Blu-ray Review: Oscar-Nominated ‘No’ Demands Your Attention

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CHICAGO – Rarely have two letters wielded more power than in Pablo Larrain’s excellent “No,” a 2013 nominee for Best Foreign Language Film and recently released on Blu-ray. Starring Gael Garcia Bernal, “No” tells the true story of how arrogance and advertising collided in Chile in 1988 to help depose a ruthless dictator. It’s a very strong drama with yet another great performance from Bernal.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

In 1988, Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet thought that the plebiscite he was calling on his leadership was merely posturing against international pressure. He had no idea that the people would actually rise up and remove him from office. To do so required courage and the changing of minds around the country, spearheaded by an advertising campaign led by the brilliant Rene Saavedra (Bernal). Larrain and his star perfectly capture the intellectual and intestinal fortitude required to pull off the near miracle that occured in Chile in 1988 and they do so with an accomplished blend of humor and the intensity of a thriller.

No was released on Blu-ray and DVD on June 25, 2013
Photo credit: Sony

Synopsis:
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 of the NO vote persuade a brash young advertising executive, Rene Saavedra (Gael Garcia Bernal), to spearhead their campaign. Against all odds, with scant resources and under scrutiny by the despot’s minions, Saavedra and his team devise an audacious plan to win the election and set Chile free.

Special Features:
o Commentary With Gael Garcia Bernal & Pablo Larrain
o Q&A With Gael Garcia Bernal

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com