User Reviews

Having admired Maria Novaro's work, especially her brilliant "Danzon", we decided to take a look at this film, of which we had not seen since it appears if it was released in this country it might have been seen in certain markets. It's a shame this beautiful movie will not be seen by a wider audience. "Sin dejar huellas" is a work that should not go unnoticed by serious movie goers.

As the film opens, Ana, is seen crossing the Mexican border. Right away she is picked up as it appears she is been closely watched by Mendizabal, a local law enforcer from Ciudad Juarez. Mendizabal wants to know what she has been doing smuggling Mexican Indian art. Ciudad Juarez, a dangerous part of Mexico, where hundreds of women have been killed, is a place to avoid at all cost, especially for the beautiful Ana.

At the same time, Aurelia, a woman who is involved in a bad relationship with Saul, an unsavory character, steals his money and his car and takes to the road with her young son Chuc, and the sweet infant Billy. Aurelia wants to leave her life behind and head toward Cancun, where she wants to have a small hotel, eventually.

Ana, who has eluded Mendizabal and Chaparro, winds up in a remote part of the country, just as Aurelia is passing by. Ana asks for a ride, and Aurelia, who is tired of driving alone, agrees to take this unknown woman with her to help her drive. Little do they know Saul and his cousin are tailing Aurelia. When they make their presence felt, Ana, who is heading for a small town in Yucatan, takes a detour through Veracruz, eluding the criminals.

The women bond during the road trip which brings them together. There is always a doubt in Aurelia's mind about Ana's good intentions. The friendship is put to a test during the near misses with Mendizabal and Chaparro. Saul and his cousin suffer an accident and Aurelia thinks she has gotten rid of him forever, but he is like a cat with nine lives and turns again as the women are almost reaching Cancun, Aurelia's destination where she is to be reunited with Chuc, her young son who has stayed with her sister in Torreon.

Maria Novaro, who also wrote the screen play, takes us cross country to locales in Mexico where not many people go. The serene beauty of the land contrasts with the inner conflicts of the two women. Although they never trust one another, the trip solidifies a friendship that seems almost natural, as these two women are so alike.

Aitana Sanchez Gijon plays Ana. This is without a doubt, one of her best screen appearances, which goes to show what a good director can get out of an actor when they are in sync. The same goes for Tiare Scanda, a beautiful young Mexican actress who is a revelation. Both actresses are a joy to watch as they talk, argue and bond. Jesus Ochoa and Martin Alromaro are seen in minor roles. The film obviously belong to the Ms. Sanchez Gijon and Ms. Scanda.

Ms. Novaro and her cinematographer, Serguei Saldivar, take us on a wonderful journey of discovery throughout Mexico. Ultimately, it's Ms. Novaro's triumph as she shows her enormous talent in a movie that will stay in the viewer's imagination for quite some time.