Lo Mejor Es Reir Review: A Forgotten Gem That Still Sparkles?

If you're someone who loves old films, especially those with a certain innocent charm, Lo mejor es reir might be a delightful surprise. This one is absolutely worth watching if you're in the mood for something genuinely sweet and a little silly. It’s perfect for a quiet afternoon when you just want to smile. However, if you prefer fast-paced, modern humor, or anything with a cynical edge, you’ll probably find this a bit too quaint, maybe even boring. It’s definitely not for everyone, but for its niche, it’s a treat. 🎭

A Journey of Giggles and Misunderstandings

The film essentially follows a spirited young woman, played by Imperio Argentina, as she tries to make her mark in the big city. She dreams of the stage, of course. Everything feels so earnest, you can’t help but root for her. It’s a very simple setup, really.

There's this one scene early on where she arrives, suitcase in hand, looking utterly bewildered by the bustling street. The way she clutches her hat, almost losing it in a gust of wind, feels so real. You just know she's fresh off the train from somewhere much quieter. It's a small detail, but it sells her character immediately.

Then we meet her love interest, or at least one of them, played by José Brujó. He’s got this wonderfully awkward charm. I particularly remember a bit where he tries to impress her by 'accidentally' dropping his hat, then struggling to pick it up gracefully. It goes on a bit too long, but it makes you laugh. 😂

Marguerite Moreno, as the stern but secretly kind landlady, absolutely steals a few moments. Her withering glances are priceless. There’s a scene where she catches our heroine practicing her singing in the hallway, and the expression on Moreno's face? Classic. You can almost feel her trying to decide if she should scold her or secretly enjoy it.

The plot, such as it is, revolves around a misunderstanding involving a lost letter and a mix-up at a theatre. It's not groundbreaking stuff, not at all. But it’s handled with such a light touch. It never feels heavy, even when things are going wrong for our main character.

One odd thing I noticed: the crowd scenes in the market square. They have this kind of... sparse quality. Like, half the extras wandered off for a coffee break. It doesn't quite detract from the charm, but it's noticeable. Maybe they just didn't have a huge budget for background artists.

The Charm of Imperio Argentina

Imperio Argentina, wow. She just lights up the screen. Her singing numbers are the real heart of the film. There's one song, I think it’s called "La Vida Es Una Fiesta," that's just so infectious. Her energy is incredible. You can see why she was a star. Her smile is genuine, and her eyes really sparkle. It's not just acting; she feels like she is that hopeful young woman.

The film has this gentle pacing that might frustrate some viewers. Things don't rush. The camera often lingers on faces, letting you take in the reactions. Sometimes it feels a little too leisurely. Like, the scene where she's deciding what dress to wear for her audition. It goes on about 15 seconds too long, and the silence starts to feel a little awkward, not emotional. But then, maybe that's part of its unique rhythm.

It's interesting how the film uses silence sometimes. In a comedy, you expect constant chatter or music. But here, there are these quiet beats. It's not always effective. Sometimes it works, adding a moment of reflection. Other times, it just feels like the actors are waiting for their cue. A bit uneven, sure.

I found myself thinking about The Smiling Lieutenant a little bit while watching this. Not because they're exactly alike, but they share a similar kind of lighthearted musicality and focus on romantic entanglements. This one feels a bit more grounded, though.

There's a moment near the end where everything comes together, and it's just so satisfying. Not in a big, dramatic way, but in a quiet, happy one. The final shot, with everyone laughing, feels earned. It's not some grand statement; it’s just a nice feeling. 😌

Little Things I Noticed:

• The costumes for the city folk are wonderfully detailed, even if the background sets are sometimes a bit plain.
• A very peculiar dog makes a cameo in three different scenes, always just wandering into the shot. Was it intentional? Who knows.
• The sound quality for some of the dialogue is surprisingly good for its age, but then the music suddenly sounds a little muffled.
• One reaction shot from Carlos San Martín's character, after a particularly bad joke, lingers so long it becomes quite funny. His face just says, "Really?"

Overall, Lo mejor es reir isn’t a perfect film, not by a long shot. It has its slow spots, and some of the humor hasn’t aged flawlessly. But it’s got this undeniable heart. It genuinely believes in the power of a good laugh and a hopeful spirit. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need. It’s a gentle reminder that joy, especially when shared, is a powerful thing. Give it a watch if you’re looking for a simple, sweet escape. You might just find yourself smiling. 😊