This Is Not Berlin

No, it's mexico! We follow two friends around town, as they get in and out of trouble. From boredom, loss of important adult relatives, and opportunity, the high school students find sex, drugs, and rock and roll at a nightclub in town. Carlos finds inspiration and good communication with his uncle esteban (hari sama, who also directed this one), but when tragedy strikes the family, both carlos and his school buddy gera spiral out of control. Carlos' mom seems to be quite ill with something, but sleeps most of the time. Good stories on teen angst, survival, coming of age, and even coming out. I liked this one, and hope to see more of sama's films; this was mostly fun to watch. The description says it takes place in the 1980s, but the only obvious references are when someone says "people are dying", and the protests, apparently a reference to the hiv/aids epidemic. Sama had already been producing and directing for 25 years by now. And has won several awards at the film fests.

A hardcore, high intensity coming-of-age among AIDS deaths and a vociferous rebellion against death. Different sects have different approaches but the main group is determined to get the public's attention amidst drinking, drugs, and recreational everything at will. A relatives death gives pause, but a major police crackdown after a near overdose sends thrashes the rebels back to a serious reconsideration, or at minimum a major interruption to the havoc. The learning curve is predictable for the viewer and the artistic form is lost in the melee. Despite all the smart dialogues and music lyrics, there is no meaningful message to be found, that we did not already know from our youth.

Great acting, fabolous atmosphere, astounding soundtrack and a nicely told story. a coming of age film that also ends up giving a perfect lgbt message.