El Secreto De Sus Ojos (aka The Secret In Their Eyes) (2009)

A former and now retired legal counselor (Ricardo Darin) attempts to write a novel based on a brutal rape and murder case that he was involved in 25 years ago, a case where justice was never fully completed. He assists the help of a judge (Soledad Villamil), who he's always been in love with, for her advice. But the writing of the novel brings back painful memories of love, political corruption and eventually ... a promise fulfilled. The winner of the 2009 best foreign language Oscar (it's from Argentina), this is an impressive film. It sneaks up on you because it starts off as a mystery as authorities attempt to track down a killer but slowly reveals itself to be more than a thriller as it imparts an almost melancholy characteristic as the protagonist's search goes beyond finding a murderer. It's title is apt and that "secret" in the eyes provides more than just one clue. Directed by Juan Jose Campanella who co-wrote the screenplay with Eduardo Sacheri, who wrote the novel the film is based on. With fine supporting work from Pablo Rago as the murder victim's husband and Guillermo Francella as Darin's alcoholic confidante.