Peruvian cinema has a long and rich history, dating back to the early 20th century. Over the years, Peruvian filmmakers have produced a wide range of movies, including dramas, comedies, documentaries, and more.
Peruvian cinema is known for its unique perspectives, social commentary, and exploration of complex issues such as identity, history, and culture.
In recent years, Peruvian movies have gained international recognition, winning awards at major film festivals and receiving critical acclaim.
Some of the most notable Peruvian films include “La Teta Asustada” (The Milk of Sorrow), “Contracorriente” (Undertow), “La Ciudad y Los Perros” (The City and the Dogs), and “No Se Lo Digas a Nadie” (Don’t Tell Anyone). These films showcase the talent and creativity of Peruvian filmmakers and highlight the unique cultural and historical aspects of the country.
Peruvian cinema continues to evolve and grow, with a new generation of filmmakers exploring new themes and approaches to storytelling.
Best Peruvian Movies
With a wealth of talent and a deep cultural history, it’s clear that Peruvian cinema will continue to make significant contributions to the world of filmmaking.
1. Undertow (2009)
“Undertow” is a 2009 Norwegian drama film directed by Arild Andresen. The film tells the story of a small, coastal community in Norway that is shaken by the death of a young man, Daniel, in a boating accident.
The film focuses on Daniel’s best friend, Petter, and his struggles to come to terms with his grief and guilt over the accident. Petter is haunted by memories of his friendship with Daniel and his own role in the accident, and he struggles to find a way to move forward.
The film explores themes of friendship, guilt, and the complex emotions that arise after a tragedy. It received critical acclaim for its sensitive handling of these themes, as well as for its powerful performances and beautiful cinematography.
“Undertow” was a commercial and critical success in Norway, winning several awards at the Norwegian International Film Festival. It has been praised for its exploration of grief and loss, and its ability to capture the mood and atmosphere of a small, close-knit community.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Manolo Cardona, Tatiana Astengo (Actors)
- Javier Fuentes-León (Director) - Javier Fuentes-León (Writer) - Andrés Calderón (Producer)
- (Playback Language)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
2. The City and the Dogs (1985)
“The City and the Dogs” (La ciudad y los perros) is a Peruvian film directed by Francisco J. Lombardi. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Mario Vargas Llosa and tells the story of a group of teenage boys at a military school in Lima, Peru.
The film follows the boys as they navigate the strict and often violent world of the military school, where they must confront issues of identity, loyalty, and power.
The boys’ relationships are tested when a theft occurs at the school, and they are forced to confront the consequences of their actions.
“The City and the Dogs” is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the dynamics of power and authority in a hierarchical society.
The film’s vivid portrayal of the military school and the harsh realities of life in Lima’s urban landscape are both disturbing and captivating.
The film was highly acclaimed upon its release and is regarded as one of the greatest works of Peruvian cinema. Its themes and ideas continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless masterpiece of Latin American cinema.
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
3. Caídos del cielo (1990)
“Caídos del cielo” is a Mexican drama film released in 1990, directed by Francisco J. Lombardi.
The film follows the story of a Peruvian family living in Lima during the 1980s, a time of great political and social turmoil in Peru due to the presence of the Maoist guerrilla group Shining Path.
For more about Peru cinema, you can check out our overview of the best films from Peru and our country-by-country exploration of global cinema.
The family consists of a father, a mother, and their three sons, who all work in various professions.
As the conflict between the government and Shining Path escalates, the family finds themselves caught in the middle, with each member dealing with the effects of the violence in different ways.
“Caídos del cielo” received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising its realistic portrayal of life in Lima during a turbulent time in the country’s history.
The film was noted for its sensitive portrayal of family dynamics and its examination of the effects of political violence on everyday people.
The film was also significant for its use of non-professional actors, with many of the roles played by actual residents of Lima. This added to the film’s authenticity and helped to create a powerful and memorable experience for viewers.
