A coming-of-age story about family, first love, and restoring self-esteem. When Guillermo, a pre-adolescent introvert, arrives with his family at the wonderful HOTEL PARAÍSO (Paradise Hotel) for summer vacations, he will not only have days full of activities and colorful entertainers, but he will also run into Andrea, a beautiful and curious girl from his school with whom he regularly fantasizes. Unfortunately for him, Nahel, the popular and heartthrob boy, who often bullies his classmates, is also staying in the hotel and seeks to make Andrea fall in love with him. With the help of unexpected allies and family members, Guillermo will have to confront his insecurities and participate in different hotel activities to win the weekend's real big prize: Andrea's heart.

Juror comments: Beautiful coming-of-age story by a Peruvian filmmaker who truly has a wonderful touch on storytelling and excellent delivery on film. The key cast members are all outstanding, especially Kareem Pizarro, who plays Guillermo. But truly all the cast members are to be commended. We see that bullies can show up anywhere, even on your vacation and that nothing counts more than being who you are.

My favorite scene is when Guillermo plays his guitar and sings in the talent show. We see inside his soul and it's beautiful. The girl who he's had his eyes on from the get-go sees it as well. I like that their love story is told in a pretty realistic way, and in a way that pre-teens and teens can easily relate to.

The location for this film is exceptional. For those of us who are not from Peru, it reminds us of a family camp in the Adirondacks, or perhaps Maine or upper Michigan. It's typical down to the crazed social director and the unexpectedly charming lifeguard.

I give this 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 9 to 15, plus adults. The dialogue is in Spanish with English subtitles, which are pretty spot on most of the time. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror.