diztorted

Mexican cinema has never been known for its ventures into genre. Generally we are accustomed to the heavy socially oriented drama that reminds the rest of the world of the low capacities of this country. This was the old school, but it reigned for more than 5 decades. I am pleased to gather that this no longer reflects the present and the future of cinema in this country.

Bajo la sal, or Under the salt, is a compelling, if somewhat predictable slightly clichéd thriller that was premiered last night at the Morelia International Film Festival, and I had the pleasure to be at the red carpet. The director was there, along several actors and the screenwriter , they seemed quite surprised of the highly wide reception the film had with audiences.

Although the film is not without its problems, it worked. Humberto Zurita, a legend in Mexico, stars as a police detective who is now investigating a series of murders in a far town whose main trade is salt mines. The film explores the plots, lies and secrets a small town carries under its grass, a lá Blue Velvet.

One of the most interesting things about the movie are a set of dreamlike animations with dolls, that reflect the broken mind of the teenager who works at the funeral home. These set pieces will give something to talk about among moviegoers.

Overall, a nice effort, not the best thriller ever, perhaps in terms of Mexican cinema it is a milestone, but bot for the genre. Let us hope we are watching the first in a row of interesting, different and more daring Mexican cinema that is already at the door.

I saw Master and Commander with average expectations, I thought it would kinda like Gladiator on high seas and a little overweighted...well it wasn't, it was actually a pleasant surprise.

The plot although generic, is enough to push a great epic adventure. Russel Crowe plays Captain Jack, an old fashioned, hard boiled British captain who gets obsessed with the idea of bringing a French ship down. In the meantime, dozens of misadventures are lived and blood spilled.

Sometimes it might feel the movie tries to append many many subplots within the main plot, but I did not find them distracting at all, and they all added dramatism and depth to the characters in the ship. It is weird to see an all male movie though, I can't remember when was the last time I saw one.

After I saw the film, I have been trying to persuade my friends and family to see it, but no one seems to believe me this is a great, fun, and exciting movie with adventures from beginning to end and great acting from all people involved. So take my word, board this ship and live a major adventure.