Battle In Heaven
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Movie Reviews of Battle In Heaven
Movie Review: Worth Seeing!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a really interesting film. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding it (because of certain scenes) which I'm hoping won't scare people off (somehow I don't think it will) but it really is one of those rare movies that gets you talking on so many different levels.
Carlos Reygadas (the director) has a very unique style, which you cannot help but appreciate. Some of the shots in the film are just amazing! Also, I really thought the lead actress, for someone who had never acted before, did a wonderful job! I still cannot decide on the lead male (who had also never acted professionally before) but honestly his performance did not hurt the film any.
What it's about: Basically a chauffeur and his wife kidnap a baby that dies in their care. The chafer confesses his secret to Ana, the daughter of a rich general, who works as a prostitute on the side, and who he drives to her "job." Carlos tries to find redemption through Ana, and ultimately falls in love with her.
It is a very intense film, but absolutely worth seeing, despite the graphic scenes and controversy.
Movie Review: World of Reygadas
Summary: 5 Stars
This is Carlos Reygada's second film, and his camera is ceaselessly searching. It investigates the transient murmuring of marching pilgrims, explores the ephemeral traffic of subway corridors, and paces itself to curiously follow the cadence of early morning flag raising ceremonies. It orbits around and inhabits the environment of Marcos, a protagonist so firmly planted to the earth that his crushing personal conflict is barely perceptable on his flaccid expression. Reygadas is desperate to discover the transcendence inaccessible to Marcos, whose only worldly absolve from his sense of shame is to be enveloped by something pure and beautiful - something that obsesses and corrupts him. It is one of the most impressive aesthetic feats in recent filmmaking: every scene (especially the gas station & soccer game sequences) is emotionally engaging. Ignore cries of "pornography" from detractors: there have been plenty of recent films to feature graphic sexual scenes, but Battle in Heaven is a incisive character study, not an empty exercise in exploitation.Movie Review: Ambivalent
Summary: 5 Stars
In between the poignant sex scenes between two obese amateur thespians (as husband and wife) and between the protagonist (Marcos Hernández), and the attractive hooker (Anapola Mushkadiz) - who so happens to be the daughter of a military official he works for, there are some scenes of deep confusion and contemplation.
The cast are all non-actors, and it is evident. The "freshness" that Reygadas is going for is not really there - what we have in its place is just a sense that something is lacking. I tried to get it, but was left lost.
In the scenes were Marcos walks or drives around staring blankly at things - one gets the sense that either the actor was lost or forgot his lines. The story lacked character development but to be fair the stream of consciousness left me thinking about the complexity of the human mind - but that is where it stopped. Am I curious to see Japon? Certainly - but my expectations have changed... who knows?
Miguel Llora
Movie Review: Mexican thriller, with benefits
Summary: 5 Stars
First of all, the story. A couple kidnap a baby that then dies.
The twist: The man, Marcos is the driver and bodyguard to a general. The general's daughter (Who is gorgeous) spends her evenings working as a prostitute at a high class brothel she calls "The boutique". When Marcos reveals the kidnapping to the girl, the conflict arises.
There is some explicit sex, but it is minimal, and should not detract from anyone's enjoyment of this movie.
There are layers of subtlety here.
Marco's wife earns some money selling all kinds of things in the Mexico subway, among them cakes made with (Eeeek) Sugus. He wears a jacket that identifies him as a security guard.
The contrast between his lifestyle and the upper class lifestyle adds social commentary and depth to the movie.
I recommend it without reservations.
Movie Review: Unconventionally good!
Summary: 5 Stars
I loved Japon and was quite curious about this one. I'm glad i got the chance to own it because it's a great follow up to Japon AND a good promise of a brilliant film career for Carlos Reygadas. I am now a true fan of his work!
He is again using non-professional actors for this film and you would think that that formula would somehow fail but it honestly doesn't! It seems to give the films more heart and soul if anything. It's an unconventional way to approach filmmaking but a brilliant way too if it's done well. And this is done well.
Yes, there are some strong sexual scenes that are also quite unconventional in this film. I can't help but think of it as something that comes to being as real as possible. Mr. Reygadas doesn't have time for delusions. He'll give you the real thing!