Change Your Image
rezo_por_vos
Reviews
Fuego de Mayo. El rugido del Jaguar (2006)
A song of beautiful violence
I had the chance to see this short documentary at a festival in Mexico City, and it was a pleasant surprise. In about 26 minutes, tells the story of a religious ceremony in the southern Mexican state of Guerrero, in which the believers engage in fist fights, dressed as tigers. So, they can call for rain. This piece doesn't abuse of the violence of the ceremony, but shows its beautiful and sensitive side; the preparations for a week long generous party that reunites people from all over Mexico.
The cinematography is great. The film makers were able to be in the heart of the festivities, including, of course, the fights. They managed to get sincere words from the participants; not only about the importance of every ceremony, but their meanings and significance. Tha fight sequences are well edited, and the compromise of the local people is easily felt.
Yes, there are some flops: too much poetry in the text, when they maybe should have let the images speak for themselves. Also, it's too lineal: poetry must have been placed in the telling, and that could have reinforced the inner meaning of this festivity; instead of being a mere report of facts.
But the overall product is strong and compelling, leaves you with the desire to be in the place and feel for yourself why there are people willing to sacrifice themselves for community life, even if they have migrated already. "Fuego de Mayo" is a unique and hearty vision of humanity, and the spectator wishes that these eyes can look into other festivities as well.
Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain (2001)
Ces't magnifique!
Modern love. Modern art. Modern film. Amelie is one of the finest characters in film history. She has enlighted the dark and tragic mood that year 2001 left in us all, simply by falling in love with the world and acting in consequence.
Rojo amanecer (1990)
A perfect tragedy
Jorge Fons is one of the best movie directors in Mexico. His filmography is full of excellent stories, like "Caridad" y "El Callejón de los Milagros". But, in this case, the story touches every mexican person. This film was made underground, at a moment when democratic aperture in Mexico was only a dream. Everyone involved in it took a high risk, and won. Tha actors and producers made an excellent work. "Rojo Amanecer" is one of the reasons why we are proud of our weak film industry.