Watch Carpinteros

Carpinteros (Woodpeckers) is a 2017 Dominican film directed by Jose Maria Cabral. The film stars Jean Jean and Judith Rodriguez in leading roles. The movie is set in Najayo, a maximum security prison, where Julián (Jean Jean) is serving a sentence for armed robbery. He becomes fascinated with the female prisoners in a nearby facility, including Yanelly (Rodriguez), who is the girlfriend of a dangerous drug lord.

Julián learns about a unique communication system that the female prisoners use to communicate with their male counterparts in the neighboring prison. They tap out messages using the walls and windows of their cells, a system they call "woodpecking". Julián becomes an expert in this system and starts communicating with Yanelly. He becomes obsessed with her, and they begin a forbidden love affair.

As the story progresses, we get to see the harsh realities of life in prison, such as violence, power struggles, and corruption. The movie also touches on issues of social inequality, gender roles, and sexuality.

The director does an excellent job of portraying the daily routines and lives of the prisoners, giving the audience a sense of what it's like to be in a maximum security prison. The film is shot in a documentary style, with long takes and minimal camera movement, which creates a sense of realism and immerses the audience in the world of the characters.

Jean Jean's performance as Julián is outstanding. He portrays the character's emotions and inner turmoil with subtlety and nuance. His chemistry with Rodriguez is electric, and their on-screen love story is both believable and heart-wrenching.

Judith Rodriguez's performance as Yanelly is also noteworthy. She gives a powerful and emotional performance, especially in the film's climax, where she must make a difficult decision that will impact her life and the lives of those around her.

The movie's soundtrack is also a highlight, featuring traditional Dominican music and modern hip hop. The use of music enhances the film's atmosphere and adds to the mood and emotions.

Overall, Carpinteros (Woodpeckers) is a well-crafted and thought-provoking film that explores complex themes and issues. It's a movie that will leave a lasting impression on the viewer, and a must-watch for fans of world cinema.