Nine Queens (2000) Nueve Reinas

Directed by Fabin Bielinsky

Starring Gastn Pauls, Ricardo Darn, Leticia Brdice

Nine Queens is a taut well constructed crime drama that without the odd social comment could easily be from anywhere. The performances are good; the editing slick and the plot holds the viewers attention right to the end without the need for heavy violence, car chases, gunfights or explosions. Further than that it has a lot to say regarding the nature of people and how very easily any of us can be fooled. 

A young small-time con artist (Juan) tries to pull the same scam twice in a shop, second time around he gets caught out. A police detective who is also in the shop takes control of the situation and leaves with the Juan in tow.

The detective had been watching Juan and once clear of the shop reveals that he too is a fake, another confidence trickster (Marcos) but a far more experienced one. He convinces Juan to become his partner though its a very temporary arrangement, they agree to give it just one day to see how they get on together.

It doesnt take long before Juan realises that Marcos has absolutely no scruples at all, he has second thoughts about the partnership but then a telephone call changes everything.

A con has been set up by another shyster but due to ill health he is unable to complete it, a scam to sell forged stamps (the Nine Queens of the title) to a multi-millionaire who has to leave Buenos Aires the next day. The prize is too big to be ignored for these small-time crooks and Marcos with Juan in tow takes control of the situation.

From then on the pair face increasing problems in their attempt to complete the scam of the century, one big problem is Marcoss sister who happens to work in the hotel where the deal must be completed. There is certainly no love lost between these siblings, she believes that Marcos has conned her and a younger brother out of their inheritance and threatens to contact the police each time she sees him near the hotel.

Twists and turns abound during the film, Juan doesnt trust Marcos, in fact nobody trusts Marcos (and for good reason) but they eventually manage to contact the intended victim and get the deal rolling. There are many more twists that carry right through to the end credits plus a few surprises along the way; the finale certainly gives you food for thought.

Certain aspects of life in Buenos Aires are highlighted, from the pretty high level of street crime to the children who make a living selling religious style cards on trains. This does bring up one wonderful moment, Juan is travelling by train when one of these boys goes around leaving a card with each passenger, if the passengers want the cards they put out a small amount of money for it, if not they just leave the card. Juan takes the card and leaves a $10 note on one knee and a toy car on his other, the boy hesitates but eventually opts for the money, Juan calls the boy back and gives him the car. The boy who had looked drained of life smiles, his face beaming, a simple gift but one that means a great deal to the boy.

There is also a serious crisis at a bank in the film and strangely this story was replicated in real life soon after with thousands of customers seeing their life savings dwindle to virtually nothing. Strange how life sometimes imitates art.

Recommended viewing, definitely worth a rental at least. 

Cheers Trev

BBFC rated 15

R2 dvd released by Optimum Releasing, extras include a behind the scenes doc with some interesting info on how the film was funded.