The Secret Nation
The Secret Nation

Movie spotlight

The Secret Nation

1989
Movie
122 min
Spanish

Sebastian Mamani returns to his Aymara community from which he was expelled long ago. He is carrying the great mask of death, he must dance 'til death.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes55%
Metacritic62/100
Google Users70%
Director: Arthur PennGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

In the midst of World War II, a young American soldier is captured by the Germans and forced to interrogate his own countrymen. He must grapple with his conscience and survival as he navigates the moral complexities of war and collaboration. The film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the psychological toll of conflict.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The Secret Nation' received a mixed to positive reception from critics. While some praised its intense performances and morally ambiguous narrative, others found its pacing uneven and its themes somewhat heavy-handed. Audiences were also divided, with some appreciating its dramatic depth and others finding it too bleak.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for strong lead performances and a compelling moral dilemma.

  • Criticized by some for a slow pace and overly somber tone.

  • Seen as an earnest, albeit flawed, examination of wartime ethics.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's dramatic conflict and the performances, with many finding it a thought-provoking war drama. However, some viewers felt the movie was too grim and lacked a satisfying resolution.

Fun Fact

The film was originally intended to be a theatrical release but was ultimately released direct-to-video in many regions.

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