Overall, “Caídos del cielo” is considered a classic of Peruvian and Latin American cinema, and is still studied and discussed today for its important themes and strong storytelling.
4. Don’t Tell Anyone (1998)
“Don’t Tell Anyone” (original title: “Jeg er din”) is a Norwegian drama film directed by Iram Haq and released in 2013.
The film tells the story of Mina, a young Pakistani-Norwegian woman who struggles to find her identity and balance the expectations of her traditional family with her own desires and aspirations.
Mina is torn between her love for her boyfriend and her family’s expectations that she marry a man from their own community.
When she becomes pregnant, Mina is forced to confront the difficult choices she must make to live the life she wants.
“Don’t Tell Anyone” was praised for its realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by immigrants and their families in Norway, and for its sensitive exploration of issues related to cultural identity, gender roles, and family dynamics.
The film stars Amrita Acharia as Mina, and features supporting performances from Ola Rapace, Prince Singh, and Rabia Noreen.
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
5. Madeinusa (2006)
“Madeinusa” is a Peruvian film directed by Claudia Llosa and released in 2006. The film is set in a small village in the Peruvian Andes, where the inhabitants participate in a strange religious festival that takes place during Holy Week.
The story follows Madeinusa (played by Magaly Solier), a teenage girl who is chosen as the “Virgin Mary” of the festival, and Salvador (played by Carlos de la Torre), a stranger who arrives in the village and disrupts the traditional customs and beliefs of the community.
The film explores themes of tradition, religion, and cultural clashes, as well as the coming-of-age of the young protagonist. “Madeinusa” received critical acclaim upon its release and was praised for its beautiful cinematography and strong performances.
The film’s exploration of Peruvian culture and its blend of magical realism and social commentary have made it a landmark in contemporary Latin American cinema.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Magaly Solier, Carlos de la Torres, Yiliana Chong (Actors)
- Claudia Llosa (Director) - Claudia Llosa (Writer) - Claudia Llosa (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
6. Kukuli (1961)
“Kukuli” is a Peruvian drama film directed by Luis Figueroa and released in 1961.
The film tells the story of a young girl named Kukuli (played by Magaly Solier in the 2006 remake), who is a member of the Quechua-speaking indigenous community in the Andean highlands of Peru.
Kukuli is sent to work as a servant for a wealthy mestizo family in the city of Cuzco, where she experiences discrimination and mistreatment due to her indigenous identity.
As Kukuli struggles to adapt to her new environment, she becomes increasingly aware of the social and economic inequalities that exist in Peru, particularly the marginalization and exploitation of indigenous people.
The film explores themes of identity, class, and cultural conflict, and offers a powerful commentary on the social and political issues facing Peru in the mid-20th century.
“Kukuli” was a groundbreaking film in Peruvian cinema, as it was one of the first to address issues of indigenous rights and identity in the country.
The film was also noted for its realistic and sympathetic portrayal of Quechua culture, and for its strong lead performance by Magaly Solier.
It remains a classic of Peruvian cinema and a powerful testament to the resilience and strength of indigenous communities in the face of adversity.
- Collective (Author)
- Turkish (Publication Language)
- 24 Pages - 01/01/2017 (Publication Date) - Dogan Egmont Yayincilik (Publisher)
7. Los perros hambrientos (1977)
“Los Perros Hambrientos” is a Peruvian film directed by Luis Figueroa, released in 1977. The film is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Peruvian author Ciro Alegría, who is considered one of the most important writers in Peruvian literature.
The story takes place in the highlands of Peru, where a group of poor farmers struggle to survive in harsh conditions.
The film follows the journey of one family and their loyal dog, as they face challenges from the harsh environment and from human threats, including landowners and government authorities.
“Los Perros Hambrientos” is a powerful and emotional film that highlights the struggles of marginalized communities in Peru.
The film’s portrayal of the harsh realities of life in the highlands, along with its depiction of the relationship between humans and animals, has resonated with audiences both in Peru and around the world. The film was well received critically and is considered a classic of Peruvian cinema.
