Il segreto del fiume

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!

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.

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. ;-)

El Secreto del Rio/The Secret of the River is best summed up in the following quote, "Un gran amigo vale más que mil amore." or "A great friend is worth more than a thousand loves."

This is the story of two children brought together by circumstance. They become friends first reluctantly, and then in earnest; bound together by a secret that they feel they must keep, the secret of the river.

It is a story of struggle against society, family, friends and self and ultimately finding love and acceptance in community and demonstrating the power of pure friendship. As children, the friendship of Manuel, Erik and Paulina is pure and protective. All three are figuring out the world in which they live where the adults are also proving that they're figuring it out too trying to balance tradition with a world that is moving quickly and yet at the speed of the Isthmus.

The director uses flashbacks in touching and illustrative ways without giving in to being maudlin or treacly to emphasize the innocence of their friendships.

Additionally, this series of eight episodes wraps up the story lines well while leaving open the possibility of other explorations of the relationships this show establishes.

This was an amazing series although its short but full of mysteries, crime, drama, adventure and love , the characters specially @Mauro Guzman and @Frida Santos REALLY FITS as the young characters for the series, The one who chose them as the cast for this series must be proud. The story is about friendship with gender equality. This series I won't forget and always wanted to watch again and again. I also now wanted to study Spanish language its amazing. Hope there be next series for @Mauro Guzman I can't wait for it. The cast especially Jacinto, he really carried me by his actions am starting to hate him, also Rafaela, Ana, Carmen are goooood actress's.