Il segreto del fiume

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. ;-)

Do yourself a favor and watch this masterpiece. This series is an emotional rollercoaster. If all the friendships were like the one Manual and Erik has, the world would be a much better place. A series about traditions, values, acceptance, love, and friendship. The two young actors who play Erik and Manual, are amazing. They definitely need an award. The series also is colorful, and shows many beautiful sceneries. Every episode is full of surprises, new emotions and new stories. Watch it on Netflix. It shows pure love and sacrifices among two friends that they are willing to do anything for each other and protect and support eachother all the way in life!!!

It's a fantastic show that gives viewers outside of Oaxaca a glimps into a hidden world. It's a fascinating and beautiful culture that can teach the rest of the world how to live in harmony instead of hate. I really loved the music, especially the song during the ending credits.

The cinematography is stunning and so is the acting. The child actors were excellent, they gave award winning performances. The direction was obviously very good for the actors of all ages to give such compelling performances. It's a masterpiece!

The song during the ending credits is so gorgeous, and the singer/composer Maya Jamie Burns is my new favorite diva!

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 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!