Piero MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +3 Content: -4

Prison is supposed to be a place to reform. However, in many cases, when someone goes to prison they either stay there for the rest of their life, or if they do get out, find themselves back in at some later date. In the case of Miguel Piero (Benjamin Bratt), when he goes to prison, he begins to write. By the time of his release, he has already written his first play and, after getting it produced at a public theater in New York, becomes an overnight sensation. Not only a playwright but also a poet, Piero lives a life of extremes. Despite his literary success, he often finds himself homeless, drug addicted, and stealing from trusted friends. Set in the 70’s and 80’s and based on a true events, PIERO is reminiscent of last year’s BEFORE NIGHT FALLS, the story of another struggling Latin writer. Benjamin Bratt turns in a phenomenal performance that’s generating early Oscar buzz. Despite its non-linear storytelling and what is at times an episodic feel, the film should find plenty of success on the art house circuit.

Some of the most exhilarating scenes in the film occur as Piero delivers readings of his poetry, often set to music. In what can be termed as a simple, yet beautiful use of language, Piero delivers heartfelt and insightful words about life, love, and his Puerto Rican heritage. Knowing something of his life though, it’s easy to deduce that the film is filled with objectionable content. Most notable is foul language with 68 f-words and 37 s-words. Explicit sexual content follows close behind with two scenes portraying brief yet graphic instances of unconventional sex. Add a myriad of frank sexual dialogue and explicit drug use, and PIERO is a write off for Preview readers.

Preview Reviewer: John Adair
Distributor: Miramax Films, 375 Greenwich, NY, NY 10013