(Note: Parts 2 and 3 will be shown Thursday, July 7.) "Throughout the centuries, the expression 'la hora de los hornos' has been used by historians and poets of Latin America (it was also the rallying cry taken up by Che) in calling for a socialist revolution to sweep the continent. 'Now is "la hora de los hornos"; let them see nothing but the light of the flames.' Solanas' and Getino's massive undertaking (made clandestinely in Argentina between 1966 and 1968) tackles the subject of Argentinian history with a passion and daring that has turned The Hour of the Furnaces into one of Latin America's landmark films. The topics that the film addresses require a work of this magnitude and depth, for the two filmmakers take as their subject the entire history of Argentina which they are determined to analyze for the lessons that can be learned. Utilizing a symphonic structure, the film is divided into three parts, each very different from the other. The first part states the problem of Argentina, its contradictions, its colonial past; the second analyzes recent attempts to address and rectify the Argentinian situation, while the third acts as a kind of recapitulation, leaving the audience aware of their own responsibility in completing the story. This film is unclassifiable. Documentary, agit prop, didactic at moments, lyrical and evocative as well, The Hour of the Furnaces uses all the devices of the medium to make its message. An essay film that bears the vivid visual imprint of its makers, it has elicited wonder and excitement by everyone who has seen it." Festival of Festivals, Toronto '86