In 1988, Chilean military dictator Augusto Pinochet, due to international pressure, is forced to call a plebiscite on his presidency. The country will vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to Pinochet extending his rule for another eight years. Opposition leaders for the ‘No’ vote persuade a brash young advertising executive, René Saavedra, to spearhead their campaign. Against all odds, with scant resources and while under scrutiny by the despot’s minions, Saavedra and his team devise an audacious plan to win the election and set Chile free.
Direction
Larraín shoots in low-res '80s video — history becomes immediate, raw, unpretty.
Writing
The 'No' campaign's real ads recreated with maddening authenticity.
Acting
Gael García Bernal's quiet panic beneath smooth ad-man confidence.
Director
Pablo Larraín
Gael García Bernal
René Saaverdra
Alfredo Castro
Lucho Guzmán
Néstor Cantillana
Fernando
Luis Gnecco
Urrutia
Antonia Zegers
Verónica
Jaime Vadell
Minister Fernández
Diego Muñoz
Carlos
Alejandro Goic
Ricardo
Marcial Tagle
Alberto Arancibia
Manuela Oyarzún
Sandra
Roberto Farías
Marcelo
Sergio Hernández
Militar
Paloma Moreno
Fran
César Caillet
Client
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The film sparked actual controversy in Chile — some critics argued it reduced complex political resistance to mere advertising genius, ignoring grassroots organizers.
The real 'No' campaign's rainbow logo and 'Chile, la alegría ya viene' slogan became iconic; director Larraín's own brother led the actual marketing strategy.
CL
