films that are not only visually stunning, but also thought-provoking and deeply moving.
Here are a few of the best Colombian movies worth watching:
“Embrace of the Serpent” (2015) – A visually stunning and emotionally powerful film that explores the relationship between indigenous tribes and colonial explorers in the Amazon rainforest.
“The Wind Journeys” (2009) – A beautifully shot film that follows an accordion player as he travels across the Colombian countryside, exploring themes of tradition, legacy, and the power of music.
“La estrategia del caracol” (1993) – A satirical comedy that tells the story of a group of tenants who conspire to get their landlord out of their building, using creative and hilarious tactics.
“Gente de bien” (2014) – A moving drama about a young boy from a poor family who is taken in by a wealthy art dealer, exploring themes of social class and identity.
“Los colores de la montaña” (2010) – A heartwarming coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the Colombian conflict, as a young boy and his friends navigate the dangers of living in a war-torn region.
These films, along with many others, showcase the unique talent and perspective of Colombian filmmakers, and demonstrate the power of cinema to tell stories that connect us to the world around us.
When I looked up “Confessing to Laura” I couldn’t find one staring Stellan Skarsgård or by that director – did you get your films mixed up? I’m assuming you meant to write about this Columbian film https://letterboxd.com/film/confessing-to-laura/
Thanks, Thom. Corrected.