Machuca (2004)
Kernel Score: 85% · 210 ratings
Genres: Drama
Released: 2004-02-24
Runtime: 116 minutes
Where to watch Machuca
- Stream: Kino Film Collection
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Fandor
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Santiago, capital of Chile during the Marxist government of elected, highly controversial president Salvador Allende. Father McEnroe supports his leftist views by introducing a program at the prestigious "collegio" (Catholic prep school) St. Patrick to allow free admission of some proletarian kids. One of them is Pedro Machuca, slum-raised son of the cleaning lady in Gonzalo Infante's liberal-bourgeois home. Yet the new classmates become buddies, paradoxically protesting together as Gonzalo gets adopted by Pedro's slum family and gang. But the adults spoil that too, not in the least when general Pinochet's coup ousts Allende, and supporters such as McEnroe.
Machuca parents' guide: ages 13+
Parents need to know that this drama set during Pinochet's coup in Chile includes political violence, class conflict, and a sexual initiation subplot involving teens.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Depicts demonstrations and the violent upheaval of Pinochet's military coup.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Includes a sexual initiation storyline involving young characters.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Machuca
If you liked Machuca, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Death and the Maiden (1994) — 79%
- No (2012) — 81%
- Zabriskie Point (1970) — 80%
- Roma (2018) — 84%
- Colonia (2016) — 82%
- El Angel (2018) — 82%
- Miss Violence (2013) — 78%
- Bloody Sunday (2002) — 79%
Director
Andrés Wood
Cast
- Matías Quer as Gonzalo Infante
- Ariel Mateluna as Pedro Machuca
- Aline Küppenheim as María Luisa
- Ernesto Malbrán as Father McEnroe
- Federico Luppi as Roberto
- Manuela Martelli as Silvana
- Tamara Acosta as Juana
- Francisco Reyes as Patricio Infante
- Alejandro Trejo as Willy
- María Olga Matte as Miss Gilda
Machuca FAQ
Is Machuca good?
Machuca has an 85% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 210 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Machuca?
In the US you can stream Machuca on Kino Film Collection and watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Fandor.
Is Machuca OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 13+. Parents need to know that this drama set during Pinochet's coup in Chile includes political violence, class conflict, and a sexual initiation subplot involving teens.
What movies are like Machuca?
If you liked Machuca, try Death and the Maiden, No, Zabriskie Point and Roma.