n my opinion it was a great movie with some interesting elements, even though having some plot holes and the ending probably was just too messy and crammed together, but still fun to watch and not your casual movie that is similar to all other ones.

In other words,this film is a surreal ride.

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

Damián Alcázar (The Crime of Father Amaro, Lord Sopespian in Prince Caspian) gives a truly remarkable performance in a compelling film by young writer/director Sebastián Cordero.There are two stories going on at the same time. One is a story of a vicious rapist/serial killer who preys on young boys and girls; and the other is about the role of the media in our society.John Leguizamo plays a star reported that knows who the killer is and is trying to get the confession for a news story. In the meantime, events transpire that result in the killer's release before he accomplishes this.Leonor Watling (La mala educación, Paris, je t'aime) plays the producer who wants to tell what they know, while Leguizamo fights to keep it a secret and play off the hero status he gained. Who will win? Will his conscience get the better of him? That is the real story here, as we debate the role of media. Are they reporting the news, and becoming part of the news.The view of rural Ecuadorian life is also a big plus to the enjoyment of this film.Compelling.

I read some review on this movie.. talking about how unrealistic was the scene where the mob set someone on fire while the police watch. I am Ecuadorian and I would love to say the settings and events on this film are not real... but angry mobs (punishing a man that way), subhuman jail system, and the pedophile portrait on the movie are sadly the realities we live in Ecuador.When small communities condemn someone... public punishment happen, murder happen, violence happen often based on finger pointed accusations... and when this people get rescued by the police, they linger for years waiting for due process.That is why Sebastian Cordero's film is important for Ecuador and Latin America, its raw!! it shows the reality of the lower classes of LA, police inefficiency, sensational media, and a rotting third world society

Crónicas, to paraphrase one of its key characters, explores territory that not many explore. Very well-written and tightly directed, this film quietly observes as ambition, arrogance, and lust orchestrate the gradual slip of personal integrity until grave consequence irrevocably rears its head. Just what form that consequence takes depends on which ending you choose to adopt: an alternate ending is given on the special features menu of the DVD. Be ready for an intense and demanding flick, not a fun, popcorn-spilling thriller. I was reminded at times of the dark tone of the Spanish film, Tésis, though Crónicas goes way beyond Tésis' reach. Superb acting, especially by Damián Alcázar as Vinicio. Alcázar has been making films since the mid-80's (El Crimen del Padre Amaro was one of his higher profile projects), and he shows the depth and dynamism of his experience here. Sebastián Cordero - who also wrote Crónicas - is a director to watch. From what I can find, this is his second film (Ratas, Ratones, y Ratoneros was his first). His current project is Manhunt, announced for 2007, with Harrison Ford as credited cast. Looks like the big time has found Mr. Cordero.

Thank you for bringing up the story about the terror that affected many Ecuadorian families. I think the actors did a great job, they were very convincing. I watched the movie with my American girlfriend and she was very moved. However, I am from Edcuador and I lived in Guayaquil when those crimes happened. The real name of the the killer was Daniel Barbosa Camargo and his real nickname was the Monster of the Andes. There were a couple of things that did not match the time frame when that happened. First of all, the flip flap cell phones were not invented then. Second of all, I am willing to bet that the bar where the actors were drinking at, did not have a color TV but an old beat up black and white TV set. I was a little disappointed with the end of the movie. I thought they were going to show at least in writing what happened to the Monster after he was incarcerated like the fact that he was killed inside prison and more than likely tortured like hell before that happened. A very important issue that could have been part of the movie was the fact that at the time there were conspiracy theories, stories about a dark SUV that was picking up the victims and also the theory that there were more than just one killer. Nobody in Ecuador believed at first that such a little fragile looking man like Camargo could have committed all those crimes. I hope that in the future you can make another film and continue with the story in a more realistic manner. I am open for comments if you need my assistance. Best regards.