The Pearl Button
Director: Patricio Guzmán
Actors: Martín Calderón, Cristina, Patricio Guzmán
PlotIn the distant landscapes of Chile, the ocean's mystique intertwines with the country's turbulent history. Water becomes a central narrative conduit, revealing stories of both indigenous cultures and the vast cosmos. The film begins by tracing the spiritual and practical significance of water to the region’s earliest inhabitants, the Kawésqar people, who navigated their lives on the southern waterways. Their lineage and presence are meticulously explored, reflecting an intimate connection with nature that has been largely disrupted by colonization and progress. This poetic journey is not only visually captivating but also deeply introspective, inviting viewers to contemplate the broader human relationship with the natural world.
As the narrative progresses, it shifts focus to more contemporary historical events, plunging into the dark period of Chile's political past. Memories of Pinochet's dictatorship mark a contrast to the serene natural beauty, with water again serving as a symbolic medium. Testimonies and archival footages recount tales of oppression, disappearance, and resistance. Central themes of memory, loss, and resilience are interwoven through personal narratives and historical accounts. With these dual narratives of indigenous heritage and political turmoil, the movie constructs a thoughtful exploration of identity, heritage, and collective memory in Chilean society.
Writers: Patricio Guzmán
Release Date: 15 Oct 2015
Runtime: 82 min
Rating: Not Rated
Country: France, Spain, Chile, Switzerland
Language: Spanish
Home Video Reviews
"The Pearl Button" delivers stunning cinematography and a deeply troubling exploration of human atrocities, combined with Kino Lorber's excellent A/V presentation and revealing bonus content. Recommended.
Read our review of The Pearl Button Blu-ray to find out more