Overall, “Los Perros Hambrientos” is a testament to the talent and creativity of Peruvian filmmakers, and to the importance of cinema in exploring and highlighting important social issues.
- unknown author (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- Losada nº352, 1977, Buenos Aires. - 18x12. 151 pgs. (Publisher)
8. Days of Santiago (2004)
“Days of Santiago” is a 2004 Peruvian-Norwegian drama film directed by Josué Méndez. The film tells the story of Santiago, a young man who returns to Lima, Peru after serving time in the military.
Santiago struggles to reintegrate into civilian life and becomes involved in a cycle of violence, drugs, and crime. He is haunted by his experiences in the military and feels disconnected from society, leading him to act out in increasingly destructive ways.
The film explores themes of trauma, masculinity, and the social issues facing Peru in the aftermath of the country’s internal conflict.
It received critical acclaim for its raw and unflinching portrayal of urban life in Lima, as well as for its powerful performances and striking cinematography.
“Days of Santiago” was a commercial and critical success in Peru and helped to launch the international career of director Josué Méndez.
The film has been praised for its realistic depiction of the challenges facing young men in Peru, as well as its exploration of the psychological toll of war and violence.
![Days of Santiago (2004) ( Días de Santiago ) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.0 Import - Netherlands ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51w3P+1DuZL.jpg)
- Days of Santiago (2004) ( Días de Santiago )
- Days of Santiago (2004)
- Días de Santiago
- Alheli Castillo, Erick Garcia, Ivy La Noire (Actors)
- Josue Mendez (Director) - Days of Santiago (2004) ( Días de Santiago ) (Producer)
9. Magallanes (2015)
“Magallanes” is a Peruvian drama film directed by Salvador del Solar. The film is based on the novel “The Magallanes Method” by Alonso Cueto and tells the story of a former soldier named Magallanes, who is now working as a taxi driver in Lima.
The film follows Magallanes as he becomes involved in the lives of two passengers: Celina, a woman from his past who he has never forgotten, and her wealthy husband, a retired colonel who Magallanes served under during the war against the Shining Path terrorist group.
As Magallanes becomes more deeply entwined in their lives, he is forced to confront the ghosts of his past and the painful memories that have haunted him for years.
“Magallanes” is a powerful and emotionally complex film that explores themes of memory, trauma, and redemption. The film’s strong performances, particularly from lead actor Damian Alcazar as Magallanes, and its gripping narrative make it a compelling work of Peruvian cinema.
The film received critical acclaim upon its release and was selected as Peru’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards.
“Magallanes” is a poignant and affecting film that offers a moving portrait of a man struggling to come to terms with his past and find a way forward in life.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Damian Alcazar, Magaly Solier, Christian Meier (Actors)
- Salvador del Solar (Director) - Salvador del Solar (Writer) - Marcos Camacho (Producer)
10. The Lion’s Den (1988)
“The Lion’s Den” is a drama film released in 1988, directed by Jon Amiel. The movie follows the story of a young British woman named Shirley (played by Lynn Whitfield) who travels to South Africa to search for her missing father.
Upon arriving in the country, Shirley discovers that her father was involved in anti-apartheid activities and has been arrested and jailed by the government.
In an effort to free him, Shirley becomes involved with a group of anti-apartheid activists and begins to experience the harsh realities of life under apartheid.
As Shirley delves deeper into the struggle for freedom in South Africa, she finds herself falling in love with a young black activist named Nelson (played by Richard Mothoa).
However, their relationship is threatened by the dangerous political climate in the country and the risks involved in their activism.
“The Lion’s Den” received positive reviews upon its release, with many praising its powerful performances, thought-provoking story, and evocative depiction of life under apartheid.
The film was also notable for its portrayal of a strong female lead character and its exploration of issues of race, politics, and identity.
