Chris Marker wrote one of his finest commentaries for this film-writing not on location in Valparaiso, but in Paris, based on notes taken by Ivens during the filming. A Valparaiso has been described as "a film of brilliance and tragic beauty, about the fascinating Chilean port...Belying the tragedy of the poor, faces and forms, streets and shacks are pinioned in beauty by the bright light and the film's art."