'The Secret In Their Eyes' (El Secreto de sus ojos)

'The Secret In Their Eyes' (El Secreto de sus ojos) (R) ***

Writers: Juan Jose Campenella and Eduardo Sacheri based on his novel
Director: Juan Jose Campenella
Starring: Ricardo Darin, Soledad Villamil, Pablo Rago, Guillermo Francella, Javier Godino

"The Secret In Their Eyes", the 2009 winner of the Best Foreign Film Academy Award, is a dreamy thriller that plays much better as a love story. This is a carefully constructed thriller that has strong characters so we care what happens to them. Ricardo Darin plays a State prosecution investigator and judge who is trying to solve an unresolved murder that has spanned 25 years. He reconnects with his former colleague and judge played by Soledad Villamil who is very beautiful. The film then delves into flashbacks showing us their past relationship and the murder case that still hasn't been resolved in 25 years. I don't think the murder case is the point and purpose of this movie since I knew pretty much everything that was going to happen. The movie's strength is in the love story and it is very poignant. I would love to see the movie a second time and just concentrate on the love story. This movie to me seems too dreamy but that could be another strength, the movie pulls you in. This is a very great looking couple and the movie is strong when it pretty much teases the two main characters that they need to wake up and fall back in love. The movie is really about the journey the investigator takes to find closure in his life and in the murder case. The performances are top notch and the direction is hypnotic. There is also some funny moments involving the inspector and his partner played by Guillermo Francella. This movie is a much more compelling movie than fellow nominee "The White Ribbon" which I found pompous. I think it deserved to win the award but I would be interested in seeing the three other nominees. "The Secret In Their Eyes' is very good film making and a satisfying and intricate thriller that strives when dealing with lost love that is found again.