When I first visited Mexico in the late 1960's these events were still spoken of in hushed tones if spoken of at all. It was counseled as healthier never to bring them up as the political descendants of those responsible were still in power and very easily riled. Now they're all dead and we can go see a movie right here in Mexico about what had been erased from the history books for almost 90 years. If only for that reason it's worth seeing, but it has plenty more to offer.
The film is entertaining, the cast mostly up to the task, and the director brings it all off with a few rough edges, tho' they aren't enough to get in the way of enjoying the film. Here and there sufficient historical data is presented (the locations and the sets & wardrobe are all 1st rate) to give the audience an idea of just where certain events took place, but in general you'd really have to be up on your Mexican history to know where all this went on, because the fighting mostly took place in just 4 states.
Beefs: The film could be shorter without diluting it's impact. Losing 12-18 minutes or so would make it tighter without sacrificing much although its length doesn't kill your interest. I say this because there are scenes that come along, and as you're watching them you just know they aren't necessary to tell the story. The editing here and there could use some going over as at times the film seems to jump back & forth between the adversaries without much finesse. Other comments I've read about this movie rave about the child actor that has the youth lead in the story -an important role- though I find he over-acts. Once I adjusted myself to his mugging it didn't get in the way of the rest of the story. Frankly his taller young friend was more convincing in a much smaller role. One other minor beef: Andy Garcia, who I like in anything, including this, is a bit old to be playing General Gorostieta, who only lived to just over 40. But these are all relatively small potatoes. None of them or even all of them together are reason enough not see the movie. Americans especially just might gain some sorely lacking respect for the intensity of what it has meant to be Mexican in the 20th century.
The film is entertaining, the cast mostly up to the task, and the director brings it all off with a few rough edges, tho' they aren't enough to get in the way of enjoying the film. Here and there sufficient historical data is presented (the locations and the sets & wardrobe are all 1st rate) to give the audience an idea of just where certain events took place, but in general you'd really have to be up on your Mexican history to know where all this went on, because the fighting mostly took place in just 4 states.
Beefs: The film could be shorter without diluting it's impact. Losing 12-18 minutes or so would make it tighter without sacrificing much although its length doesn't kill your interest. I say this because there are scenes that come along, and as you're watching them you just know they aren't necessary to tell the story. The editing here and there could use some going over as at times the film seems to jump back & forth between the adversaries without much finesse. Other comments I've read about this movie rave about the child actor that has the youth lead in the story -an important role- though I find he over-acts. Once I adjusted myself to his mugging it didn't get in the way of the rest of the story. Frankly his taller young friend was more convincing in a much smaller role. One other minor beef: Andy Garcia, who I like in anything, including this, is a bit old to be playing General Gorostieta, who only lived to just over 40. But these are all relatively small potatoes. None of them or even all of them together are reason enough not see the movie. Americans especially just might gain some sorely lacking respect for the intensity of what it has meant to be Mexican in the 20th century.