hectorramirez-73112 Reviews

The Cats (2016)

People must remember animated movies are not only for kids

[7/10 · 30 January 2024]

I'm not going to lie, I was shocked when I finished to watch this short, but I guess that means it worked.

You might not like the subject, but that doesn't mean it's a bad project, and this one is far from being bad.

The animation technique is amazing and the plot, even when is raw is important. In a country like Mexico where the rates of violence between couples just keeps growing is important not to normalize toxic behaviour, and this short handles it straightforward.

Even when it's not its intention, it does also show what a street animal must face in a daily basis, and as the owner of two rescued cats I think is very important to raise awarness of animal abuse too.

Puan (2023)

Entertaining and sharp.

[7/10 · 28 January 2024]

Smart comedies are hard to find, and a big part of the appeal of this film lies in the screenplay. Benjamin Naishtat and María Alché openly adress the lack of resources, obstacles of public education and the social and politic enviroment while mixing the comic situations that the protagonist put up with and at times they immerse us in philosophical introspections.

Marcelo Subiotto nails it with a subtle performance consistent with the reserved personality of his character.

On the other hand, Leonardo Sbaraglia shines every time he appears, however they waste him since his time on screen is brieflier than expected considering a big part of the marketing of the movie lies on him.

Totem (2023)

A charm poem of love and sorrow

[8/10 · 7 December 2023]

Subtle but thoughtful family drama in which acclaimed director Lila Áviles accurately reflects the different nuances of each character and shows the different ways in which each of them faces an imminent tragedy within the family nucleus.

Lila develops the plot in an almost poetic way with visually attractive but meaningful shots that represent the interaction between the characters.

The young and promising actress Naíma Sentíes offers a spectacular performance in which she manages to communicate through her gaze and few dialogues the endless emotions that a child can't fully process in such a complex situation.

Warm and emotional, Tótem is a film that stands out from the average Mexican production in terms of substance and form.

Hurricane Season (2023)

I don't get why the low rating

[8/10 · 4 December 2023]

I might have a biased opinion since I haven't read the book so I don't know how faithful the movie is to the source material.

However, judging the movie by itself I think is above the average.

The whole cast did an incredible job, and most of them have from zero to few experience in acting.

The cinematography is visually alluring, and Elisa Miller uses all the technical resources available in order to create a wild atmosphere.

The plot is properly developed, and even though there're a lot of issues mingling between one and another (extreme poverty, ignorance, prostitution, corruption and violence) every story is told enough.

Sweatshop Girl (2023)

Raw depiction of social injustice and labor explotation.

[9/10 · 7 September 2023]

I had the opportunity to watch this short at the International Short Film Festival of Mexico and I must say it was one of the best of the competition by far.

Selma Cervantes nails it showing the awful conditions and labor explotation workers must face.

Even though it's placed during the Covid pandemic, most of these situatios are currently happening on a daily basis (for example, making you sign a resignation letter the same day you are hired so they can fire you whenever they want) making you think how used we are toward these abusive practices.

Yalitza Aparicio gives a wonderful performance, showing the distress we all have felt when we think we could loose our source of income, struggling while trying to hide her pregnancy and trying to go unnoticed. The last scene was heartbreaking and I have to say I was impressed of how good she managed the role.