The title is very symbolic on two levels... while Rapayet (José Acosta) has become a "businessman", conducting trade between the gringos and the native people of columbia, he is also bypassing the traditions and customs of their people. When he wants to take a wife from the neighboring family, he doesn't follow the proper protocol; he doesn't speak with the right people first, and is sent away by Ursula (Carmiña Martínez), the native elder. This pushes Rapayet to go bigger and better in his "import export business, which seems to be marijuana. When a huge deal goes south thanks to his partner, something must be done for honor. The partner has spilled blood on native land, and they want the partner to leave. But he doesn't want to go. Then the killings start. Can things be repaired between the families? What will happen to the drug business that has made everyone prosper? Does Ursula pay too much attention to the omens and birds? There's a "second wake" for a dead man.. .where they wash each bone, years after the death. It's a story of changing times, respect, honor between families over time. Directed by Cristina Gallego, Ciro Guerra. Good stuff, if you have the patience.
Review of Birds of Passage
