This's a sad yet interesting documentary that really grabbed my attention. The story's about a kid named Basilio who works in the mines with his brother Bernardino in the city of Potosi. Despite only being 14 and 12 they have to work in order to support their mom who still lives in the mountains to this day. What makes this interesting is that the miners believe that the devil known as "Tio" controls the mines due to the amount of deaths inside the mines. In order to appease it they compile offerings to the statue they worship.
In spite of the churches attempts to console them, the miners continue to believe that Christ has no power in the mines. If anything the priest himself laments that when he looked into the miner's faces he "saw Christ dying". It's pretty sad seeing what these miners have to go through. From working in cramped, unhealthy conditions to almost dying from a explosive due to not being warned before hand. The cinematography's great. The shots of the city and the ceremony were cool to look at. There's a sense of dread and hopelessness looming over the entire movie which makes sense as Basilio feels like he's trapped.
As sad as this scenario is there is a silver lining: Baisilio now only works 3 times a week in the mines, is studying tourism and is now a tour guide in the mines, Bernardino now married still works full time but is studying in the evening. They no longer live on the mountain which's good because they now have a future. The Devil's Miner's a great documentary that doesn't hold its punches on how bleak things can be. If you like documentaries and are learning spanish I suggest you check this movie out.
In spite of the churches attempts to console them, the miners continue to believe that Christ has no power in the mines. If anything the priest himself laments that when he looked into the miner's faces he "saw Christ dying". It's pretty sad seeing what these miners have to go through. From working in cramped, unhealthy conditions to almost dying from a explosive due to not being warned before hand. The cinematography's great. The shots of the city and the ceremony were cool to look at. There's a sense of dread and hopelessness looming over the entire movie which makes sense as Basilio feels like he's trapped.
As sad as this scenario is there is a silver lining: Baisilio now only works 3 times a week in the mines, is studying tourism and is now a tour guide in the mines, Bernardino now married still works full time but is studying in the evening. They no longer live on the mountain which's good because they now have a future. The Devil's Miner's a great documentary that doesn't hold its punches on how bleak things can be. If you like documentaries and are learning spanish I suggest you check this movie out.