® Benjamín Juárez
El abrazo de la serpiente (2015)
13 | 2h 5min | Adventure, Drama | 18 February 2016 (Argentina)
The story of the relationship between Karamakate, an Amazonian shaman and last survivor of his people, and two scientists who work together over the course of forty years to search the Amazon for a sacred healing plant.
Director:
Writers:
Ciro Guerra, Theodor Koch-Grünberg (based on the diary by) (as Theodor Koch-Grunberg) | 2 more credits »
Stars:
Nilbio Torres, Jan Bijvoet, Antonio Bolivar | See full cast & crew »
Storyline
The story of the relationship between Karamakate, an Amazonian shaman and last survivor of his people, and two scientists who work together over the course of forty years to search the Amazon for a sacred healing plant.
Plot Keywords:
shaman | plant | nonlinear timeline | amazonian indian | amazon forest | See All (217) »
Genres:
Country:
Colombia | Venezuela | Argentina
Language:
Spanish | Portuguese | Aboriginal | German | Catalan | Latin | English
Release Date:
18 February 2016 (Argentina) See more »
Also Known As:
Embrace of the Serpent See more »
Filming Locations:
Edit ### Box Office {#box-office .subheading}
Budget:
$1,400,000 (estimated)
Opening Weekend USA:
$50,955, 21 February 2016, Limited Release
Gross USA:
$1,329,249
Cumulative Worldwide Gross:
$3,411,541
Company Credits
Production Co:
Buffalo Films,Buffalo Producciones,Caracol Televisión See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
125 min
Sound Mix:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
See full technical specs »
Edit Did You Know? -------------
Trivia
In an interview with actor Tiapuyama (Antonio Bolivar), he listed the indigenous languages featured in the film: Ocaina (which is most frequently spoken), Ticuna, Bora, Andoque, Yucuna (Jukuna), and Muinane. See more »
Quotes
Old Karamakate: To become warriors, the cohiuanos must abandon all and go alone to the jungle, guided only by their dreams. In this journey, he has to find out, in solitude and silence, who he really is. He must become a wanderer dream. Many are lost, and some never return. But those who return they are ready to face what is to come.
See more »
Soundtracks
Dudamel: Let the Children Play - Sarabande
Written by Nascuy Linares
Based on a Theme by George Frideric Handel
© 2016 Plaza Mayor Company, Ltd.
See more »
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User Reviews
Healing by Dreaming
8 November 2015 | by Raven-1969 – See all my reviews
It is comforting that there are many ways to beauty, wisdom, healing and splendor. Yet, by neglect and ignorance, we risk losing many of them. This compelling and radiant black and white film takes viewers on an ethno-botanical journey to a faraway place, deep into the Colombian Amazon. The film blends fact and fiction and traces the parallel canoe explorations by a German explorer, Theodor Koch- Grunberg in 1909, and an American scientist, Richard Evans, in the 1940s. Both explorers meet the same native medicine man, Karamakate. Their ensuing explorations together, ostensibly in search of an elusive flower with amazing medicinal properties, leads them to discoveries within themselves as well as in the forest. "Listen to what the river can tell you," says Karamakate "every tree, every flower brings wisdom."
The only way to heal is by learning how to dream. They emerge from the forests as different men. What unites them is their love of plants. The film takes a balanced view of each character and puts no one on a pedestal. The cinematography is enthralling, the soundtrack is mesmerizing and the acting is superb. The only downside is that the film might benefit from more money and support (or it could detract from it as well, I'm not sure). The film creates a needed space for consideration and dialogue between diverse cultures. We neglect and abuse other cultures, and the environment, at our peril. Seen at the Toronto International Film Festival 2015.
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