Search - El Juego De La Verdad (Spanish) on DVD

A Spanish Romantic Comedy About Death And Honesty--Predictab

K. Harris | Las Vegas, NV | 01/07/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Not knowing much about this Spanish film, I was a little concerned after reading its plot description. I readied myself and anticipated a rather silly sexual comedy--but what I got was an altogether different experience. There was some silliness and some sexual comedy, to be sure, but this charming film about relationships won me over instantly. "The Truth And Other Lies" is definitely a film that I think would appeal to a wide audience, and is infinitely better than many of the American romantic comedies I've seen lately.

Centering on two couples--Alberto and Susana, who are successful and affluent, and Ernesto and Lea, their best friends. Ernesto works in Alberto's supermarket (Alberto's father runs the store) as a droning radio announcer and Lea poses as a deaf/mute at Susana's TV station doing sign language (Susana is a news anchor). One day, Ernesto is misdiagnosed with a deadly malady. The quartet is justifiably horrified thinking he has only three months to live. Ernesto realizes he's wasted his life and wants to embrace these months as a gift. Relinquishing falsehoods, he wants others to value life. In a vow of honesty, all four share secrets to become closer and Ernesto reveals that he wishes an opportunity to sleep with Susana.

This poses the question--how far would you go to indulge a dying friend? Naturally, any time people want to live truthfully they expose themselves to hurt feelings--and the truth, in this case, starts to be used as a weapon between these friends as jealousies and insecurities arise. But also, Ernesto and Lea--while being more honest--unsettle others and get noticed at their respective workplaces. This unconventional candor actually affords them more success as it is so rare.

I won't contend that "The Truth And Other Lies" breaks new cinematic ground. The plot, while enjoyable, follows a predictable course. But I didn't care, I was enjoying the ride so much. The film is genuinely funny and works as straight comedy--but the sly social commentary is an added bonus. It is further elevated by charismatic performances by all the leads. And even though the central plot is somewhat silly, these actors make you believe in the relationships. I felt a realism and a genuine warmth in both the friendships and the romantic entanglements. So, while the film may be light and frothy, it is also a great pleasure. About 4 1/2 stars from me--and I don't usually embrace this genre as fully as others might. KGHarris, 01/07."