Amor cuesta arriba

Amor Cuesta Arriba is a 2015 Venezuelan production, a romantic comedy drama, directed by the multi-talented Nelson Núñez. The movie wildly distinguishes itself by vacillating between predictable genre conventions and moments of uniqueness, ultimately presenting an engaging depiction of love and attraction. The film boasts strong performances from a stellar ensemble cast, including Jesus Nunes, Vera Linares, and Augusto Nitti.

The movie revolves around the rather complicated life of the character Mauro, portrayed by the talented Jesus Nunes. Mauro is a professor of Structural Architecture at the University, who has impeccable knowledge about love, relationships and human behavior. However, when it comes to applying this knowledge in his personal life, he turns out to be a complete novice. His life takes an unprecedented turn when he meets Elena (embedded in the role is the versatile actress Vera Linares), a pretty and young woman, who is one of his students.

In terms of storytelling, the narrative revolves around the intertwined lives of Mauro and Elena. Mauro, despite being incredibly intellectual and passionate about his subject, struggles with his personal life. While he thrives in his professional setting, he yearns for the connection of a romantic relationship, but struggles to find it due to his fear of rejection and insecurities.

On the other hand, Elena, the charming young woman, freshly embarks upon her journey as a student in the university. She is unapologetically herself, starkly different from Mauro. Her encounter with Mauro sets the stage for unexpected events that are a blend of drama and comedy.

The on-screen dynamic between Elena and Mauro plays a crucial role in the film’s progression. It is a dance of inhibition and freedom, intellect and youth, straddling the line between the enjoyable clichés of romantic comedies and the moving depth of character dramas. The interaction of these polar-opposite characters leads to several situations full of wit, humor, and emotions, woven seamlessly into the plot, ultimately taking the viewers on a fascinating journey of love, confusion, and realization.

The eccentric character of Vladimir, played by Augusto Nitti, adds a third dimension to this love story. Even though he is Mauro's best friend, Vladimir stands in stark contrast to his shy demeanor—proving to be a sizeable hurdle in the blossoming relationship between Mauro and Elena. The subtle complexity of this relationship triad, Vladimir-Elena-Mauro, serves as an intriguing subplot, adding layers to the representation of love and affairs in the film.

Amor Cuesta Arriba is more than just an ordinary romantic comedy. The narrative touches on themes of fear, self-worth, interpersonal connection, and emotionally rich human experiences, which are often overshadowed by comedy. However, the director has skillfully blended these heavy themes with light-hearted moments, ensuring that the film remains entertaining throughout.

The film's strength lies in its thoughtful character development, as well as the captivating performances by the main leads. Jesus Nunes gives a vulnerable yet commendable performance as Mauro. He perfectly captures the emotional quintessence of his character, giving the audience a raw and deep insight into his persona. Vera Linares, on the other hand, shines as Elena, adding flair to her character and glamorizing the screen with her youthful energy. Augusto Nitti as Vladimir deserves a special mention for his dynamic performance and leaves a lasting impression.

Lastly, the title of the film, "Amor Cuesta Arriba" which translates to "Love Uphill," tells us about the essence of the plot. The characters’ journey of love isn't smooth or downhill; it's filled with twists and turns, like an uphill climb. As they navigate their emotions, they discover themselves, revealing their true nature, with love being the real victor.

In its entirety, Amor Cuesta Arriba is thoroughly entertaining and emotionally stirring. It's a well-crafted romantic comedy - smart, funny, tingly but also a profound exploration of love and relationships. Definitely a must-watch for those who crave a great blend of humor and heart in their cinematic experiences.