Whisky Romeo Zulú (2005)

Simply A Masterpiece

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

I've seen WRZ by Enrique Pineyro (whom I know from the Airline Pilots Assn. and I can say, being a retired airline Captain that what he depicts is real.My own experience shows the same acts of persecution and the same means of doing so but on another airline.In my case I was writing against my comrades who contributed with taking the airline to bankrupt when privatized.Saving the long distances between Enrique's reports which ended in the accident, many of the circumstances I lived personally till I retired.I think it is a very good and realistic film.Alejandro

First, sorry for my poor English, as it is not my native language. The movie is a rare gem in Argentine filmography. Thrillers, action and movies that are mainly on complex machines are not typically filmed or produced by Latin American countries, even when the subject of the movie may have taken place in these latitudes (Alive! was filmed by Canadians in Canada on an epic true story that took place in the Argentinian-Chilean Andes). So, this is a denounce of the epidemic corruption in the Argentina of the 90', told by the man that plays as himself and revives for us some of the same ordeals he lived in real life when he was an airline captain. THIS is the unique thing about this movie. It is very well done, and as pilot, I can tell that the technical side is perfect. No cheap or even expensive mock ups. All is real. The simulator sessions are simulator sessions, and the airborne scenes are filmed during real flying in the cockpit (except a passenger cabin short scene, that I read was filmed in a crew training mock up). Excellent photography that immerse the spectator in places that earth bound mortals do not usually visit. No wonder why this movie won so many prizes: apart from the political and critical intentions, it is a good example that excellent products of this kind can be made without zillions.

General Impressions: "Whisky Romeo Zulu" is a most unusual and interesting film. Based on true events, it was directed and acted out by the very man who went through the real experiences portrayed in the film. The film demonstrates a director with absolute and total control over his storyline and camera. The camera-work and script are impeccable, the acting and dialogue superb. Expertly paced by its director, the film is a beautiful and terrible ode to the difficulty of ethical professionalism in a third world capitalistic society like that of Argentina. The pace is deliberately slow and very effective. The tension in the storyline builds progressively and evenly as character development happens, all in a very naturalistic way. We are brought into the "pilot's world". We experience what the central character experiences in a very voyeuristic way. This is extremely effective to build pathos and in the end we can't help but identify with the main character's conflict. This reviewer was blown out of the water by this incredible film. Four stars in my book. One of the best films I have seen in 2004. The Story: Enrique Piñeyro plays a pilot for a discount Argentinean carrier who, due to the pressures of capitalistic expansion, constantly flies unsafe passenger planes that violate flight regulations. Upon being promoted to full captain, Piñeyro begins head on collisions with these risky practices and those who let them take place. He stands by his convictions that unsafe planes shouldn't be flown, that people's lives shouldn't be gambled with. The company's management, irked by this sharp troublemaker, begins pressuring him to go along with the illegal practices. They use coercion and pressure at first and later move up their tactics to long suspensions and the threat of dismissal. On a parallel to Piñeyro's story is the story of a federal investigator heading a very serious investigation into the root problems of the aviation industry in Argentina. Somewhere along the plot the viewer notices that a sharp insider like Piñeyro would be the ideal witness this investigator needs to bring about an effective case against the cronyism and illegal practices plaguing the industry. This indeed happens and all hell breaks loose for LAPA airlines. This is an extremely interesting and naturalistic thriller that is both a celebration of good professionalism and a beautiful homage to the life of an airplane pilot.Notes on acting and technique: The ensemble of actors in this film is 100%. The best I have seen so far this year. Another feat of this film is that every actor looks the part he or she plays. Nobody has more glamor than they should have. You buy everyone's performance. Piñeyro is excellent as the conflicted central character. He is the definition of cool control and quiet suffering. His friend and co-pilot "Gordo" is very good as well, as is the woman and the investigator. In fact, this may be one of the best casting jobs in a film I have ever seen. Everybody fits their parts incredibly well and snugly. Furthermore, the technique isn't in your face. It is extremely calculated and very effective. This director knows how to use his camera.Moral Values and Age Restrictions: Film tackles head on the dangers of unmitigated capitalism and how rules must be in place to harness the impetus to make capital the most important guiding principle of our lives. The film offers a humanistic central character, one with principles that he considers more important than maximum profit. Safety, not gambling with people's lives as a cost-cutting measure, is the most important thing for him. Given the environment in which he lives, things become hard for him. Yet, the film is a victory of his moral values as the company is eventually brought down by him and the government investigator. This is a singular story as it portrays a struggle that sealed the director's fate as the pilot whom he portrays in the film. He probably doesn't have another story like this in his life to make a film about. This may very well be his "Citizen Kane" as it is his first directorial effort and it will be one difficult to top off. I can't recommend this film enough!!!

I had the pleasure of seeing this film at the Bahamas Film Festival and was truly amazed by this film. It is an autobiographical retelling of Enrique Pineyro's (Director/Writer/Lead Actor) real-life experience as a whistle blower against the corrupt corporate and government practices regarding airline safety and regulation in Argentina. It is a brave and extraordinarily powerful story. Pineyro beautifully depicts his love for flying. As a pilot, Pineyro faced unbelievable pressure to perform under duress with poorly functioning planes and an administration more concerned with the bottom line, then the safety of its human cargo. Both lyrical and troubling the film weaves in and out of Pineyro's experience which culminates in the sad aftermath of the famous LAPA plane crash of '99 in Buenos Aires, which Pineyro himself predicted, resulting in the deaths of 37 people. Pineyro's story is fascinating. The cinematography and score is simply captivating, and the performances by all are top notch. His ability as a director and an actor is incredible. I beseech you all to see this film. Bravo Enrique.