Fernando De Fuentes' career is divided in two parts. His first films are considered "author films", and the rest of his filmography is more according to the values of the entertainment industry. The important thing is that he always directed great movies, no matter the special goal he had in mind. "La selva de fuego" is one of those spectacular movies with great argument and unique Fuentes' seal of quality. The photography is amazing, specially the few times we can see characters surrounded by the jungle.
The main topic is how human law tries to suppress human nature. Dolores Del Río (Estrella) is a very sensual woman, specially shown in one scene where she undresses in an empty room, with all the workers spying through the door and window. MIguel Inclán and Manuel Dondé also have great acting roles as despicable workers. In opposition to them, Arturo De Córdova (Luciano) plays a tortured man, that will fight against his desire and his workers to defend Estrella.
It is settled in Yucatán, México. Even when it is never told, the story goes around a group of Mexican workers of a chicle extraction company (like that one founded there by Adams family in XIX century). Also a couple of workers speak with the unique style of people from that peninsula.
