I'm not sure I liked this film by the talented, and versatile Argentine film director, Juan Jose Campanella, as much as his other pictures and television work. On the one hand, this is a love story between Laura and Jorge, seen through about twenty years of history of the country. They meet, they fall in love, they break up when Laura finds out about Jorge's betrayal. Then years go by and they are reunited for what appears to be for keeps. It is a love story that takes the viewer through different periods of recent Argentine history that sometimes has nothing to do with what the lovers are experiencing at any one of those turbulent times.For a moment, we thought this was going to be another account of the "dirty war", but lo and behold, it is basically not so. The story takes place at the headquarters of a magazine, with a format much like the New Yorker. Jorge contributes short stories that blend well within the content of the publication. It is a left of center periodical with a political slant, something that probably was not appreciated by the military regime, in power at the beginning of the story. Basically it is the tale about two young people, that loving each other so much, it's inconceivable how their romance fizzles. Jorge, a struggling writer, has a lot to say, but unfortunately, he is not given the opportunity to do so. Laura eventually finds her own voice and goes on her own after the traumatic breakup.Juan Jose Campanella is a director that works well with his leading man, Ricardo Darin, one of the best actors from that country working in films today. Director and actor clearly understand what is demanded from each other and the film is a tribute to their collaboration. The screen play owes a lot to both Mr. Campanella and Fernando Castets. The cinematographer, Daniel Shulman, has worked with the director before. His take of Buenos Aires is a city that comes alive after dark. The soundtrack by Emilio Kauderer is pleasant and blends well with the action.Laura Villamil, who plays Laura, is a gorgeous creature. She projects intelligence and wit. Under the director's guidance she gives a good performance. Same could be said about Ricardo Darin, a welcome addition to any film. This actor makes us think his Jorge Pellegrini is real. Eduardo Blanco has worked for Mr. Campanella before. His Roberto is kind of a goofy guy with the heart in the right place. The late Ulises Dumont gives a marvelous reading to his tragic Marquez. Others in the cast are Rodrigo Dela Serna, Alicia Zanca and Alfonso DeGracia, among the supporting roles.

I don't know if somebody noticed it before, but, El mismo amor, la misma lluvia, is almost a remake of a Brazilian film, from the sixties, called "Todas as mulheres do mundo"(All the Women in the World) by Domingos Oliveira (1966). A comedy that perpetuates the talent and charm of Leila Diniz, who died prematurely in a plane crash.The plot is similar to the Argentinian movie: Paulo is a famous flirt known for picking up beautiful women on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. This professional seducer finds true love when he meets Maria Alice, a young teacher. From then on, he confronts the dilemma of whether to give up "all the women of the world" to live with only one. The film deals with the conflict between old and new social roles women in the '60s had to choose between, and is based on the true story of the director's relationship with the leading lady. The film had a strong impact on contemporary Brazilian film, and is the most well-known role played by legendary beauty Leila Diniz

If you enjoyed "El hijo de la Novia" ("Son of the Bride"), you must go for this one. The same rock solid characters with a better script. A story you can believe in, a group of characters you laugh and suffer with.

A new star is born. Campanella offers in El mismo amor la misma lluvia an artwork full of sensitivity and love. Most american directors should learn from Campanella the characters he makes, real and tender and the script. Nothing to see with the big american productions, Campanella gives a lesson of how to make a love story interesting and absolutely unartificial. Very good!!! (8 out of 10).