It is always kind of magic to see a short film so well made, even though it is not uncommon. Still, seeing photography and music as competent as beautiful is a pleasure that will never be taken for granted. Ilustrating a tale about a passionate couple and their often conflicting desires, sound and image make the brief, but profound story, much more engaging.
In only 9 minutes, "The Story of 90 Coins" explores months, maybe years of a couple. At first, they are gloomy. He is so in love with her that he wants to forget the world and marry her. She, on the other side of the coin, is not on the same page, but also not completely closed to the idea. Out of this bittersweet disagreement, something unique is born. For 90 days, each day, he will give her a coin. If she wants to marry him by the end of it, they will use the money for the marriage certificate; if not, they will use it to buy a couple of drinks and say goodbye.
An interesting premise, indeed, and a very well told one, too. Between well conceived organic flashbacks, the story moves forward while remembering the past always. They are together and living their everyday lives, but their shared story is still there as an ever present ghost. At first as something nostalgic, the base of their love, and later as a haunting sting from the past, one that reminds of tragedy and unhappiness.
Also ever present is the narration. This is never a problem, for it does not over-expose anything or interferes with the visual narrative. For this exact reason, I never thought I would complain about exposition in a film that avoids it so well for the greatest part of its duration. If not for a title card, it would have avoided it entirely.
This is one example of movie that has its achievements stained by one single scene, one unfortunate enough to be at the ending. Being there, it projects meaning and purpose to everything that came before. Sadly, the title card is not only cheap exposition following a very well crafted narrative, but also a moralist, simple conclusion to a good story. After being surprised more than once, I finished "The Story of 90 Coins" mildly disappointed.
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