Customer Reviews

Secret of the Andes

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This movie is a fantasy about a supposed ancient relec that enables one to see into the future. I think it is a good example of how the Church's priest tried to maintain his faith while at the same time understanding the "primitive" superstitions of many of the local people in Bolivia/Peru. Diana learns some of the local folklore and finds the artifact and uses it to help her dad save his expedition from being shut down for lack of funding. One would probably have to watch the movie several times to understand all the spiritual implications. It is a kid's movie, so the story isn't that great, but it gives parents a good opportunity to discuss spiritual matters with their children.

It would be difficult to formulate a coherent film composed of the disparate elements that the director and others obviously felt obliged to include within this scenario, but a worthy attempt is made, only falling apart after the first half. A Pre-Columbian ceremonial disc, golden and bejewelled, has been split asunder, and while one half is displayed in a New York City museum's permanent collection, the other segment has become the subject of a search expedition to an Andean region, under the aegis of American archaeologist Brooks Willings (David Keith), who is obsessed with bringing about its recovery. His wife and daughter have remained in New York but when young Diana (Camilla Belle) has become a disciplinary problem in her school, the two join Brooks in the Andean village where his expedition is based, his wife hoping to correct Diana's behavioural distress, only to be burdened by additional plights originating from their new situation. Continuity falters at this point as Diana becomes enmeshed in village mystic rites, Brooks and his wife (played ably by Nancy Allen) fall into serious marital discord, a Catholic priest, portrayed with humour by John Rhys-Davies is tormented by local cultists, the expedition has developed personnel and funding shortages, et alia, - too many threads to be woven into an accomplished storyline. To solve its many self-imposed conundra, the work lapses into inane fantasy, including silly special effects, as a facile resolution. Keith is wooden, manifestly uninspired by his role, but Belle is effective and the timing of Rhys-Davies is deserving of study, while acting laurels go to the superb East Indian Roshan Seth, who easily dominates each of his scenes in the part of a shaman with extraordinary wisdom and magical powers. Shot in northern Argentina's scenic province of Salta, the picture benefits from both the cinematography of Maximo Munzi and the faithfully ethnic scoring of Luis Bacalov; if only a way had been seen to strengthen the stuttering scenario.

This is a hauntingly enigmatic film set in the mystic culture and scenery of the andes and it's beautiful indiginous people. You can inhale the scent of south america, it's intricate society based on family love and wholesome values with a deep spiritual underpinning. A beautifully woven tale of each person's value in society and their basic need to find and fullfill their own detsiny and the true power that lies within themselves as they realise their own life lessons. A quest for materialism, power and pride quickly dissolves as the children delve deeper into the true heart and soul of their quest which is eternal and true.

Although Secret of the Andes suffered from a badly developed story and the acting was generaly bad, the wonderful scenery and uplifting music had me watching it again and again.

If this story were not so off-the-wall and the main girl not so obnoxious, it might have worked. As it is, it's just weird and annoying. Don't get this movie.