Yuniol

"Yuniol" Perez and Alberto "Junior" Rios come from opposite sides of the tracks in the Dominican Republic. Aloof and detached, Alberto comes from a wealthy family. Driven and focused, Juan is reared by a devoted mother whose affection makes up for the absence of his father. Juan and his mother survive in a tough and impoverished Barrio on the outskirts of the capital city. Behind every happy moment lies an ominous sense of despair. Yet the joyful Dominican way of life for those surviving on the margins serves as a testament to people anywhere confronted with poverty and injustice.

Directed by Alfonso Rodríguez Zorrilla, Yuniol leans on a strong ensemble — Shalim Ortiz, Frank Perozo, Hemky Madera — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2007.