User reviews

Hollywood filmmakers could learn plenty from this marvelous little film from Argentina.

Rodrigo Noya is utterly charming and captivating as the title character, a 9-year-old boy who builds stuff for astronauts and whose attitude toward life and love is more adult than many of the adults in his life, including his father.

Director Alejandro Agresti's script is clever, humorous and poignant, yet, never becomes maudlin. Even a key moment in the story is deftly handled without an ounce of sentimentality. A Hollywood film most likely would have milked that scene dry with a melodramatic score and character histrionics.

"Valentín" is a celebration of childhood innocence. But it's also about how lessons learned as a young boy shape the adult man he is to become. There are moments in this film written so smartly you appreciate Agresti's talent. For instance, Valentin's scenes with Leticia are funny because of the way the two actors play the scenes so naturally, their dialogue and actions make perfect sense. Or, listen to the conversation between Valentin and his neighbor when they discuss the neighbor's ex-girlfriend over a cup of tea.

And the film's ending? A perfect close to a lovely story. Do yourself a favor and see this brilliant gem.

On 1969, in Argentina, the eight years old Valentin (Rodrigo Noya) is a boy that dreams to be an astronaut. He is raised by his poor widow grandmother Abuela (Carmen Maura), and is totally abandoned by his parents. His mother has apparently forgotten him, and his stupid father does not pay much attention on him. The smart, but needy kid missed his mother, and when his father introduces his new girlfriend Leticia (Julieta Cardinali), Valentin has a strong connection with her. Meanwhile his grandmother gets sick, and the boy tries to resolve all his family problems using his persuasion and viewpoint of life.

"Valentine" is a sweet, cute and delightful tale of a young negotiator that wanted to be an astronaut. I am not sure whether Rodrigo Noya is a great actor or not, but in this particular and peculiar role he is simply amazing. Carmen Maura is fantastic as usual, and the unknown Julieta Cardinali has a very beautiful participation. The story makes the viewer laugh and certainly will bring tears so touching and sensitive it is. This movie was one of the greatest good surprises for me and I really loved it. The scene of Valentin negotiating with the doctor in the hospital to see his grandmother in the market is one of the most beautiful scenes I have ever seen in cinema. Unfortunately life is not as beautiful as pictured in this remarkable scene. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil) "Valentin"

Valentin, the young boy living in the Buenos Aires of the sixties, is a kid that is more mature than what his tender age shows. He is articulate, wise and knows a lot about the life of the astronauts he hears about. In fact, he has built a lot of facsimiles of the space ships and even has his own version of a space suit.

What Valentin doesn't have is parents. We see him living with his older grandmother in a residential area of the capital. There isn't much money, so their lives are not exactly what one might call it even middle class. Yet, the grandmother is a loving woman that cares intensely for her little charge. It's never clear what happened between the parents, but it appears Valentin's mother was abused by the womanizer husband.

Alejandro Agresti's film, which he also wrote, was shown briefly in a commercial run here, but disappeared quickly, so we never got around to it. It came as a total surprise when it was shown in one of the cable channels in its original version.

The film is worth seeing because of Rodrigo Noya, the sweet Valentin of the film. Valentin is the narrator of the story. He amazes us with the way he looks at things and his understanding of what's going on around him. This young actor made an excellent contribution to the film without ever being bratty. Our hearts go to the poor little boy that fate has abandoned and is even lonelier after the sudden death of the grandmother.

Carmen Maura, as the grandmother, is a joy to watch. She plays a Spaniard who has emigrated to Argentina. Julieta Cardinali is seen briefly as Leticia, a beautiful blonde woman who Valentin would like to be his new mother, hoping his father will marry her. When the relationship ends, Valentin is miserable, but Leticia, seeing the goodness and loneliness of the young boy stays by him. Mex Urtizberea plays Rufo, the pianist neighbor who is kind to Valentin.

"Valentin" was a surprise that brought joy and fun at the same time.

Valentin is one cute, smart-mouthed kid. You can't help but love him, especially in his young Beatles 60s getup. Yes, at times he talks and acts much older than his age, but that's what's intended to make his character so humorous. Valentin is the Amelie Poulin of the Latin younger set, and just as adorable as Kolya, the Cinema Paradiso kid, and the Life is Beautiful kid. And Buenos Aires is displayed beautifully in this movie. If only Valentin was in wider release in the States. No one knows about it, but many would enjoy this very charming, warm-hearted movie, that reminds us of the innocence of our own youth and how we tried to decipher and improve the world in our own small way.

