El Secreto del Río

Direction, good. Acting, expecially from the kids, was really excellent. You never see this level from kids. I use to like series based in México and produced there, but this one really stands alone for its plot, the way It develops, sensitivity; without talking about gangs, narcos (we already had a bunch of shows like that) but still showing something real, a story involving common people in a place that Is not Cdmx nor Cancún or the northern border with Usa. You may find yourself understanding what will happen slowly, step by step, in a way that resembles more literature than tv shows. Most of all, It Is really well written. I think It is one of the best Netflix TV series right now, surely something to watch.

This is one of the best shows I've ever seen. It is beautifully touching. Well written, fully rounded, courageous and with a story that is made for these times. I wish everyone could see this series. Maybe, it would help the world better understand this issue. Help it be a kinder, more tolerant and a better place for everyone.

The actors are all very talented and bring truths to a subject that is still taboo in some cultures. The creators should be hailed for a great work of art.

The cinematography is outstanding and entertaining with a grittiness and realism that is authentic and beautifully executed.

For me, certainly one of the ten best series seen in a long time. The actors, both children and adults, are excellent and very touching.

The story is unusual and gripping, it is told in a very simple way, without all the usual clichés about Mexico, and the discovery of this world and its very special culture fascinates and makes you think. I recommend the original version with subtitles to enjoy the nuances of the language and voices.

It is a pure masterpiece that carries very high and very far the values of friendship, respect, compassion, beauty, patience and perseverance... You may need some tissues at some moments, not included here. ;-)

Let me start off by saying you have to have a mature mind in order to properly digest this material. That means looking beyond the obvious and concentrating on the nuance on display here. The main characters are like oil and water; but at the same time, they are the same. Again, In order to fully comprehend what is on display here requires a very nuanced mind.

The writing and acting here is just a masterpiece. The writing is balanced and consistent with very small hiccups here and there. The young protaganists also are just fantastic. They display a range in acting that is perfection. The project also includes a fabulous musical score, fantastic cinematography and on location filming. This is just flat out a masterwork. Its a must watch.

This Mexican miniseries is very involving and touching, and everything is close to perfect: the calm pace, the authentic setting in this small rural village in Oaxaca, Mexico, the solid story, and the excellent acting by all of the cast. Maybe the writing is a tiny bit sentimental, and in the last episodes there are used some clichés to work to a happy end, but it fitted the overall feeling of the story neatly.

The secret from the title plays a relatively small part. The most important issue is that of the Muxes, the so-called third sex. I never heard of it before, so even for this alone this series is worthwhile and very informative. We see how these Muxes are as well an accepted part of the community, as frowned upon by some as (literally) queer and a nuisance. It's wonderful to see the Muxes together, as a warm and loyal family, never imposing but still proud and strong willed.

In the first few episodes we see Erik and Manuel as little boys who, in spite of Manuel's clear feminine inclination, strike up an (intended) lifelong friendship. But when in episode 5 Manuel comes back after 20 years as the beautiful woman Sicarú, Erik has to adjust to this new appearance of his friend and the two have to re-invent their relationship, which is in fact the main topic of the second half of the series. This is done extremely sensitive, greatly helped by a strong direction and beautiful photography, and especially by Diego Calvados and Trinidad González, tentatively circling around each other, not acting with grand gestures, but subtle and almost understated. Yoshira Escárrega is equally convincing as Erik's wife, anxiously awaiting how Erik's and Manuel relation will evolve. A special mention should go to the young actors that played the young versions of Erik, Manuel and Paulina, they are really amazing! And last but not least to La Bruja de Texcoco (what a delightful aka that is!) as the motherly muxe Solange, so warm and protective and full of wisdom!