- “The Motorcycle Diaries” (2004): This biographical film follows the journey of young Ernesto “Che” Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado as they embark on a transformative motorcycle trip across South America, including Peru.
- “Fitzcarraldo” (1982): Directed by Werner Herzog, this epic adventure drama tells the story of an eccentric opera lover determined to build an opera house deep in the Peruvian Amazon. The film explores the challenges and sacrifices he faces in pursuit of his dream.
- “Secrets of the Incas” (1954): Set in Cusco and Machu Picchu, this adventure film stars Charlton Heston as an archaeologist searching for a valuable artifact. The film showcases scenery and provides a glimpse into Peruvian history and culture.
- “Undertow” (2009): This Peruvian drama film revolves around the life of a small fishing village, where the conflict emerges between tradition and desire for change. The story explores themes of love, loss, and societal expectations.
- “La teta asustada” (The Milk of Sorrow) (2009): Set in Lima, this deeply emotional drama tells the story of a woman affected by the trauma inherited from her mother, who was a victim during Peru’s tumultuous times. The film offers a poignant portrayal of cultural identity and healing.
- “The House of the Spirits” by Isabel Allende: Although not entirely set in Peru, this novel takes place in an unnamed South American country, heavily inspired by Allende’s experience in Peru. It delves into the turbulent political landscape and social changes through the lives of the Trueba family.
- “Death in the Andes” by Mario Vargas Llosa: Llosa, a renowned Peruvian writer and Nobel laureate, sets this novel in the Peruvian Andes. It follows two civil guards stationed in a remote village who investigate a series of mysterious disappearances, exploring themes of identity, violence, and folklore.
- “The City and the Dogs” by Mario Vargas Llosa: Another notable work by Llosa, this novel explores the lives of a group of male adolescents attending a military academy in Lima. It delves into the complexities of friendship, power dynamics, and the detrimental effects of a repressive system.
- “Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter” by Mario Vargas Llosa: Llosa’s comedic novel captures the story of a young law student who falls in love with his older aunt-in-law in Lima. It also intertwines the narrative with a radio soap opera created by a scriptwriter, creating a blend of romance, humor, and literary experimentation.
- “The Feast of the Goat” by Mario Vargas Llosa: This historical novel is partly set in the Dominican Republic but also features flashbacks to Peru. It offers a fictionalised account of the final days of the infamous Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo, exploring political tyranny, power dynamics, and its effects on individuals and societies.
WANDERLIST: Peru in books and on film
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