

So it was with amazing coincidence that one of my lifelong dreams was to begin with a film from a new and upcoming Mexican director. The type of artist my mom would have championed and called me to see if I had heard of him. Like I said, she didn't understand my passion, but she knew I had it. So this film from Naranjo in which we see how innocent people get caught in the crossfire of the horrible situation in our bordertowns, is exactly the film she would have seen and praised to all of her friends. Especially after he came out and spoke about how much the film meant to him and how much he wanted us to just take a moment to think about we saw. Twincess accompanied me on this milestone, and her and my mom are the most important ladies in my life, it seemed only fitting that without my mom around, I was able to enjoy this film with the woman I am going to spend my life with. I love you mom.


Naranjo uses the camera to give us long fluid shots, weaving us through the action and giving us a gorgeous ballet of violence and horror. The steadicam work really reminds me of the work you see from Cuaron, and is an interesting connection between these two great directors. The action scenes are some of the most impressive I have seen, particularly the shootout upon her return from America. This is a complicated shot that is unflinching and devastatingly beautiful as bodies and blood flow from both sides. Perhaps the most impressive act is that throughout Naranjo shows a distinct amount of restraint. As shocking as some of the images are, he never shows you something simply for shock value, because he does not want you to assume he's trying to prove a point. He's making this film to show you that the situation is really that bad, and never wants you to think he has exaggerated something simply to exploit it. There is a scene with a DEA agent in which he could have just showed you everything, but since this not about a high body count or gore, he moves away from the act only for us to see the aftermath as the car drives away.

Sigman is a revelation as the lead. She wears the weight of her responsibility throughout the film, and by the end you see just how beaten down her spirit is. To the point where she is unable to enjoy the win she so desperately wanted, because she knows that rather than representing a chance at supporting her family, it represents further attachment to the gangs. As the film closes and we see just how tragic and ruthless this world is she begins to fall apart completely. After seeing so much death and so much corruption on both sides, we see her almost ready to give up, but Naranjo shows a glimmer a hope. That Tijuana will continue fighting for its people, that they are resilient and won't give up. They will continue walking and keep trying to move forward even in the face of complete hopelessness.
A wonderful film, and a great way to start off this Festival for me. Naranjo has made an amazing film showing us the reality of the war going on in Tijuana, that is both a triumph of filmmaking and acting. Quite possibly the highest praise though, comes from Twincess herself, who by the way does not love film the way I do to say the least. In her words "that was probably one of the best movies I've seen in a LONG time"
I'm thinking my mom would've said the same thing, just don't tell Twincess.
Bence

One last thought - I didn't even mention the great work from the leader of the gang played by Noe Hernandez. He plays the role as ruthless and violent, but never as a monster. He has a soul, and ultimately is a victim of his own pride and greed.
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