A wealthy urban brat who won't conform to his rotten society's values flees the city after running over a pedestrian. In a rural village, he takes an interest in a local girl but gets in over his head as he realizes there is much more to her than meets the eye. The cinematographic style is highly commercial--the depiction of the urban rich early in the movie closely resembles many a beer commercial's, while the shots of the surfers and lovers at the beach would be great for advertising Michoacán as a tourist destination (although the tale will give prospective tourists pause). It is an entertaining film with few dull moments and some of the actors, especially the villain, play their parts quite well. However, it ultimately seems to lack substance. The protagonist is something of a rebel without a cause--he rejects the hypocrisy, racism and corruption of his social group but doesn't seem to stand for any alternative values. The love story is curiously empty--there seems to be nothing between the two other than glances, small talk and physical contact. I suppose the hero's willingness to risk so much for this love is supposed to appear noble or inspiring but the narrative never develops a relationship that could credibly bear this burden. Perhaps the most thoughtful aspect of the film is its portrait of a society so thoroughly corrupt. However, even on this topic, I don't hear it saying anything original.
Review of Amar a morir
