No (2012)

No Poster

In 1988, Chilean military dictator Augusto Pinochet, due to international pressure, is forced to call a plebiscite on his presidency. The country will vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to Pinochet extending his rule for another eight years. Opposition leaders for the ‘No’ vote persuade a brash young advertising executive, René Saavedra, to spearhead their campaign. Against all odds, with scant resources and while under scrutiny by the despot’s minions, Saavedra and his team devise an audacious plan to win the election and set Chile free.

Film Overview
"No" is a Chilean historic drama movie released in 2012. Directed by Pablo Larraín and composed by Pedro Peirano, the film is based on the unpublished play "El Plebiscito", written by Antonio Skármeta. The story is embeded in 1988 and focuses on the nationwide referendum in Chile that decided the fate of the nation's military dictator, General Augusto Pinochet. The movie is kept in mind for its unique blending of fictional aspects with historical occasions, and it uses a mix of expert stars together with individuals who were associated with the real occasions.

Plot Summary
The movie follows the story of René Saavedra (Gael García Bernal), a successful advertising executive who goes back to Chile after a duration of exile. Saavedra is co-opted by the opposition to head the "No" project, which looks for to deny Pinochet another 8 years in power. The campaign deals with a wide range of challenges, including limited resources, government analysis, and the prevalent worry of political injustice.

Amid these problems, Saavedra embraces an unconventional technique for political marketing. Instead of concentrating on the atrocities dedicated by Pinochet's routine, Saavedra chooses to take a more favorable approach. He uses pleasant marketing methods, slogans, and a rainbow logo-- the sign of hope-- to stimulate delight and optimism amongst the Chilean population. The catchphrase "Chile, la alegría ya viene" (Chile, delight is coming) ends up being the centerpiece of the project.

The campaign's positive tone is met with suspicion by some members of the union, who feel that the gravity of the political circumstance is being trivialized. However, Saavedra's techniques begin to resound with the citizens, and the "No" project gains traction, eventually culminating in a historic triumph for the opposition. The referendum leads to 56% of the population voting "No", thereby ending Pinochet's 17-year rule and restoring democracy to Chile.

Stylistic Elements
"No" is differentiated by its unique visual design; the film is shot with U-matic camera from the 1980s to blend flawlessly with archival video from the era. This technique offers the movie an authentic, period-appropriate appearance, further immersing the audience in the historic context.

Themes and Reception
The movie touches on a variety of styles, consisting of the power of media in shaping political consciousness, the role of advertising in modern society, and the dispute between ethical obligations and personal ambition. It highlights the transformation of a social movement into a valuable brand and questions the morality of such commodification.

"No" got crucial praise for its direction, performances, and innovative storytelling. It was applauded for its non-didactic approach to a complex political subject and its ability to convey a message of hope through a narrative that is both amusing and thought-provoking. The film won the Art Cinema Award at the Cannes Film Festival and was Chile's entry for the very best Foreign Language Film at the 85th Academy Awards.

Cultural Impact
"No" has been acknowledged not just for its cinematic achievements but also for its impact on the way modern campaigns are run. It has ended up being a point of referral for how imagination and optimism can be utilized to produce political modification, motivating activists and advocates across the globe.

As a cinematic document, "No" stands as an engaging chronicle of a turning point in Chilean history, while likewise using a universal tale about the battle for democracy and human rights. Through its interesting story and ingenious discussion, the movie continues to resonate with audiences and encourages a more comprehensive dialogue about the intersection of politics, media, and the human spirit.

Top Cast

  • Gael García Bernal (small)
    Gael García Bernal
    René Saaverdra
  • Alfredo Castro (small)
    Alfredo Castro
    Lucho Guzmán
  • Néstor Cantillana (small)
    Néstor Cantillana
    Fernando
  • Luis Gnecco (small)
    Luis Gnecco
    Urrutia
  • Antonia Zegers (small)
    Antonia Zegers
    Verónica
  • Jaime Vadell (small)
    Jaime Vadell
    Minister Fernández
  • Diego Muñoz (small)
    Diego Muñoz
    Carlos
  • Alejandro Goic (small)
    Alejandro Goic
    Ricardo
  • Marcial Tagle (small)
    Marcial Tagle
    Alberto Arancibia
  • Manuela Oyarzún (small)
    Manuela Oyarzún
    Sandra
  • Elsa Poblete
    Carmen