6.6 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Che Rivera, a reformed ex-convict and recovering alcoholic, is now a respected man throughout the Mission district of San Francisco. Che has worked hard to redeem his life and do right by his pride and joy: his only son, Jesse, whom he has raised on his own after the death of his wife. Che's path to redemption is tested, however, when he discovers Jesse is gay.
Starring: Benjamin Bratt, Jeremy Ray Valdez, Max Rosenak, Erika Alexander, Talisa SotoDrama | 100% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English: Dolby Digital 5.1
English, Spanish
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (C untested)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Thomas Wolfe contributed a memorable phrase to the American lexicon when his posthumously published 1940 novel You Can’t Go Home Again debuted. The saying pithily summarizes the realization that the halcyon days of youth, that amber and/or rose-colored haze of memory, is more apt than not to end in disappointment and despair should actual locales be visited. The Bratt Brothers, writer-director Peter and his more famous elder sibling, actor Benjamin, obviously couldn’t care less about Wolfe’s warning, as they have structured their 2008 film La Mission (which they also co-produced) around their childhood neighborhood of San Francisco’s Mission District. The Bratts may indeed have their rose-colored glasses on with regard to the overarching portrayal of this region, but they also don’t shy away from some of the individual warts and boils, especially with regard to Benjamin’s character, Che Rivera (based on a real life buddy of the Bratts, who contributes some commentary in the one supplement included on this Blu-ray), an ex-con former alcoholic of brooding machismo who glories in his “low rider” rebuilt 1942 Chevy coupe, as well as the academic excellence of his son, Jes (Jeremy Ray Valdez). That relative peace and harmony on the domestic front is turned upside down and emotionally inside out when Che discovers Jes is gay. What plays out over the ensuing drama is frankly at times akin to a very special Lifetime movie, or a Hallmark Channel special with some nasty language and violence thrown in for good measure. Along with some stereotypical situations and less than convincing dialogue, however, there’s an honesty to La Mission which can’t easily be denied or forgotten, and it’s that aspect that gives the film its emotional resonance and power, despite its failings.
Benjamin Bratt stars as Che Rivera.
La Mission is offered in a nicely burnished, amber-hued glow courtesy of DP Hiro Narita, who captures both the sheen and grit of San Francisco in general and the Mission District in particular. The Blu-ray's AVC encoded 1080p image (1.78:1) supports this vision extremely well, with every crevass and gray hair on Bratt's face revealed in very sharp detail. Colors are also extremely bold throughout this piece, with everything from the gorgeously painted low rider cars to the evocative Aztec costumes worn by some shamans toward the end of the film bursting with brilliantly saturated color. Depth of field is also exceptional in the many outdoor scenes, helping to create a very immersive visual experience. Grain is natural looking, more noticeable in night shots than day, but giving the film a nice texture and depth. There are a couple of brief instances of shimmer on such items as grates and fences, but those were the only artifacts in an otherwise excellent video presentation.
Even better is La Mission's nicely robust lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Though a lot of this film is "kitchen sink drama," comprised of smaller dialogue scenes, the overall soundfield is amped up by the almost constant use of source music, which fills the surrounds and makes ample use of a thumping low end. There are some nice, if subtle, ambient effects as Che walks through various city streets, and the rumble of the low rider cars is presented with some effective LFE. Dialogue is crisp and clear, with some (but not all) of the Spanish dialogue featuring embedded English subtitles. While this is by its very nature an up close and personal dramatic film without a lot of opportunities for aural magnificence, La Mission's soundtrack is well detailed, extremely well recorded, and perfectly rendered here on this Blu-ray.
A pretty good HD supplement called The Music of 'La Mission' (18:01) is presented, offering some insights into the heady mix of Tejano, rhythm and blues, rap and even ethnic Aztec music incorporated into the film. What really makes this an interesting featurette, though, is the inclusion of the "real" Che, the man on whom the Bratt brothers based their character.
Anyone who's had a rocky relationship with their parents will find something of their own experience in La Mission. But this film also paints a loving portrait of an entire neighborhood, one whose economic and familial dysfunctions can't ultimately harm its vibrant heart. If the film falters occasionally, especially in the screenplay, there's an abundance of emotion and some really superior acting here which overcomes these failings. Looking and sounding fantastic on Blu-ray, La Mission is recommended.
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