Review of No (2012) by Christopher H — 22 Sep 2013

With a dark humor and riveting performance from Gael Garcia Bernal, this Academy Award nominated foreign film from Chile takes a look at blooming democracy during a Chilean dictatorship in the 80's.

Bernal plays an advertising executive, Rene Saavedra who is contacted to help lead the strike campaign in voting YES or NO in keeping the dictator in office, thus starting the debate for a real democracy.

The film is shot in a strange aspect ratio and most often looks like a home video, VHS quality format, taking some of the enjoyment out of what should be an escapist media. Instead, you're focused on the poor quality and not the well told story or spectacular performances.

However, the actual commercials and segments that are played are the highlight of the film and throughout the film you anticipate this moments where the commercials are played.