The highest-grossing films and their influential directors

He Chilean cinema has experienced a remarkable boom in the last two decades, with films that have not only conquered the local box office but have also gained international recognition.

This success has changed the narrative of national cinema bringing new voices and perspectives into the industry. Let's review The highest grossing films in Chilean cinema identifying the causes that contributed to its success and the impact they have had on the country's film scene.

1. Los 33 (2015)

Based on the famous rescue of Chilean miners trapped in a mine, Los 33 achieved a huge impact both locally and internationally. The reason behind its success lies in the universality and drama of its historyalong with an international cast led by Antonio Banderas y Rodrigo Santoro.

Furthermore, this international collaboration attracted the attention of audiences outside of Chile, contributing to the prestige of national cinema and showing the world the extraordinary stories that emerge from the country.

2. A Fantastic Woman (2017)

Winner of the Oscar for Best Foreign Film, this film directed by Sebastian Lelio addresses issues of gender identity and LGBTQ+ rights. Its great success lay not only in a moving and inspiring narrative starring Daniela Vegabut in the artistically impeccable and sensitive production that managed to emotionally connect with the audience.

By obtaining academic recognition and international awards, A fantastic woman put Chile on the global cinema map.

3. Unfiltered (2016)

Nicolás López is the director of one of the highest-grossing films in the history of Chilean cinema. This romantic comedy follows a woman who, after having begun to experience emotional and physical health problems, acquires the ability to say exactly what she thinks without any censorship. The impact of the film lies in its bold and fresh approach that captured young audiences with clever plots, recognizable characters and a certain irreverence challenging social taboos..

The director's ability to integrate elements of everyday life with comic absurdity resonated strongly with viewers, establishing an instant emotional connection. His provocative style cemented him as a Pioneer of the “new Chilean cinema”.

4. No (2012)

Directed by Pablo Larrain and starring Gael Garcia Bernal, No It is about the advertising campaign suitable for the Chilean plebiscite of 1988. Its success is derived both its social historiography and its innovative use of real historical material to tell a fictional story..

This approach not only attracted Chileans interested in remembering the dark events of the past, but also international audiences who They seek to understand how democracy was established in Chile.

5. Citizen Kramer (2012)

This film highlights the iconic character played by the comedian Stefan Kramerwho manages to imitate various highly recognizable Chilean personalities from Chilean society and culture.

This deliberately histrionic and surreal political comedy directed by Christian Galaz He captured the national public naturally due to the contemporaneity of its social satire and a humor that maintained various levels of reading making it accessible to audiences of all ages.

6. Neruda (2016)

Pablo Larraín once again makes the list with this ambitious narrative project about a Chilean icon: Pablo Neruda. Neruda It is biographical but also poetic; it narrates lesser-known aspects of the poet in the midst of intense political conflicts that marked the recent history of the country.

The key to its impact and success was a Combining faithful historical details with stunning visual metaphors and film noir references which left a mark on its viewers. A suggestive combination, both for its aesthetic achievements and for dealing with the life of one of Chile's most relevant personalities.

7. Look Day (2009)

Directed by Sebastian Silva The film delves into the lonely and routine life of a nanny working for more than 20 years for the same family. Masterfully played by Catalina Saavedra His character reveals a series of internal and external conflicts that impact the viewer in very subtle and controversial ways.

The impact of Look lies in its ability to sensitively and realistically address the dynamics of power, class and affect within employer-employee relationships which are often hidden in the privacy of the home. It sparked a reflection on the reality of many domestic workers and was recognized with numerous awards such as the Sundance Jury Prize.

8. Gloria (2013)

Sebastián Lelio is once again on our list for this film that tells the daily life of a 58-year-old woman (Paulina Garcia) divorced and single in Santiago de Chile looking for new experiences and relationships in her attempt to rediscover herself.

The realistic exploration of a mature woman's life, a theme that is rarely explored in cinema, without avoiding issues such as independence, sex, loneliness and the search for identity in middle ageleave a mark after viewing. The Silver Bear for Best Actress in Berlin, underlines the importance of García's performance in its connection with the audience and boosted Lelio's international career.

9. Infinite Memory (2022)

It would be unfair not to include this documentary on the list. Love Alberdi which offers an intimate and moving portrait of Augusto Gongorajournalist and key figure in the preservation of Chile's historical memory, and his wife, the actress Paulina Urrutiaas they face the advance of Alzheimer's.

Its ability to Addressing the fragility of personal memory is an exciting essay that connects with the importance of remembering and preserving social memory in the face of a traumatic past.especially in Chile, becoming a crucial piece in the discussion about memory, forgetting and the identity of the country.

10. What a pity your life (2010)

And we close the list repeating with Nicolás López and this romantic comedy that explores sentimental relationships in the digital age in contemporary Chile. López demonstrated his instinct to capture the pulse of contemporaneity from his usual refreshing approach that, successfully, he also transferred to the format. Innovative use of social media as a narrative element was seen as an apt reflection of the popular culture of the time.which helped the film connect with its audience.

What a pity your life became a box office hit that led to the creation of two sequels consolidating López as one of the most influential directors in Chilean comedy, and paving the way for the exploration of youth and contemporary themes in local cinema, sometimes too rooted in traumatic issues from its past.