One for the Road (Jack Zagha Kababie)

One for the road is usually a drinker’s jargon. It is also a famous political play by Harold Pinter. One for the Road’ by Jack Zagha Kababie is not a road movie also. It is more than mere road-trip. This 91-minute movie is interspersed with graceful sketches of self-realisation portrayed through a simple narrative. It is the story of a determined voyage undertaken with a never-ending zest for life, and a celebration of life after 80.

‘One for the Road’ (En el Ultimo Trago), a 2014 Mexican film by Jack Zagha Kababie narrates the story of three 80-year-olds who embark on a journey to fulfil their dearest friend’s last wish. It is a portrayal of vivid imageries of life through colourful characters. The movie inspires the audience to look into their inner selves.

A draft of the song “Yo” written on a napkin, by José Alfredo Jiménez, the legendary Ranchera singer with a special dedication to him is Pedro’s prized possession. To dedicate the draft on napkin to the José Alfredo Jiménez museum is Pedro’s dying wish. His three octogenarian friends, Emiliano, Benito and Agustin, band together for a road trip, defying family members, determined to honour Pedro’s final request. The long-time buddies set out for the trip in spite of disapproving families and ignoring age limitations. Along the way they have a series of poignant and comical adventures, bringing them a renewed sense of purpose and possibility in their golden years.

The trio embark on a voyage that gradually progresses into subtle life-revelations encouraged by the past and inspired by the present. In the course of journey, they realise the advantages and disadvantages of the old age. A unique perspective of life comes into play with each passing incident that shapes the journey.

For Agustin (Luis Bayardo), it’s an escape from the everyday nagging of his daughter-in-law.  Benito (Eduardo Manzano) is trying to break free from the clutches of his monotonous life, systematically set in order by his wife who is no more. Emiliano (Josà Carlos Ruiz) wants to prove to himself and to the world that he is not a loser. And ironically it is Emiliano who moves with walker support who takes the initiative in setting the tone for a seemingly impossible task that looms ahead.

The movie is a beautiful portrayal of the inner-conflicts, struggles and fight against the odds of life that each of us go through on a daily basis. It’s a mix of comedy and drama.

What makes the film such a delight is how the director portrays profound universal truths of life.

One For the Road has played at festivals from Moscow to São Paulo to great public acclaim, winning numerous audience awards. It’s the second feature film for award-winning director Jack Zagha Kababie (Goodbye Cruel World, 2010). Veteran film and TV actors Eduardo Manzano, José Carlos Ruiz and Luis Bayardo turn in exceptionally playful and heart-warming performances in a film that highlights what is best in the human spirit, regardless of age.