7 Boxes (2012) follows Victor (Celso Franco), a teenage porter in Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay. One afternoon while hanging out in the markets with tearaway girl Liz (Lali Gonzalez), he intercepts a package of seven mysterious wooden boxes which he must urgently deliver to a local crime boss. Victor believes this is just another delivery until he and Liz are shocked to discover the boxes contain a woman's hacked-up body. Now when the thugs learn of this discovery, Victor and Liz must really run for it.
7 Boxes is the only South American film I've seen, but it sure is a good one. As we follow Victor and Liz on their frantic journey, it provides a very vivid, clear exploration of contemporary Paraguay: the poverty, organized crime, and those citizens clinging to their old-world traditions, but also the other side where Western technologies and slang have permeated the culture. This is especially thanks to the frenetic but natural cinematography and suitably methodical editing, all at directors Juan Carlos Maneglia and Tana Schembori's command.
Also, Celso Franco and Lali Gonzalez are both perfectly cast, with solid chemistry as this uncouth, dirty street kid and cynical tomboy who slowly learn to understand and respect each other, propelled as they both are into a very dangerous predicament.
7 Boxes occasionally evokes early Scorsese and Tarantino, but it ultimately proves South American cinema can match those two geniuses, and with its own distinctive vibes.
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