Machuca
Machuca Image
Metascore
76 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.0 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 38 Ratings

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  • Summary: Set in Santiago, Chile in 1973 (and based on filmmaker Andrés Wood's own childhood), Machuca is not just a political drama, but a poignant coming-of-age film. (Film Forum)

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Curiel
    100
    A sensitively wrought work.
  2. Salon.com
    Reviewed by: Andrew O'Hehir
    80
    Wood's film works, first and foremost, as a powerful character drama; it's not trying to teach historical or ideological lessons.
  3. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Michael Rechtshaffen
    80
    Packs a quiet wallop.
  4. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Michael Atkinson
    60
    Machuca is still a half-measure. Wood is fastidious about period set design, but not much else; rather than burning with experience, the film feels opportunistic.

See all 19 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. AngelicaS.
    10
    One of the best movies I have ever seen! It depicts Chile's political events through the friendship of 2 children - a boy from a shanty town and an upper class boy. Both of them are meant to have a future depending on their background and opportunities it provides, although being children they don't know it themselves and only the human aspect of their friendship is important to them (as it naturally is for children). Very moving, sweet story, which makes you think.… Expand
  2. GLENT
    10
    Arguably the most viewer-friendly depiction of a bloody era in Chile. I lived in Santiago at the time, and I'm amazed about how closely the makers were able to reproduce the real street scenes; the public phone cabins, vehicles, fashion, social drama, interior design, period media, ... fascinating.… Expand
  3. zumikot
    10
    This the best movie I've ever seen.
  4. lucasfalls
    7
    Lovely film, well done and I have to say it, I am not a big fan of Chilean Movies but this is the best Chilean Film that I've ever seen. The story is so common in Chile and the actors are not brilliant but is worth seeing this movie.… Expand

See all 17 User Reviews

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