Even the Rain (Tambien la Lluvia) (2011) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Even the Rain is set in Cochabamba, a city in central Bolivia often called the 'City of Eternal Spring' due to its mild climate. Cochabamba gained international attention during the water wars, a series of protests against water privatization that became a symbol of indigenous resistance to corporate exploitation.

• cochabamba
• bolivia
• setting
• location
• city of eternal spring

The film takes place in the early 21st century during Bolivia's water wars, a period of intense social unrest when communities protested against the privatization of water services. This era was marked by conflicts between indigenous populations and government authorities over resource management.

• water wars
• early 2000s
• bolivia
• time period
• privatization protests

Resistance is a central theme showing how past struggles against colonialism echo in modern times. Daniel's activism against water privatization mirrors the historical rebellion of Hatuey, an indigenous leader who resisted Spanish conquest. The film demonstrates that the fight for rights and dignity continues across centuries.

• resistance
• hatuey
• activism
• colonialism
• indigenous rights

The film uses the filmmaking process itself to examine exploitation and representation. As director Sebastián and producer Costa create their historical drama about Columbus, they must confront how they are marginalizing local voices for their artistic vision. This meta-narrative exposes the power dynamics in the film industry and the ethics of telling stories about oppressed peoples.

• filmmaking
• exploitation
• ethics
• representation
• power dynamics

Sacrifice emerges through Daniel's choice to protect the protesters over financial gain, accepting brutality for his principles. His family, particularly his daughter Belén, faces consequences that underline the personal cost of activism. The film shows that fighting for justice often requires significant personal sacrifice.

• sacrifice
• activism
• daniel
• consequences
• principles

Daniel is a local actor from Cochabamba who plays Hatuey in the historical film being made about Columbus. He embodies the voice of his community and becomes a symbol of rebellion against both historical and contemporary injustices. His journey transforms from a hopeful actor to a passionate activist during the water privatization protests.

• daniel
• hatuey
• actor
• activist
• community voice

Sebastián is a Mexican filmmaker passionate about telling historical truths through storytelling. He grapples with ethical dilemmas as he witnesses the exploitation of local people during production. His motivation evolves from purely artistic vision to a growing awareness of the realities faced by his cast and crew, seeking to balance filmmaking with moral responsibility.

• sebastian
• filmmaker
• director
• ethical dilemma
• mexican

Costa is the Spanish executive producer initially focused on budgetary concerns and commercial success. He is initially indifferent to local struggles but evolves through the events of the film, confronting his own prejudices and privileges. His character arc reflects the complexities of how those in power can awaken to ethical responsibilities.

• costa
• producer
• spanish
• evolution
• privilege
• budget

Belén is Daniel's daughter whose involvement in the film connects her to her father's struggles. Her fate becomes a pivotal point in the narrative, representing how socio-political conflicts directly impact families. Her storyline emphasizes the high stakes of activism and the collateral damage suffered by those closest to the fighters.

• belen
• daughter
• daniel
• injury
• activism impact

The film draws explicit parallels between the Spanish conquest of the Americas five centuries ago and contemporary Bolivian struggles against water privatization. By filming a historical drama about Columbus while real protests unfold, the characters confront how colonial exploitation continues in new forms, with multinational corporations taking the place of colonial powers.

• colonialism
• conquest
• bolivia
• water privatization
• historical parallel

Teresa is Daniel's wife, driven by desperate determination to protect her family amid the chaos of protests. Her fierce search for her daughter Belén showcases maternal instinct and the lengths a parent will go to for loved ones. She represents the personal cost of social movements on families and serves as a reminder of the human impact behind political conflicts.

• teresa
• wife
• mother
• daniel
• family
• maternal instinct