Watch La Tierra y La Sombra

La Tierra y La Sombra is a Colombian drama film directed by César Augusto Acevedo, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2015 and went on to win several awards worldwide. The film tells the story of an old farmer named Alfonso (Haimer Leal), who returns to his rural hometown after being away for 17 years to take care of his terminally ill son, who has been working in sugarcane fields. When Alfonso arrives, he finds his son's health rapidly deteriorating due to the toxic fumes emanated by the industrial sugarcane farming process.

Alfonso's son, Gerardo (Edison Raigosa), is bedridden, and his health is only getting worse with each passing day. Alfonso decides to stay close to his son and his wife's (Hilda Ruiz) family in the sugarcane fields, a place where he had left behind much grief and pain. Alfonso is drawn into an emotional journey of past events and memories. He gradually explores the lives of his loved ones, many of whom have lost the ability to dream or hope, amidst sorrow, poverty and illness.

As the story unfolds, we see a series of events that expose the exploitation and abuse of sugarcane farmers in Colombia. The film portrays an unflinching and unnerving portrait of the environment, people, and the harshness of life in the fields with poetic beauty. It depicts the tension, struggle, and desperation of rural communities who strive to survive amidst large corporations that strip their land and life, leaving behind a desolate scenario of poverty and death.

The cinematography of La Tierra y La Sombra is compelling, and the use of natural lighting is skilful, highlighting the serene and tranquillity of rural life. The juxtaposition of the lush landscape and the squalor of the dilapidated surroundings bring to light the plight that farmers face daily, churning up emotions that echo well with the audience. The slow-moving pace of the movie may not be to everyone's liking, but it is in sync with the environment and pace of life in the sugarcane fields.

The acting of the cast is restrained, yet powerful. Haimer Leal as Alfonso delivers a poignant and sincere performance, portraying emotions that run deep and profound within him, and embodying what it means to sacrifice and love. Edison Raigosa as Gerardo gives a stunning performance, portraying the frustration and fear of being trapped in a cycle of poverty and ailing health. Hilda Ruiz as Gerardo's mother, Esperanza, excels in the role of the guardian and caregiver of her family. Together, they make up a strong cast that does an excellent job of delivering a profound and heartfelt portrayal of the characters.

La Tierra y La Sombra is an incisive commentary on the harsh living conditions in the rural areas of Colombia, and the way of life that has changed gradually due to industrialization. It depicts the challenges, and complexities of the farmers', the rural community and their relationship with industry and forces beyond their control. The film sensitively highlights issues of class, race, and even indigenous communities, creating a moving account of the struggle and resilience of people in the face of overwhelming odds.

In conclusion, La Tierra y La Sombra is a masterfully crafted drama that manages to bring to life the daily struggle of farmers in rural Colombia. The film's direction, the cast's performances, and the cinematography make for an emotionally resonant drama that will stay with the audience long after the credits roll. This film is a must-watch for anyone interested in art-house dramas and human struggles.

La Tierra y La Sombra is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 74.