03/24/06 Y Tu Mama Tambien

Y Tu Mama Tambien (2001), directed by Alfonso Cuaron

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home; suggested by Jenny

Let me start by saying this...I understand the intrigue and buzz about a movie like this. I also understand the detractors' comments about something of this nature as well. The buzz here is about a movie unashamed of displaying raw and realistic sexual relationships and political commentary. On the other hand, the detraction comes from the fact that the prior is what is thrown at you to cloud the subtler context of the latter...plus the fact that this being a foreign film draws the "artsy" tag. My point is that this film walks that line very well, and results in a good movie, despite what both sides say. The story follows two boyhood friends who are approaching manhood, looking to escape their own surroundings in order to find themselves. Along the way the encounter the seductive older woman who tags along for the ride, as they travel to the utopian beaches of Heaven's Mouth. Their intense friendship is challenged mightily as the woman seduces both boys, forces them to acknowledge their own relationships with each other, and ultimately find peace within the group and the world. It is the subtle background commentary that plays throughout their roadtrip that is most appealing to me. There are numerous instances where us as the audience will see the struggles of poverty and the police state in Mexico; while the characters are oblivious to them amidst their own joy. Also, there are times when the characters all face challenges head-on, understanding class systems, poverty, sexuality, and death. Yeah, ok, it's an "artsy" film because it's Mexican and exotic...but also because it's a solid story that hits close to home for many, and breaks down taboos of sex on screen with reckless abandon. Hey, and didn't this Cuaron guy direct a Harry Potter film? What kind of world do we live in?!

4 out of 5 stars