Perus famed author, Mario Vargas Llosa, made headlines when he recently won the Noble Prize for Literature. His novels and other Peruvian books are excellent reads anytime, but especially before you travel to Peru. For those of you who would rather watch a movie than read a book, there are many options, both of adaptations of Llosas works, as well as others. While not all are entirely historically accurate, they do provide great entertainment and will get you excited for your thrilling vacation to South America.
1)Pantalen y las vistadoras (Capitan Pantoja and the Special Services): This adaptation of Mario Vargas Llosas book is the highest grossing film ever at Perus box offices. This entertaining film is about Captain Pantalens secret mission to stop assaults in Perus jungles.
2)Paloma de Papel (Paper Dove): This film analyzes the horrors of the Shining Path guerilla terrorism. A young boy, Juan, is kidnapped and forced to join the fanatical Maoist group. The setting of the Andean highlands will prepare you for a vacation in the beautiful region, despite the dismal topic. While the story has some overly dramatic moments, it is worth a watch.
3)La boca del lobo (In the Mouth of the Wolf): Another film about the struggle against the Shining Path. This film follows the army troops in a small Andean town during the start of the Shining Path. It is a thrilling must-see for those interested in Perus troubled domestic history.
4)No se lo digas a nadie (Dont Tell Anyone): This 1998 film is the story of Joquin, a young man in Lima. He struggles to confront his homosexuality in a homophobic society.
5)Contracorriente (Undertow): Released in 2010, this film won a number of awards. It is a homosexual love story set on Perus beautiful northern coast. A love triangle always makes for a good movie.
6)Madeinusa: Named for the main character, a Peruvian village teenager named Madeinusa. The film covers the powerful mystical rituals of Perus Andes, as well as chronic alcohol, domestic, and sexual abuse in rural towns.
7)Dioses (Gods): A dramatic film that portrays the empty lives of the Lima upper class. The heavy theme of incest could be considered unusual and at times upsetting, but the good acting, quality dialogue, and excellent cinematography make for a decent film.
8)Das de Santiago (Days of Santiago): An ex-soldier named Santiago returns to Lima after combat and finds himself lost. The young man faces unbelievable struggles back home, and it seems to him as if war was preferable alternative. The film follows him has he works as a taxi driver, enrolls in a lousy institute, and protects his abused sister-in-law. Sadly, it seems nothing can go right for him.
9)Mariposa negra (Black Butterfly): This gripping movie follows Gabriela, a school teacher seeking revenge for the murder of her fianc. Made in the 1990s, this movie is about corruption and revenge, and at times is dark but sexy.
10)La Teta Asustada (The Milk of Sorrow): Perus first Oscar nominated films deserves all the attention it received. It follows the character Fausto, a girl struggling to properly bury her mother. Set in the outskirts of Lima, the dramatic war movie has eerie Quechua melodies and a great plot.