El Angel ESP

El Angel is a captivating Argentinian biographical crime drama that revolves around the life and deeds of Carlos Robledo Puch, notoriously recognized as one of the most infamous criminals in the history of Argentina before he turned twenty. Starring Lorenzo Ferro in the lead role as Carlos and Chino Darin as his partner in crime, this directorial masterpiece by Luis Ortega was released in 2018.

The movie delves into the life of Carlos in the 1970s, showcasing his time as a teenager in Buenos Aires. A seemingly innocent young man with angelic looks and curly golden hair, Carlos is a charismatic character who has an inexplicable allure to a life on the wrong side of the law. He possesses an uncanny ability to indulge in theft with effortless grace, managing to escape unscathed every single time. His life takes a turn when he meets Ramon, brilliantly portrayed by Chino Darin, and the paths of the two characters converge.

Ramon and his family are deeply entrenched in criminal activities, and Carlos quickly becomes a part of their world. The story explores the deepening bond between Carlos and Ramon, as well as the almost twisted enjoyment Carlos derives from these criminal activities. The dynamics between the two form a backbone of the narrative, as they navigate through the perilous path leading towards infamy.

The movie is not merely about presenting the story of a notorious criminal; it highlights the socio-political conditions of the time which fanned the flames of Carlos' deeds. It paints a vivid picture of an era marked by an air of defiance, rebelliousness, and lawlessness which consumed the youth of the time. We follow Carlos' descent into this alluring underworld, as he becomes one of Argentina's most wanted criminals, infamous for burglaries, thefts, and murders.

Lorenzo Ferro delivers an extraordinary performance as Carlos Robledo Puch, also known as 'El Angel' due to his innocent looks. Ferro exhibits an enigmatic charm in his portrayal of a character that is deeply complex and intrinsically sinister, yet oddly likable. He expertly delivers the transformation of Carlos from a young, seemingly normal teenager to one of Argentina's most notorious criminals. Chino Darin is phenomenal as Ramon, capturing the essence of a character caught up in circumstances beyond his control and embroiled in a life of crime.

Ortega's direction is meticulous, and he strikes a perfect balance between storytelling and aesthetic appeal. The landscapes, costumes, and sociology of the Argentinian '70s are portrayed in vibrant detail. The raw, gritty cinematography intertwined with a pulsating background score richly contributes to the cohesive narrative of the film.

The screenplay maintains an element of continual suspense as contemporary moral issues are explored alongside these astonishing real-life events. The question of moral boundaries, family influences, and the blurry line between innocence and guilt are pushed throughout the story, keeping viewers on the edge of their seat.

El Angel is more than just a crime drama; it presents a sociological study of an era and an individual whose actions became reflective of the rebellion of the time. It is a compelling exploration of human desires, impulses, and the chillingly charismatic allure of evil. It keeps the audience hooked till the end, wondering at the unusual circumstances that led to the criminal descent of an otherwise ordinary teenager.

This film is a must-watch for lovers of suspense, crime, and drama with a penchant for historical accuracy. El Angel is not just about its narrative; it manages to embody the very essence of the era it represents, making it a worthy cinematic experience of a true story.