This is one of the very few movies I really love these past couple of years. Rodrigo Noya's Valentin is such a smart, funny and sad 8 year old boy. Everything he says gives you a smile and a little twist in the heart. He's like the old lady who lives alone and says she doesn't mind being alone but asks you to stay a little longer because she's baked dozens of cookies which nobody will eat. Rodrigo Noya is such an excellent actor that every nuance is caught thought his expressions, body language. The adults around him all act selfishly, but it's so realistic because we all are self-centered beings, and children sometimes are just treated like things that happened to be there. I love this movie so much I am recommending it to every people I know.

What a relief. What a movie. What a simple and beautiful message. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Why is it so hard to find a movie like this? Never too sentimental, never cheesy, but full of fantasy and realism at the same time. How does he do it? I can only say... go see it!

Little Rodrigo Noya fulfills his task completely, carrying this movie all by himself. He plays an 8-year-old boy, raised by his grandmother, surrounded by problems in his family he finds only himself capable of solving.

Dutch Art Director Floris Vos performs great, creating the perfect setting for this film in '70 Argentina.

I didn't suspect this movie to be good, because the dutch producer Laurens Geels produced it and I usually don't like his films. But this one was a sweet surprise! The whole film has this brilliant feel-good-movie athmosphere...and you just don't want this film to end. Rodrigo Noya is one of the most brilliant young actors among us, I was totally crazy about his character. I can't wait to see the next Agresti film! By the way, this is an absolute OSCAR-winner for this year!(or maybe Goodbye Lenin?)mmmmhhhh.....we'll see!

Seeing the trailer for "Valentin" multiple times at my local art house theater in Oregon I was reminded of "The Courtship of Eddie's Father," an old American television series that starred Bill Bixby as widower father whose adorable seven-year-old son was determined to find a mother by marrying Dad off.

Valentin, played by the cross-eyed eight-year-old Rodrigo Noya, is just as adorable as child actor Brandon Cruz was in the American show. And like Eddie, Valentin has a colorful mother figure, a grandmother played by Carmen Maura. (The American Eddie had "Mrs. Livingston", a Japanese American housekeeper to look after him.) And while Valentin is given plenty of comic routines to perform -- Laugh as Valentin explodes a television set! Grin as Valentin dresses up as an astronaut! -- as we watch him try to cement his Dad's engagement to Leticia, a new girlfriend played by the gorgeous Julieta Cardinali, this movie isn't the heartwarming comedy the trailer promises. So be prepared for some dark moments as you watch Valentin fulfill his promise as a matchmaker.

Nonetheless, this movie has its appeal, especially I imagine for Argentines who were children in 1969 Buenos Aires where the story is set. In fact, the city often looks, well, just plain cute, as spotless vintage cars glide in and out of the background while actors dressed in the styles of the period go about their jobs.

Watching the charming and nostalgic "Valentin", it's no wonder that director Agresti says in an interview on the movie's DVD that many Argentines of a certain age – especially given the troubled times that befell the country in the 1970s and 1980s – consider 1969 "the country's last good year." 7/10

firstly, this is a film rather than a movie; therefore, it appears that the objective is more to offer a discrete perspective to the viewer -- if one is interested in plots twists, car chases or other movie ' magic', it is perhaps advisable to look elsewhere

however, if one wishes to experiences what has to be universally fine acting -- especially by the always pitch-perfect ms carmen maura in a performance which may be surely described as Oscar-worthy -- a compelling study in inter- /intra-personal relationships and an opportunity to see the world differently after viewing : decease looking & enjoy what has become one of my favorite films

lacking experience or credentials in film criticism, i refrain from attempting to offer pretentious pseudo-critique; that being stated, just one of the aspects of the film i appreciated was a presentation of the heretofore little known personally topic of Argentinian jewry

further, this film elicited empathy for ostensibly unsympathetic characters reminding one that ' walking a mile in the shoes ' of others is still perhaps the best way to understand them

It's 1967 Buenos Aires. Eight year old Valentín lives alone with his grandmother and is obsessed with being an astronaut. His Jewish mother is missing. His uncle Chiche and his piano teacher Rufo are his main friend. His womanizing absent anti-Semitic father Vincent brings home beautiful young girlfriend Leticia. Leticia is shocked by some of Valentin's innocent comments about his father and she breaks up with him.

