Luis Chiape Movies

This Colombian ensemble comedy, scathingly examines violence and official corruption in the tumultuous Latin American country. The story is told in flashback. In Colombia there is a law that states if an abandoned estate is occupied by squatters for a certain period of time, the land becomes theirs by default ( at the turn of the century, many wealthy landowners left their farms as the country became urbanized). The law becomes the basis of conflict when the original owners of the 48 room mansion the Olive House, aka "The Coop" by the squatters, come to reclaim it. The squatters there resist. A lawyer delays the eviction. Meanwhile a former theatrical stage manager devises an ingenious plot. The tenants, using pulleys and levers, take apart the house leaving only the facade. As they work, the personal quirks of each squatter and his or her relationship with the others are revealed. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

Based on the novel by renowned author Gabriel Garcia-Marquez, who also wrote the screenplay, this is a compelling tragedy about the return of a convicted killer to his native village 18 years after his crime. Juan Sayago (Gustavo Angarita) has served his sentence for the murder he committed and comes back home, knowing full well that the victim's sons will carry out their own retribution. Juan refuses to leave, even when others shun him. Ancient customs and local traits fill the story with dimensions that prod the conscience and give pause for thought. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi