Monday, August 24, 2009

strangers on a train

Saw the mexican movie Sin Nombre this weekend, and loved it to bits. Am still all stirred and shaken.

There are many good things about it, but if I may add a scientific point to the reviews that are already out there -- it is intriguing how the two main character are driven by economic inequality along intersecting gradients. One migrating along the wealth gradient from Honduras to the US, the other driven into organised crime by the inequality within the Mexican society. As their trajectories intersect and they meet as strangers on a train (very literally), and the dramatic story unfolds from there ...

It's very depressing to reflect on the social realities that have shaped these lives -- the film doesn't discuss the issues at all, only shows their dreadful impact on people, but I think that is a good thing as it allows viewers to think for themselves.

So catch it while you can.

PS Also, I understand that this is the first movie co-produced by the company Canana, set up by mexican actors Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal. Very promising debut.

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