Search - August Evening on DVD

2008 Independent Spirit Award Winner

Black Cat | 02/25/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This my favorite independent film of 2008. Stunning photography,

beautiful storytelling, powerful emotional resonance...it's the kind of

film that scored well with both critics and audiences. It is also one

of the few films set in Texas that looks and feels like Texas.



The real achievement of this film is the portrayal of family members

trying to communicate, to connect emotionally, despite having possibly

disappointed each other or feeling like they have not lived up to each

other's expectations. The bonds between blood family and those that

come to be as close (or closer) than blood family is at the heart of

this film.



Despite it's humor and touching moments the grim reality of inevitable

change in life is AUGUST EVENING's reveal.

"

A fun view Any Evening

Melting American | North America | 09/19/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"August evening is bathed in wonderful cinematography and a well acted storyline. Seldom does one stop to smell the roses but the director made sure you got into a meditative mode by including the hypnotic sounds of the captive cicadas.in the background..and colorful cast in the foreground! The motorbike scene is reminiscent of an old Audrey Hepburn movie but instead of riding thru Paris they are in romantic San Antonio . Sit back and enjoy the importance of family..it's going to be a beautiful movie..

B Saldana"

Lengthier time allows us to absorb the characters and emotio

Rizzo | Denver, CO | 04/13/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"August Evening (2008) is a slower paced family drama with minimal conversations or action. The lengthier movie at 2 hours, allows the viewer to absorb the characters, the emotions, the storyline. I appreciate that the director did not rush this, otherwise you may miss the importance of each character. The film garnered numerous accolades in the film industry.



The photography is beautiful no matter where the landscape is. And, what beautiful soothing music which is in no way intrusive. My understanding is that the characters have little or no previous experience. This is not traditionally a "Mexican" film, but more of Mexicans living in Texas. The actors are from the United States. This is the first acting job for Peter Castenada who plays Jaime, a widow making it though without work and in distant relationships with his family who have moved to United States.



The focus of the film is family and the nature of the relationships that evolve through time. It is a generational separation that takes work to ensure the bond in a Mexican traditional family where it all started. Lupe is Jaime's daughter-in-law, whose husband Manuel died at a young age. She remained with Jaime and his wife in Mexico. Then, a death in the family. Jaime loses his job and he and his loving, nurturing daughter-in-law head on to Texas, a place that has kept family separated. The brief stays at his children's homes don't work out.



There is a love story here, Lupe breaks away from the comfort of her father-in-law, who urges her to marry again.



The writer, director, and editor Chris Eska, said, "My hope is that the project will express emotions that are frequently absent from films today but are ubiquitous in our real lives."



Again, the length was necessary and not rushed. The film mirrors Tokyo Story - Criterion Collection where the parents visit the grown children with discomfort. Now, if you want to see a rushed Indian film with the same premise, but poorly done, Baghban.



.........Rizzo"