Film Review: Nine Queens (Nueve reinas, 2000)

The most familiar stories can transform into something refreshingly new with small details. In case of Nine Queens, 2000 Argentinian thriller written and directed by Fabián Bielinsky, that detail was specifically local flavour, which, among other things, contributed not only to the film’s domestic box office success, but also helped its reputation as the classic of Argentinian cinema.

The plot begins in Buenos Aires convenience store when young man named Juan (played by .Gastón Pauls) successfully cons clerk out of money. When he immediately tries to pull the same trick for the second time, he gets caught and turned over to Marcos (played by Ricardo Darín), man who claims to be plain clothes police officer. Thankfully for Juan, Marcos is actually a career con man who just happens to be in search for a partner in elaborate scheme worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. The target of the scheme is Vidal Gandolfo (played by Ignasi Abadal), shady Spanish businessman who wants to obtain rare collection of valuable postage stamps. Juan seems perfect, because his father, a petty con man, is in prison and Juan needs money to bribe judge into releasing him. Things, however, don’t go as planned and Marcos and Juan are forced to improvise and recruit Valeria (played by Leticia Bredice), Marcos’ estranged sister and employee of hotel where Gandolfo stays.

Nine Queens was feature debut for Bielinsky, and made with relatively small budget, sometimes even in guerilla film making conditions. But you couldn’t tell based on what you see on the screen, thanks to Bielinsky exceptional direction and clever script. Another great asset of the film is great cast, with Ricardo Darín and Gastón Pauls delivering captivating performances that blur the lines between rooting for or disliking their characters. Some aspects of the plot intricacies may come across as somewhat overcooked, resembling telenovela-like twists that could have been toned down to enhance the overall viewing experience. However, the incorporation of Argentine economic woes as a source of inspiration adds depth and authenticity to the storyline, especially in the finale that looks almost prophetic in light of infamous “Corralito” that struck Argentina a year after the premiere. This and certain other aspects of the film add the local flavour setting it apart from generic heist films. Moreover, the film's references to 1960s Italian pop music, akin to the use of ragtime in the 1973 classic The Sting, further add unique charm to Nine Queens. These elements enrich the narrative and prevent it from appearing as generic as Criminal, its uninspired 2004 Hollywood remake. Following Nine Queens, Bielinsky managed to finish only one film before tragically succumbing to heart-attack in 2006, but this stylish and intelligent thriller has secured his place in annals of Argentine and world cinema.

RATING: 7/10 (+++)

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