Plot Analysis Summary
A structural breakdown of the 1997 Argentine film's development, setting, themes, and industry impact.
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Production & Cast Foundation
The film is established through a strategic partnership between Argentina Sono Film and Telefé. Key creative personnel, including directors and writers, are introduced alongside the primary cast and antagonist actors.
Key Events
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Production Partnership Established — Argentina Sono Film collaborates with Telefé for the project.
Location: Production Studio
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Director and Writers Introduced — Juan Bautista Stagnaro directs with co-writer Matías Stagnaro.
Location: Creative Office
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Lead Cast Announced — Diego Torres, Laura Novoa, and Luis Brandoni secure main roles.
Location: Casting Room
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Antagonist Roles Assigned — Mauricio Dayub, Rubén Stella, Pepe Novoa, and Damián De Santo join as villains.
Location: Casting Room
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Special Appearances Noted — Osvaldo Santoro, Claudio Rissi, and Rodolfo Ranni add guest performances.
Location: Ensemble Roster
Filming & Thematic Setup
Principal photography takes place in Misiones Province along the Argentina-Paraguay border. The narrative framework develops around political corruption and suspected drug trafficking operations.
Key Events
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Special Appearances Noted — Osvaldo Santoro, Claudio Rissi, and Rodolfo Ranni add guest performances.
Location: Ensemble Roster
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Screenplay Development Process — The Stagnaro brothers draft the final script based on Carlos Luis Mentasti's concept.
Location: Writing Room
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Primary Filming Location Identified — Production selects the border region for eighty percent of shooting.
Location: Misiones Province
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Border Region Setting Established — The international boundary becomes the central narrative backdrop.
Location: Argentina-Paraguay Border
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Political Corruption Theme Introduced — Storylines explore governmental misconduct and abuse of power.
Location: Narrative Space
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Drug Trafficking Suspicions Raised — Illicit trade operations emerge as a core plot driver.
Location: Narrative Space
Release & Audience Reception
The movie premieres with strong network backing from Telefé. It quickly captures massive viewership, becoming one of the highest-rated Argentine films of the 1990s.
Key Events
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Drug Trafficking Suspicions Raised — Illicit trade operations emerge as a core plot driver.
Location: Narrative Space
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International Boundary Context — Cross-border dynamics shape the unfolding criminal investigations.
Location: Border Zone
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Renowned Argentine Artists Participate — Established performers join the ensemble to elevate the production.
Location: Production Set
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Film Release Announcement — Official premiere date is confirmed for theatrical distribution.
Location: Cinema Market
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Telefé Broadcast Support Secured — Television network provides full promotional backing for the release.
Location: Network Office
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High Audience Ratings Achieved — Film captures massive viewership, ranking among the decade's top hits.
Location: Box Office
Industry Impact & Competition
A direct competitor, 'Comodines', launches on Canal Trece. Both productions dominate the yearly ratings, successfully driving public support for the national cinema industry.
Key Events
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High Audience Ratings Achieved — Film captures massive viewership, ranking among the decade's top hits.
Location: Box Office
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1990s Cinema Milestone Marked — Recognized as a significant achievement in national film history.
Location: Cultural Landscape
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Direct Competitor Identified — Rival production 'Comodines' launches as a direct market challenger.
Location: Media Industry
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Competitor Production Details — Alternative film backed by Canal Trece enters the competitive landscape.
Location: Pol-Ka Producciones
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Channel Rivalry Context — Telefé and Canal Trece compete fiercely for yearly audience dominance.
Location: Broadcast Landscape
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Argentine Cinema Support Incentivized — Public enthusiasm successfully drives broader support for local productions.
Location: National Film Industry
The life of federal judge Raúl Lombardi and his journalist son, Marcos, changes forever when they become entangled in a web of corruption and drug trafficking involving law enforcement officers, judges, and other high-ranking officials.