A Place in the World (1992). Mario and Ana, in voluntary exile from Buenos Aires, live in a remote Argentine valley with their 12-year-old son Ernesto. Mario runs a school and a wool cooperative; Ana, a doctor, heads a clinic with Nelda, a progressive nun. Into this idealistic family comes Hans, a jaded Spanish geological engineer – surveying the land for the local patron, to see if it can be dammed for hydro-electric power, which would drive the peasants from the land into the cities.
A tender exploration of identity, class, coming of age, and, as the name implies, finding your place in the world. This is anchored by strong performances, but it's really the complex interpersonal dynamics between these characters that really elevate it beyond its seemingly simple premise. In particular, the relationship between the adults - Ernesto's parents, the nun and the geologist who comes to town, really deeply explores the layers and nuance between education, faith, and connection to place. A really lovely film. 8/10.