The cross-eyed kid is really cute. There are a few great scenes. The plot meanders a lot and it feels a bit aimless. I don't want to be too negative about any part of the movie because the kid is so adorably effective. He just needs a more constant co-star to develop a relationship with.

Masterful story telling. I had forgotten I was reading subtitles...I Laughed, I cried .... The child was brilliant...all performances were credible/believable...It was a realistic film in representing life and the simple joys and sorrows we all experience in one degree or another. Faith hope love disappointment, loss and disillusion. The director did a great job as did the cinematographer... I wish I had not come on this film by surprise... I believe it deserved more press than it received. on the cd The interview from the director was also enlightening...on argentina, life love and more. Anyhoo...enjoy...when a good hearted film is what your in the mood for.

This was terribly disappointing. I looked forward to seeing this greatly but the sentimentality of it was horrendous. It never missed an opportunity to be saccharine-sweet and this became intensely irritating. Appended to the fact that there is no plot and is merely one twee scene followed by another makes this a very disappointing experience. Not good. Surely, we must evolve beyond the cute kid being cute kind of movie. How about some realism rather than just aiming for the tear-jerking (or giggling hysterically, if you're me) moments of cute kid trying to survive in a world of ignorant adults. That point has been made so many times: it doesn't need to be told again

Valentin is an eight year old who dreams of one day being an astronaut. This is the late sixties just before man landed on the moon. He lives with his grandmother. Occasionally he gets a visit from his father but he never gets to see his mother. There's also an uncle, a friendly musician and a soon to be ex-girlfriend of his father's. This is Valentin's world and like that other famous eight year old Lisa Simpson he's more wiser than they are. It may not be that original but 'Valentin' is a very sweet and lovely film perfectly judged and satisfyingly told, and the conclusion will leave you moist-eyed. (8/10)

If you ever watched "The Wonder Years" and enjoyed the combination of youth and wisdom you will enjoy this movie, set in 1969. The child actor is fabulous and endears himself and his character immediately. Combining child p.o.v. with the hind-sight of adult understanding and narration (in a child's voice) the film achieves great realness. Based on the real-life story of the director/writer, it's wonderfully nostalgic and yet powerfully cathartic. If you never cry or laugh during this film, please see a doctor as your heart may be already stopped. But it isn't over-sentimentalized or trivialized at all. Quite the opposite, it's the story of agonizing loss borne with true emotional strength. Filmed in Argentina, it takes you on a trip to another time and place all the while telling the timeless tale of a child's unending capacity to love. Moving, important and true. Highly recommended.

Great Movie to watch with the kids and expose them to the world of International Film. Movie about a kid being raised by his grandmother in the late 60's in Argentina and dreaming of being an Astronaut and meeting his mom some day. Spanish with English subtitles. Enjoy watching how children growing up in other cultures are just like us. We are all so similar. If we are honest, like Valentin, we will realize that we are all just searching for love. Valentin is just an average kid with his own quirks, looking for love and answers. Kids are so honest. Although his movie is funny it also has some sad moments. We need more movies like this!

Ususally I do not see a lot of movies from Argentina because they are, usually, very drama centered. Here is a movie that can not only be enjoyed by the whole family, it is a true pleasure to watch. Valentin goes highly recommended to everyone young and old.Actors, writers and directors did a job on this movie that can be compared with their highest counterparts anywhere in the world. Guaranteed, you will fall in love totally with this kid. I hope he does not stop there and keep on making these sort of performances. High mention also goes to the actress who played his grandmother and Rufo, the pianist neighbor as well as the girl who played his father's girlfriend and ends up with Rufo at the end. Yes, the movie has drama but it has comedy, a great story and ends up in a very High note. I highly recommend this movie.

Is the reputation of one of looking for Mama customized?

We heard that the man looking for a beautiful wife and affectionate. We heard that a girl looking for an honest man Romance.

