The Romance of Aniceto and Francisca

Leonardo Favio's 1967 Argentine film follows Aniceto, living alone in the provinces. When Francisca gives him her love he cannot carry it; he takes up with another woman and the lives of all three come apart. The film does not explain feeling. Aniceto does not speak or give his reasons; the narrative shows behaviour and passes no judgement. Cockfighting scenes recur as an element within it. It was shot in black and white and cut in short takes. Federico Luppi appears in one of his first roles. The film is counted as a turning point in Argentine cinema, and the director remade the same story years later. Who it's for: those who like the history of Latin American cinema and plain storytelling. Who it's not for: viewers disturbed by animal fighting; the film shows it directly.