In this New Mexico village, Mexican Americans of strong catholic faith have this yearly ritual of recreating the death of Christ. It's a risky venture for the one put on the penitent cross, torture for them, their family and all those who love them because they may not survive.
For Raul Julia, he's dealing with the hidden anger over jealousy of his wife (Rona de Ricci) and her obvious connection to his visiting best friend, Armand Assante, and his guilt is consuming him to the point where he feels a desperate need to atone.
It's an interesting, quiet drama, especially sad when Julia's aging mother can bring herself to say nothing when he visits her, yet like the virgin Mary, she's in the middle of the road praying for him. No matter what the audience believes, it's difficult not to get caught up in this drama, with another riveting performance by the much missed Julia.
For Raul Julia, he's dealing with the hidden anger over jealousy of his wife (Rona de Ricci) and her obvious connection to his visiting best friend, Armand Assante, and his guilt is consuming him to the point where he feels a desperate need to atone.
It's an interesting, quiet drama, especially sad when Julia's aging mother can bring herself to say nothing when he visits her, yet like the virgin Mary, she's in the middle of the road praying for him. No matter what the audience believes, it's difficult not to get caught up in this drama, with another riveting performance by the much missed Julia.