Remember when we used to go to the cinema? Ah the popcorn smell, the uber comfy seating, the trailers... If you lived in Mexico pre-pandemic you were probably marvelled by the complexity of movie theatres in the country, from the sushi rolls to the bar. It is said that the concept of VIP Cinema was created here, but whether you’re interested in having a full meal inside the theatre or you’re just trying to watch the latest blockbuster we thought that this Oscar Month we had to give you a list of the most-watch Mexican movies/artists of all times because, like Jackie Chan said, “Cinema Reflects Culture”.
Oldies but goodies
Ahi Esta El Detalle (1940, Juan Bustillo, starring Cantinflas) - No Mexican Movie List could not bring Cantinflas at the very top of it. Cantinflas is an icon to the Mexican culture, and anyone that wants to understand the idiosyncratic humour of Mexicans needs to watch at least one of his movies. This writer’s favourite is “Su Excelencia” but there are more that 30 films of the comic genius. (Also, don’t worry if you don’t understand a word of what Cantinflas say, that’s his whole deal!)
Dos tipos De Cuidado (1953, Ismael Rodriguez, starring Jorge Negrete and Pedro Infante) - Another big hit of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema is the story of two “charros,” their estranged friendship and their love interests. Yes, there might be a lot of political incorrectness in these films but they’re a big part of Mexican Culture. On the plus side, there are a lot of Serenatas, so give it a chance, remember this was filmed in the 1950s.
Los Olvidados (1950, Luis Buñuel) – Luis Buñuel is one of the biggest directing names of the time and while this movie has been depicted as Poverty Porn it was perhaps the first movie that highlighted the life of the poorest of the poor in Mexico.
Tizoc (1957, Ismael Rodriguez, starring Pedro Infante and Maria Felix) - If you’re into photography, this movie is for you. El Indio Fernandez as director of photography captures the absolute beauty of the settings with two of the most recognised stars of the time: Maria Felix and Pedro Infante.
Classics
Like Water For Chocolate (1992, Alfonso Arau) - Before we had the Tres Amigos running Hollywood, Like Water for Chocolate was incontestably one of the biggest hits of Mexican cinema. A forbidden love takes place in revolutionary Mexico and develops through Mexican Cuisine… must I say more? Bonus points if you get a chance to read the book as well!
Y Tu Mama Tambien (2001, Alfonso Cuaron) - A contemporary coming of age movie, with two of the most known Mexican actors of the time: Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna. Sex, sex, and a bit more sex.
Amores Perros (2000, Gonzalez Iñarritu) - A tale of modern Mexico, with intertwined stories that launched to fame the director Gonzales Iñarritu and a very crude way of showcasing Mexican realities.
Oscar worthy
ROMA (2018, Alfonso Cuaron) - If you have not seen, nor heard of Roma there is a slight chance you were abducted by aliens. Roma, was to some, the best movie ever created in Mexico and to some a very racist and slow (read, boring) film, but we’ll let you decide on your own, one thing is for certain, the photography is out of this world.
The Shape Of Water (2017, Guillermo del Toro) – Another, Mexican/non Mexican movie that earned a bunch of Oscars, it’s a fantastic love story between a single, content and mature woman and a water monster that has been kidnapped by evil scientists.
Noteworthy
If this list triggered your curiosity, we leave here some other titles, La Ley de Herodes, Arráncame la Vida, Rojo Amanecer, El Callejón de los Milagros, and again, anything Cantinflas!
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