Medellín Story:-
The documentary “The Boy from Medellin” delves into the struggles of Colombian reggaeton singer J Balvin, shedding light on his battles with mental illness. However, these poignant moments are fleeting in a narrative that intertwines footage from his past performances with his present-day challenges, often in a carefully orchestrated manner.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 2 June 2023 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Cast | Franck Gastambide, Ramzy Bedia, Anouar Toubali, Brahim Bouhlel, Raymond Cruz, Essined Aponte, Mike Tyson |
| Director | Franck Gastambide |
| Writer | Franck Gastambide, Charles Van Thieghem |
| Production | Kowloon Film |
| Certificate | 16+ |
Balvin candidly reflects on his journey to fame, recounting his early desire to escape his reality by assuming a different persona. While the documentary touches on his mental health issues and his rise from a 17-year-old aspiring musician in Medellin to an international sensation, it primarily focuses on his response to a political crisis in Colombia.
The film follows Balvin as he returns to Medellin in 2019 for a final concert amid a backdrop of social and political unrest gripping the nation. As tensions rise, Balvin faces criticism for his perceived silence on the issues affecting his country. This scrutiny leads him to question his role as an artist and his responsibility to speak out.
Director Matthew Heineman captures Balvin’s inner turmoil as he grapples with the pressure to use his platform for social change while also enjoying moments of respite with friends and family. Balvin’s struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts are briefly explored, but the documentary primarily focuses on his public image and the expectations placed on him by fans and society.
The juxtaposition of past and present footage attempts to draw parallels between Balvin’s personal struggles and the external pressures he faces. However, some moments feel contrived, particularly when Balvin’s interactions with his manager, Scooter Braun, come across as scripted.
Despite its shortcomings, “The Boy from Medellin” effectively highlights the challenges faced by artists in navigating public perception and societal expectations. Balvin’s dilemma is poignantly captured in a conversation with a friend, who remarks on the unfair scrutiny faced by artists in Colombia.
The documentary’s most compelling moments come towards the end, as Balvin confronts online critics and grapples with the decision to address a tragic event on social media. The electrifying energy of his concert serves as a stark contrast to the underlying tension and turmoil depicted throughout the film.
Ultimately, “The Boy from Medellin” offers a glimpse into the complexities of fame and the pressure placed on artists to use their platform for social change. While it falls short of fully exploring Balvin’s personal struggles, the documentary succeeds in sparking conversations about the intersection of celebrity and activism in today’s world.
