The most colombian (and nostalgic) movie you've never heard of

It's hard to explain to someone outside the country, but music is a crucial part of Colombian life.

The soundtrack to every Colombian's story is well-defined and spans a plethora of seemingly unrelated genres: merengue, cumbia, reggaeton, and even a touch of rock (yeah, latin-american rock is something truly amazing).

The musicality of Colombians is remarkable - worthy of study - and undoubtedly unique. It’s something I haven’t encountered in quite the same way anywhere else in the world. Of course, every country has its own rhythms and a distinct sonic identity, but none quite like Colombia, where every song becomes a key part of life’s moments.

Take December, for example. It’s common to hear danceable continental music at Christmas parties. And when you're young, it’s normal to get hooked on the same five rock songs as your friends - a tradition that has lasted for nearly half a century. It’s fascinating how music speaks for us, tells the stories of our lives, and ultimately becomes part of who we are.

That’s why it’s curious that it wasn’t until 2019 that a feature film dared to explore this.

Interestingly, it didn’t come in the package everyone expected. Instead, it took the form of a sort of musical - a genre not particularly beloved in the country - to tell the fictional biopic of a complete nobody. And that’s precisely the film’s brilliance: as you watch, it’s easy to feel like the story could be yours, or mine, or that of someone we all know.

This is 'Al Son Que Me Toquen Bailo” (translated loosely as "I'll Dance to Whatever Tune is Played"), a film that effortlessly (and with plenty of heart) resonates with the life stories of many, making it fascinating. Unfortunately, it flew somewhat under the radar, dismissed as nothing more than a cheap comedy with weak acting. However, there’s a charm to this film that sets it apart from the typical fare produced by the studio behind it.

Just for the fact. the movie hasn't got an official title translation, but for the context, the expression 'I go with the flow' may serve as a way to understand the title. The literal translation for the title is 'I’ll dance to whatever tune is played'.

Dago García: Love Him or Hate Him

If you’re not from Colombia or an avid fan of Latin American cinema, you might not know Dago García - a man who has sparked more criticism than praise, yet has become one of the pillars of Colombian cinema and a key figure in the development of the country’s film industry.

In my view, he is one of the most admirable people and directors in Colombia’s cinematic landscape. Yes, he’s created comedies that might seem ridiculous (including an entire saga) and several productions that border on absurdity. However, let’s face it: Dago García has dedicated himself to developing and amplifying Colombian cinema, and without his contributions, the burgeoning growth of independent films in the country wouldn’t have been possible.

There are far more milestones, both on and off the big screen, for which he deserves recognition than there are missteps in his career. Moreover, he has produced dozens of films, actively ensuring that this art form continues to thrive in Colombia.

A great storyteller

García’s most noteworthy contributions often come from his role as a screenwriter, where he has demonstrated a deep understanding of the topics he tackles. Setting aside the dad jokes and occasionally stereotypical or vulgar setups, it’s undeniable that he has a profound knowledge of Colombian culture and a keen grasp of his target audience’s consumption habits.

This understanding has led many of his films, while often panned by critics, to resonate strongly with audiences. Even if they’re not always critically acclaimed, his films often become staples of Colombian “popular culture” - just look at the “El Paseo” saga. One of his most recent works is the Netflix series ‘The First Time’.

Over the years, some of his films have lost this cultural appeal and are sometimes outright ignored by the general public. ‘Al Son Que Me Toquen Bailo' fell victim to this trend. Most people dismissed it as “just another Dago García film” and chose to overlook it, unaware of the serious mistake they were making. This movie, unlike many others, possesses a heart and essence that are truly rare.

To the rhythm of an ordinary life

By now, you might be wondering why this film would qualify as anyone’s guilty pleasure, especially since nothing negative has been said about it so far. Let me tell you - when viewed objectively, of course, there are flaws.

It’s evident that “Al Son Que Me Toquen Bailo” doesn’t aspire to be a narratively ambitious film beyond telling the story of an ordinary person’s life. Many of its jokes may feel outdated, and its musical numbers are far from the dazzling spectacles you’d expect from a Broadway production.

But it’s precisely in these imperfections where the film finds its charm. The sense of everyday simplicity and relatability makes it incredibly easy to connect with. This is by no means a generic film - quite the opposite.

Its strength lies in its deeply rooted idiosyncrasies, which make it stand out and linger in memory.

The essence of the movie isn’t just about leveraging nostalgia to evoke sentiment - though it does that brilliantly - but about understanding the unique soundtrack of a Colombian’s life: the songs they grew up with, fell in love to (and out of love with), cried to, danced to, and eventually grew tired of.

What makes this film truly fascinating is how its musical landscape is imbued with a heartfelt sociocultural component. Daniel, the protagonist, could essentially be anyone. His story is easy to follow, fun to watch, and profoundly moving as you see how his world is shaped by the melodies composing the notes of his life.

A personal delight, above all

The crowning achievement of this film lies in its unpretentiousness. It doesn’t aim to be anything more than a heartfelt romantic musical with moments that tug at your emotions. And it’s precisely this self-awareness that allows it to shine and resonate so easily with its audience.

It’s something I can attest to - personally. I’ll never forget watching this movie with my parents and, without realizing it, humming along to the songs from start to finish. Despite the three decades that separate us, the musical curation was spot-on, perfectly bridging the generational gap and once again proving the film’s point.

That said, my love for this movie stems from a combination of factors: I’m a fan of musicals, of overly sweet romantic comedies, of my country, and of the actors and actresses in the cast. Variel, Laura, and the rest are fantastic on the big screen and did a phenomenal job dancing into the early hours to bring this film to life.

If you’re from outside Colombia, it might seem like just another musical - mediocre, even - with a handful of average jokes and situations that might feel incomprehensible without cultural context. But if you open your mind, and for some reason have 86 minutes to spare, I encourage you to give it a chance. It’s an invitation to explore Colombian pop culture in a way that feels genuine.

No, it’s not the country’s most refined cultural offering. But it’s part of the popular character that defines us - a character that once earned Colombia the title of the “happiest country in the world,” and that pulses through the veins of nearly every neighborhood in the country, cutting across gender, ethnicity, and even social class.

“Al Son Que Me Toquen Bailo” is, ultimately, a dive into Colombia’s working-class charm. It doesn’t have the depth of One Hundred Years of Solitude, nor the cultural richness of Embrace of the Serpent. It’s a simple, emotional, and nostalgic kind of film.

But what can I say? If I love it, it’s because I’m a simple, emotional, and nostalgic kind of guy.

If you want to watch the movie, you can search it on Prime Video, which makes it available for a lot of countries. If yours is not one of them, you can search it on open video distributing platforms such as YouTube, where the movie is uploaded without infringing any copyright laws.