Puerto Escondido (1992)

A runaway Italian bank clerk, a corrupt cop, and a sun-drenched Mexican hideout — Gabriele Salvatores' cult comedy about escape, chaos, and finding yourself.

Puerto Escondido - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Puerto Escondido
  • Release Year: 1992
  • Directed by: Gabriele Salvatores
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Comedy
  • Runtime: 1h 50m
  • Original Language: Italian
  • Spoken Languages: Italian, Spanish
  • Release Date (Theatrical): December 17, 1992 (Italy - T), April 8, 1996 (South Korea - 15)
  • Alternative Titles: Gizli Liman (TR), 푸에르토 에스콘디도 (KR)
  • Production Companies: Colorado Film, Silvio Berlusconi Communications, Penta Film
  • Production Countries: Italy

Puerto Escondido - Plot

Targeted by a dirty cop after witnessing a murder, bank clerk Mario flees to Puerto Escondido, Mexico, where a couple of oddball Italian expats drags him into a journey of self-discovery and bad decisions.

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Puerto Escondido - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Gabriele Salvatores

Main Cast

  • Diego Abatantuono
  • Valeria Golino
  • Claudio Bisio
  • Antonio Catania
  • Renato Carpentieri
  • Elena Callegari
  • Leonardo Gajo
  • Corinna Agustoni
  • Nicky Mondellini
  • Jorge Fegán

Writers

  • Enzo Monteleone
  • Diego Abatantuono
  • Gabriele Salvatores

Producers

  • Mario Cecchi Gori
  • Maurizio Totti
  • Vittorio Cecchi Gori

Puerto Escondido - FAQs

What is Puerto Escondido about?

Puerto Escondido follows Mario, an ordinary Italian bank clerk who witnesses a murder and ends up in the crosshairs of a corrupt cop. He escapes to the Mexican coastal town of Puerto Escondido, where a pair of eccentric Italian expats pull him into a wild, transformative adventure full of mishaps and unexpected self-discovery.

Who directed Puerto Escondido?

Puerto Escondido was directed by Gabriele Salvatores, the acclaimed Italian filmmaker who won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film the very next year for Mediterraneo (1991). Puerto Escondido is considered one of his most beloved and enduring comedies.

Who are the main actors in Puerto Escondido?

The film stars Diego Abatantuono as the hapless Mario, Valeria Golino as the free-spirited Anita, and Claudio Bisio as the laid-back Alex. Antonio Catania and Renato Carpentieri round out the cast in memorable supporting roles.

When was Puerto Escondido released?

Puerto Escondido had its Italian theatrical release on December 17, 1992. The film later reached South Korean audiences on April 8, 1996, where it was rated 15.

Is Puerto Escondido based on a true story?

Puerto Escondido is not based on a true story. The screenplay was written by Enzo Monteleone, Diego Abatantuono, and director Gabriele Salvatores as an original work. The story is a fictional comedy-adventure, though the Mexican setting and its freewheeling atmosphere lend it a vivid sense of authenticity.

What makes Puerto Escondido a cult classic?

Puerto Escondido earned its cult status through a perfect blend of sharp comedy, sun-soaked Mexican atmosphere, and a surprisingly heartfelt story about escape and reinvention. The chemistry between Abatantuono, Golino, and Bisio is irresistible, and the film captures a distinctly 1990s Italian spirit of restlessness and longing for freedom.

What language is Puerto Escondido in?

Puerto Escondido is primarily in Italian, with Spanish also spoken throughout the film, reflecting the Mexican setting where much of the story unfolds. The mix of languages adds to the film's lively, fish-out-of-water atmosphere.

What are some movies similar to Puerto Escondido?

If you enjoyed Puerto Escondido, you might also like Not for the Young (2017), The Legendary Giulia and Other Miracles (2015), Chinese Take-Away (2011), and Muita Calma Nessa Hora (2010). These films share a similar spirit of comedic adventure, eccentric characters, and journeys of unexpected self-discovery.

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