Diablo Guardián

Paulita Gaitán did a great job, but I think that, compared to the book, adaptation was poor. So many things unexplained. Huge important parts of the book went missing.

It is quite exciting to see a huge effort, and by this I mean humongous, Latin production is not often as well made, this is leveling up, acting is not bad as many reviews say, the adaptation us not terrible as some say; in honor to truth, it's actually exciting, actors can go as far as the writing goes. Cinematography is quite satisfying, well stylized, even dare to say better than some of the first chapters of house of cards, none the less technology has evolved quite significantly from five Ds... however my rating is not above the seven stars because as a Latin American I wish we could move on from the quirks (idieosincracys) of Latin America being a drug driven world of lust for drugs, alcohol and prostitution leading to power (which happens worldwide) understandingly this is a drama: and drama ain't all pretty and Hallmark like, but the angle and perspective is maybe just too much of a cliché; and leaves you wanting a little more depth.

Actors are brilliant, direction, art department as well. As a viwer you can hate the bad guys from the very first time you see them; and get disgusted very easily (writing could improve) make it a little more creddible. Amazon starts great projects, I hope this one stays to evolve, and not end like season two of Goliath which pretty much went sour on the poor writing and the cliché caricature of the Mexican quirks.

The series is based on the 2003 novel 'Diablo Guardián' by Xavier Velasco.

Violetta (Paulina Gaitán) is a sucker for luxurious and materialistic lifestyle and leaves her ordinary Mexico life for the glittery life of New York, with $217,000 in hand, that she had stolen from her disapproving parents.

Initially, she revels in luxurious - hotel stay, clothing, wine, dine and the likes. But eventually, the money runs out and she resorts to high end conning and prostitution, till it lasts.

Herein, the protagonist is kind of amoral but child like and gleeful and continuously experiments with everything fashionable and luxurious, which makes for an interesting watch.

The story is different from what we are used to be told. As chapters go by the story keeps turning to different ways which keeps you engaged and "picado" (in spanish). I haven't read the book but I have heard opposing comments from people who have read it. Most of them say it is an amazing adaptation and is as good as the book since it has the same quotes and the characters were carefully chosen, like "el jardinerito". Others mention they imagined Violetta as a more beautiful actress like Barbara Mori (who is not even mexican) rather than showing good looking girl that can be from a mexican middle class. I think the actress Paulina Gaitan and the other actors do a great job. I liked the fact they were not very well known (except for Pedro Alonso) because it makes the story more credible and unexpected.

I don't understand or read Spanish much, so watched with subtitles.

No spoilers in this review because the less you know, the better.

The lead actress is excellent. I had seen her in Narco, so she looked familiar, couldn't place her. All the actors are good, but she steals the show. I'm very curious about the books.

Giving It a ten for the uniqueness and the lead Actress

Are there going to be more seasons? Hard to believe.

I'd love to talk about the series, but on this one any spoilers would interfere with surprises. Very R rated. It avoids showing the few moments of actual violence. Lots of drug scenes. Sex scenes aren't explicit, but frequent.

Overall a very tricky and clever story.