Argentina: 1969: Major Molina has been sent to a military outpost in southern Patagonia to investigate the brutal murder of soldier Lito. The harsh weather conditions of Patagonia reflect the strict and cruel way in which the Colonel Hellman and his officers direct the garrison. Gradually comes to light that Lito was drugged by a fellow, Reppeto, and therefore was unable to participate in an unexpected military exercise at night. For his "disobedience", Lito was beaten to death. Molina seeks justice, aided by the deceased's family and the village priest. However, he is forced to abandon the case when the military forces take the power in Buenos Aires. Years later, with democracy finally restored in Argentina, the case will be reopened causing the abolition of military service and the military justice system.
Acting
Federico Luppi's glacial menace as Colonel Hellman.
Cinematography
Patagonia as silent accomplice to institutional evil.
Direction
Jusid's patient unraveling of military hierarchy.
Director
Juan José Jusid
Miguel Ángel Solá
Mayor Molina
Federico Luppi
Coronel Hellman
Omero Antonutti
Padre Bruno
Andrea Tenuta
Fanny
Andrea Pietra
Nora
Carlos Santamaría
Capitán Roca
Alessandra Acciai
Victoria
Daniele Liotti
Soldado Repetto
Mónica Galán
Paula
Betiana Blum
Bonavena
Ariel Casas
Subteniente Trevi
Nicolás Scarpino
Rosen
Roly Serrano
Cabo Benamino
Diego Topa
Anselmi
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Released during Menem's presidency, the film directly confronted Argentina's Dirty War legacy while military impunity still dominated public memory.
Director Jusid filmed in actual Patagonian military zones; some locations required government permits that nearly revoked mid-production.
AR
