Wild Tales (Damián Szifron, 2015)

What's it about? Argentina's entry in the Best Foreign Film category at the 2015 Oscars was this anthology of six darkly funny shaggy dog stories, all based around the theme of revenge. So we have 2 plane passengers who realise they know the same person; a waitress who recognises a face from her past; a road rage incident; a man reacting badly when his car is towed; an accident derailing a wealthy family; and the wedding reception from hell.

Is it any good? Or more accurately 'Are they any good?' Well yes, yes they are, although one or two of the entries are a bit weaker than the others. Nevertheless, with admirable economy, each story develops its situation and characters in involving ways, taking satirical sideswipes at society, corruption, greed, love and class along the way. Each viewer will probably have their own favourite, but I particularly liked the one about the guy rebelling against the car-towing company which builds to a very satisfying climax. And because that segment stars Ricardo Darin, who makes any film 83% better. Good use of music throughout too.

Anything else I should know? I consider myself an expert on Ricardo Darin because I've seen, oh, at least 4 of his films. You could do worse than check out the 'Argentinian DeNiro' in high quality fare like Carancho, Nine Queens and the fantastic The Secret in Their Eyes.

What does the Fonz think? Revenge is definitely sweet when it's served up like this.