BAJO EL MISMO SOL BY ULISES PORRA: A MESMERIZING JOURNEY THROUGH COLONIAL HISPANIOLA
‘Bajo el mismo sol’ directed by Ulises Porra, stands out as an ambitious project within contemporary Dominican cinema. Set against the colonial backdrop of 1819, the movie tells an intimate story that unfolds moving away from grand spectacle to focus on the characters and their conflicts. A young Spanish heir, a Chinese knitter, and a Haitian deserter struggle to find their place and their humanity amid the tense cultural crossroads of the colonial Caribbean, as they embark on the ambitious venture of establishing a silk factory in the heart of the island of Hispaniola.
One of the film’s standout aspects is, without a doubt, its technical execution. The cinematography is extraordinary, with carefully composed images. The lighting, the landscapes, and the use of color all contribute to creating a hypnotic atmosphere that captivates the viewer from the very beginning. The production design also deserves recognition for its reconstruction of the historical context and its attention to detail.
The performances by David Castillo, Valentina Shen Wu, and Jean Jean add depth to their complex characters. However, ‘Bajo el mismo sol’ also has some debatable aspects. Its slow pace may make it difficult to connect immediately with the story. Some viewers may feel that the film requires a second viewing to fully understand certain narrative elements.
The sound design is another of the film’s great strengths. The soundscape enriches the experience and helps immerse the audience in the natural and social environment in which the story unfolds.
‘Bajo el mismo sol’ is a visually stunning film that confirms the growth of Dominican cinema and the ability of its filmmakers to achieve a high technical and artistic standard. Although its pacing may not be accessible to everyone, the film stands out for its technical aspects and the depth of its characters. I find it to be an interesting contribution to the current film landscape.
Words by @joaquinxbc