La cucaracha

I love this movie i had see few times in television is about the Mexican revolution but honestly the reason i like the movie is because Maria Felix and Dolores del Rio are together for the first and only time in their life , Maria more beautiful and younger than del Rio but both were huge movie stars Dolores very well know in united states and Maria very well know in the rest of the planet but not in USA, la Felix was beautiful , elegant and unique a real legend she never let herself go down not even in the last years of her life when she was almost 90 years old she still WAS Maria Felix , i love this woman she was maybe the most fantastic movie star of the 20 century, Dolores was a beautiful and a nice well educated lady she came from a very rich background but was not as fascinate as MARIA FELIX

This is one example of a Mexican film genre celebrating the Mexican Revolution (1910-1921, more or less) many of them directed by Ismael Rodriguez (or Emilio Fernández), photographed by Gabriel Figueroa and often starring either Maria Felix or Dolores Del Rio. This film is a melodrama starring Mexico's two great female film stars (Del Rio the more famous of the two in the United States but Felix probably the bigger star in Mexico) and photographed in color by Figueroa, who was earlier known for his moody black and white. As entertainment it's very enjoyable. Maria Felix isn't a great actress but she had a style greatly loved in Mexico and Dolores Del Rio is often luminous. Emilo Fernandez as the Colonel is impressive

Quite a good war drama but the love triangle was somewhat weak and its not as ironic or funny as it could have been. Straightfoward, with good performances (specially by Maria Felix) but not an overall great work as one would expect from an Ismael Rodriguez film with such an astounding cast. Very strong ending too.

If you like this sort of melodrama then Maria Felix can really give it to you. You might want to gen up about the Mexican Revolution, and if you find it too complex just watch this wonderfully over the top actor and not care. Emma Pennela had it and so did Melina Mercouri, but Felix despite the fact that nuances was not her style steals this wonderful fantasy ( or is it crazy reality ? ) of how powerful women can fight and win a revolution. The males strut around, and the women give in to them, but fight back when they need to. It was ' X ' certificated in the UK which is incredible given that it was released there in 1960. The fighting is full force, but nothing to disturb, and the sexuality is erotic ( a shot of a naked back and rolling around with clothes on ) not exactly worthy of such a high certificate. Hard to find, but look for it as it is deliriously worthwhile, even if the colour is brash and the filming a bit rough. It is quite simply fun.

(1959) La cucaracha/ The Soldiers of Pancho Villa (In Spanish/ Mexico with English subtitles) HISTORICAL FICTION

Stars Jaime Fernández as Coronel Antonio Zeta under Villa's orders to fight along for the rights of the Mexican people during the revolution, then the film dwells on his relationships between two women. Directed by Ismael Rodríguez and was released in 1959 according to imdb.com. One of the most boring movies I had had ever seen since the budget shows where it's worked within the story rather than showcasing scenes that can make this film entertaining where the characters always explain the situation rather than show it. It's also superficial hogwash when the colonel can get the only two most desired women throughout the whole film while everyone else has mediocre looking wives/ spouses.