The child Valentín looking for Mama blonde and beautiful.!!?

Something strange and wondrous....

And nice to see the story written and give it the creative director Alejandro Agresti.

Summit in creative fiction. Can forget yourself and you see the film, and sympathizes with the child Valentín. Mother left him.... Father left, neglected his son..... What is this cruelty and ruthlessness.!!!! Left their son live with his grandfather the old Sympathize with the child in the first scene.

After watching this movie I love watch movies from Argentina.

Do not miss the view

Magician

Valentin is about the most manipulative and cloyingly 'cute' movie that I have seen in a very long time. Think of it as 'Pollyanna' for the over 11s. If you feel that you can endure a cross-eyed, doe-eyed kid turning on the cute button to maximum for 95 minutes, then maybe it's the movie for you. This is no 'Cinema Paradiso' (though it obviously thinks it is), merely an exercise in forcing otherwise sane adults to observe children through rose-tinted specs. Not even Carmen Maura's fine performance as young Valentin's grandmother can save the film. Pass the sick-bucket, someone?

Director and writer Alejandro Agrestis' Valentin is a perfect jewel of a movie. Right from the very start you are pulled into the ordinary yet extraordinary world of Valentin (an incredible performance by Rodrigo Noya). As the story takes you along, you almost feel as if you are eavesdropping on his family life as he tries to make sense out of a world where "grown ups never tell the truth" . He lives with his grandmother who is "always complaining about something" while he tries to find ways to assemble and make some sort of sense of his family life. Valentin however also makes time for his own childhood dreams in many charming, funny moments as an aspiring astronaut. We see the relationships of his dysfunctional family and how he always questions why, he simply wants to live a normal, happy life, isn't that how it's supposed to be? Along the way he befriends a offbeat neighbor who likes to drink and attempt to play the piano, a girlfriend of his fathers, and a resourceful bit with a doctor. The camera always takes its time, lingering on the story and the characters just long enough to pull you in and make you feel a part of it, this is the director at his best, a fabulous cast and crew, a from the heart story, and of course, Valentin...

I think it is the best feel good movie since Amelie. The colors are wonderful and the actor is just plain funny and touching. The story is simple but very entertaining and has a good morale without being to obvious. A must see movie for everyone that likes Amelie.

Valentín is a young boy living in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, with his grandmother in a very simple home. Throughout the movie we follow Valentín's life and go through all the struggles he goes through whilst being in the middle of a broken family whom he wishes could reunite and treat him right. The story is one of rich Argentine tradition and tremendous personality. What I mean to say is that the different aspects of life in Argentina during the 60s, when the story took place, are quite accurate and very well displayed. Moreover, being that Agresti was telling a story about his childhood, he was able to create a very personable story which speaks a large sum to the audience about a boy's day to day life back then. The character of Valentín that he created is an incredibly enjoyable one who uses verbiage which is normally used by adults and who thinks about things which no child should be thinking about. At the same time however, the child is wrapped up in the idea of being an astronaut, which shows he is very much still a child at heart. This wonderful story is told through a very simple plot and has no need for extravagant Hollywood techniques as its simplicity makes it so much more personable, clever, and enjoyable.

I loved this movie, and also, I love the music from the film. I've searched high and low on the web for even just the names of the songs and I can't find anything. There wasn't even a list on the credits of the movie itself. I'm learning Spanish, so it's hard for me to search for a piece of lyrics in quotations..

So, I'm requesting that maybe someone who is more fluent in Spanish could help me find the songs of this movie. Particularly the song Valentin is shout-singing when his Uncle arrives, and some of the songs that play in scenes with Leticia.

Please and thank you!

Valentin is the story of a 9 year old Argentinian boy who lives with his grandmother. His mother is off and his father isn't always around. Grandma is there for the boy and cares for him in 1969 before somebody landed on the moon. Valentin dreams of being on the moon. The film's art direction and mood is very 1969. Valentin plays cupid and hopes that his father marries the young woman he becomes in love with and spends a day. Reality steps in and life isn't always ideal in the end. Valentin's father is played by the film's director and screenwriter. He does a great job in the role. The entire cast especially Valentin performed excellently in this film. The young actor does a fantastic award winning job in this difficult leading role.