Storyline

Santiago, capital of Chile during the Marxist government of elected, highly controversial president Salvador Allende. Father McEnroe supports his leftist views by introducing a program at the prestigious "collegio" (Catholic prep school) St. Patrick to allow free admission of some proletarian kids. One of them is Pedro Machuca, slum-raised son of the cleaning lady in Gonzalo Infante's liberal-bourgeois home. Yet the new classmates become buddies, paradoxically protesting together as Gonzalo gets adopted by Pedro's slum family and gang. But the adults spoil that too, not in the least when general Pinochet's coup ousts Allende, and supporters such as McEnroe.

Plot Keywords

death of child, mother son relationship, milk, loyalty, love triangle, fight, dictatorship, coming of age, absent mother, class conflict, childhood, bicycle, pig, raid, chile, student, friend, classmate, historical event, trauma

Short Review

Though the film would benefit from further cuts, Machuca still manages to convey the frailty of convictions and the difficulties of growing up -- be it a child or a nation.

Trailer

Streaming Service

1. Amazon Video : Prime Video, $0.00 with a Fandor trial on Prime Video Channels