Tanta Agua

Uruguayan filmmakers Ana Guevara and Leticia Jorge's Tanta Agua tells a coming of age story that centers on mending frayed family bonds. Divorced father Alberto (Nestor Guzzini) tries to make up for the time that he has been away from his children: 14-year-old Lucia (Malú Chouza) and 10-year-old Federico (Joaquin Castiglioni). Alberto takes the kids for a vacation at a hot springs resort, but heavy rains force closure, and despite Alberto's attempts to spend quality time with the kids, they're bored. Lucia, however, soon finds other children her age with whom she can hang out, and somehow even winds up in a fleeting relationship that she did not expect (and is unprepared to handle). Alfredo also finds a new friend in the resort's attractive receptionist. As for little Federico, he suffers a bike accident that quickly snaps the dysfunctional family into a cohesive union. A gentle, charming film that benefits from fine performances and some unexpected moments of light comedy, this is recommended. (P. Hall)