Pedro Páramo

Juan Rulfo might be one of the most influencial Latin American writters of all time, and Pedro Paramo is without a doubt his masterpiece, so having to adapt it into any kind of work (a film, a tv series, a play) is a risk very few screenwriters, directors and producers can afford.

Four times Academy Award® nominee cinematographer - and now director - Rodrigo Prieto knows very well how to use all his resources and talent to create a flawless visually and technical stunning enviroment worthy of praise with the help of Academy Award® winner Eugenio Caballero in charge of the production design, and Academy Award® winner Gustavo Santaolalla in the music score.

The cast is amazing too, especially the supporting performances by Dolores Heredia, Roberto Sosa and Ilse Salas.

Goya® winner Mateo Gil does an impressive work adapting Rulfo's book, keeping in mind the narrative of the book is not lineal and might be difficult to follow, therefore this is a movie that needs to be watched while paying attention.

The difficulty of adapting one of the best Mexican literary works and one of the greatest examples of surrealism was a complete challenge for this great photographer and now debuting director. The film tries and succeeds very well, with an excellent cast and a long history in Mexican cinema, they give it the necessary support to tell this magical, melancholic story that is difficult to understand for those who are not Mexican. It is not the typical Hollywood, there are no monsters, aliens, or other current inclusive themes. This film is a tribute to Mexico, to our history, to our countryside and to our people. I think Mr. Rulfo would be happy with the work done on his great novel.

I'm sure that people giving a low rating, have simply not read the book, and hence not understood this wonderful movie. You don't have to read the book, but if you really want to understand the movie, read the book at some point. You'll be surprised and you'll love both!

Pedro Paramo, the book, reflects sadness and melancholy on every page. This is what made Rulfo great - his narrative was some sort of beautiful sadness. The book's narrative is simple yet beautiful. This movie does a great job of conveying the book's sadness through its dialogues, music, and the environment of Comala.

I'm surprised this is the director's opera prima. The actors, production, and costume design - every department paid a lot of attention to ensure the movie is as accurate as possible. Some of the book's dialogues are retained in the movie, along with the imagery, suffering, and horror - nothing is left aside.

This is undoubtedly a fantastic visual representation of Pedro Paramo, and it's one of those rare movies that can live up to the books they're based on.

A mother's last wish is for her son, Juan, to visit the father he never knew in a distant town. Juan finds the town abandoned and yet swirling with life. Nothing is as it seems. Apparitions appear and drift away. Pedro Páramo, the father, lays claim to the town and its inhabitants, and yet strangely his soul also belongs to them. Juan risks being swallowed by the miscreant spirits, the terrible deeds, and all the heartache. Not the inheritance he expected.

With intoxicating dance sequences, a profusion of light and color, flashbacks, capable acting, and the amazing cinematography of Rodrigo Prieto, the film and cast bring Juan Rulfo's 1955 masterpiece of magic realism to life. "If you want to understand who we are as a country," said one of the actors "then open the book."

The best part of the film is the characters. They are not good or bad, just human. Director Rodrigo Prieto, who was present for this world premiere screening at the Toronto International Film Festival, said that the characters fascinated him too. "Each character" he said, "has something about ourselves." Have an internal journey of your own in the magic and darkness of this film, a reflection of the Mexican soul.

Pedro Páramo follows Juan Preciado, who travels to the abandoned town of Comala to find his father, the ruthless landowner Pedro Páramo. In Comala, Juan encounters spirits who reveal the dark legacy of Páramo's cruelty and power.

The movie is an exceptional adaptation of the book of the same nam by Juan Rulfo. I think its stunning cinematography, set design, and costumes truly enhance the visual experience. The acting is also solid and well-executed.

Unlike some opinions, I didn't find the movie boring at all; on the contrary, it kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

However, it's not a movie for everyone, as it requires some mental effort to follow the shifts in time. But for those who enjoy narrative challenges, it's a fascinating experience.