Overall, “The Lion’s Den” is considered an important film in the history of South African cinema and a powerful example of storytelling that reflects on the impact of apartheid on individuals and communities.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Martina Gusman, Elli Medeiros, Rodrigo Santoro (Actors)
- Pablo Trapero (Director) - Alejandro Fadel (Writer) - Pablo Trapero (Producer)
- (Playback Language)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
3 Characteristics of Peruvian Movies
Peruvian cinema is a relatively small but vibrant industry that has produced some notable films in recent years. Here are three characteristics of Peruvian movies:
Social commentary: Many Peruvian movies are focused on exploring social and political issues in Peru, such as poverty, corruption, and social inequality.
These films often offer a critical perspective on these issues and can be seen as a way of shining a light on important societal problems.
Magical realism: Some Peruvian movies incorporate elements of magical realism, which is a literary and artistic genre that blends magical or fantastical elements with a realistic narrative.
This style can be seen in movies such as “La teta asustada” (“The Milk of Sorrow”), which explores the legacy of the violent conflict in Peru during the 1980s and 1990s.
Indigenous culture: Peru has a rich and diverse indigenous culture, and this is reflected in many of the country’s movies.
These films often incorporate indigenous languages, traditions, and beliefs, and can be seen as a way of celebrating and preserving these important aspects of Peruvian culture.
One example of such a film is “Wiñaypacha” (“Eternity”), which tells the story of an elderly couple who live in a remote Andean village and cling to their traditional way of life.
3 Reasons To Watch Peruvian Movies
Unique cultural perspective: Peruvian movies offer a unique perspective on the country’s culture, history, and society.
Through their stories and characters, Peruvian films explore the country’s rich cultural heritage, as well as its struggles with poverty, inequality, and political instability.
Films like “La Teta Asustada” and “Retablo” offer powerful insights into the Peruvian experience, shedding light on the country’s unique challenges and achievements.
Rich cinematic tradition: Peruvian cinema has a rich tradition that dates back to the early 20th century.
From the avant-garde experiments of the 1930s to the social realist films of the 1960s and 70s, Peruvian filmmakers have made significant contributions to the art of cinema. Today, Peruvian cinema continues to evolve, with filmmakers exploring new themes, styles, and techniques.
Diverse storytelling: Peruvian movies offer a diverse range of storytelling, spanning different genres, formats, and themes.
From the powerful dramas of “The Milk of Sorrow” to the irreverent comedy of “La Paisana Jacinta,” Peruvian filmmakers are not afraid to take risks and explore new ground.
Whether you’re interested in exploring the country’s history, culture, or contemporary issues, there is sure to be a Peruvian movie that speaks to you.
Best Peruvian Movies – Wrap Up
“The Milk of Sorrow” (2009) – directed by Claudia Llosa, this film tells the story of a young woman in Lima who suffers from the “milk of sorrow,” a condition believed to be caused by the trauma of her mother’s experiences during the Peruvian conflict in the 1980s.
“La Teta Asustada” (2009) – also directed by Claudia Llosa, this film explores themes of trauma, memory, and identity through the story of a woman in Lima who suffers from the “milk of sorrow” and seeks to overcome her fears and anxieties.
“Kukuli” (1961) – directed by Luis Figueroa, this film tells the story of a young indigenous girl who works as a servant for a wealthy mestizo family in Cuzco, and experiences discrimination and mistreatment due to her identity.
“Contracorriente” (2009) – directed by Javier Fuentes-León, this film is a love story between a married fisherman and a male artist in a small coastal town, and explores themes of tradition, sexuality, and acceptance.
“Dias de Santiago” (2004) – directed by Josué Méndez, this film is a gritty and realistic portrayal of a former soldier struggling to reintegrate into society in Lima, and explores themes of trauma, violence, and masculinity.
These films offer a diverse range of narratives and themes that reflect the cultural, social, and political issues facing Peru and its people. Watching these films is a great way to explore the rich and complex history and culture of this fascinating country.
