I loved this film. Not just because I'm an (ex-)Argentine but because it just works. It is delightful, thought-provoking and bittersweet. The same themes we loved in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, the destruction of innocence, the quashing of independence/individuality and the gray, foggy area of mental illness-- are all present in this fine film. Alas, most American viewers will not be familiar with the fine cast but no matter. This is a film that should be watched and enjoyed. You don't have to stick into a Hollywood pigeonhole to appreciate the fine artwork. It will leave you with that same wistful feeling that have done so many other films touching on the institutionalizing of mental patients-- with the possible exception of Harvey.

An outspoken, gifted stranger suddenly "appears" at an insane asylum, claiming to be from another planet. Each day he stands in the open yard facing southeast to receive telepathic messages from his home. His presence has a profound effect upon the psychologist who is treating him for his delusions. But is the patient REALLY delusional? Or could his extraordinary story be quite possibly true? That is the crux of "Man Facing Southeast", a remarkable apologue from Argentina concerning sanity and madness, Heaven and Hell, faith and incredulity, presented with unmitigated perspicacity and intelligence. The film never talks down to its audience, and its message is delivered with a clarity that is both subtle and stunning. Warm, touching, and inspirational, it is firmly entrenched in my personal Top Five "Favorite Films of All Time" list. Apparently first-time viewers should be certain to rent or purchase the subtitled version and NOT the English-dubbed version.

I think that the question, "Is he really from outer space?" is irrelevent to the movie--what matters is that the man, Renates, is completely foreign. It's not a feel-good movie, it's a thought-provoking movie, one that brings up the question, why is compassion so foriegn to us, and why do we fear the compassionate? Those with power (the doctors) are so afraid to lose that power that they force their subjects into a forgetful stupor and deny their humanity--just as the military under Videla and the junta tortured over 30,000 people only two decades ago. This film is a brilliant commentary on human nature and modern Argentine history.