Un dorado de Pancho Villa

Emilio Fernández directs and stars as the protagonist in this portrayal of a Villista soldier's return home after fighting in the revolution. Aurelio, the main character, could represent any soldier of the revolution. Upon returning, he soon realises that his life has changed dramatically since he left; his girlfriend has married another man, and unrest is still prevalent in his hometown due to conflicting opinions on the revolution. It is a sad reflection of the harsh realities of Mexican society during the revolution; those who have ties to the powerful and wealthy will always succeed, regardless of whether their morals are in place. It is also representative of the corruption of the military forces at the time. Through an effective plot line and easy-to-follow dialogue, it allows us an insight into the unfair society of Mexico during the revolutionary years.

To the modern day viewer expecting the film to be a depiction of the glory of the Mexican Revolution, this film may be somewhat disappointing. I found it to be flat and predictable (apart from a chaotic and bemusing part in which several people seemed to be attempting to drown one another). Although slow starting, the film does excellently portray the division of the protagonist's community due to their differences in support of the revolution. It also rather admirably shows the feeling of a new start or perhaps the awakening of a new Mexico depicted in the seemingly recurring cockerels within the film. However, this recurrence then seems to be counteracted by images of cockerels fighting, perhaps giving the film somewhat conflicting undertones adding another level to what it portrays.