The Crime of Padre Amaro
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Movie Reviews of The Crime of Padre Amaro
Movie Review: An Amazingly Powerful Film
Summary: 5 Stars
EL CRIMEN DEL PADRE AMARO packs a wallop on many levels. Based on an 1875 novel, this story of the gradual downfall of an idealistic young priest sent out into the reality of the clerical world in the small villages in Mexico updated to contemporary times is unrelentingly fascinating, visually stunning, uncompromisingly frank in its stance on Catholic decadence, and directed and acted with finesse. Gael Garcia Bernal continues to mature as an actor and as a screen presence, making his Padre Amaro metamorphose from committed innocent to fallen sparrow in a wholly credible fashion. Despite our sadness with his bad decisions and choices, Bernal is able to keep us with this complex young priest and in doing so we are able to clearly examine the fragmented state of affairs in the hands of various priests tainted with lust, pride, sloth and a bit of each of the seven deadly sins. Director Daniel Carrera knows how to create both spectacular and intimate scenes and he masterfully leads his gifted cast through a more than difficult story.If there is a tendency to berate this film for its anticlerical stance, then the point of the story is missed. Each of the myriad characters, sacred and profane alike, has a soul of good and one of vulnerability, and given the current tenuous state of the Catholic Church under seige, I think this film helps explain how even men of the cloth can be human. Kudos for Gael Garcia Bernal, Ana Claudia Talancion, Damian Alcazar and all of the fine cast and crew that created this very impressive and disturbing piece of art.
Movie Review: The Best of the New Mexican Cinema!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I loved Amores Perros (once I got over the dog fighting) and Y Tu Mama Tambien - to be honest, I did not expect El Crimen del Padre Amaro to come anywhere close to these two gems. I was happily mistaken. The acting was magnificent, the directing apt, and the setting eminently appropriate to the subject matter. The film, based on a Portuguese novel written in 1875, is very apt not only in the context of the Mexican Catholic Church but also in light of recent events in the North American Catholic Church. The film addresses many issues facing the church - celibacy being the most advertised, but also liberation theology, women's rights, corruption, and the church hierarchy in itself. Though it deals specifically with the Catholic Church, this film reaches viewers of all faiths, and its relevance to today's society cannot be stressed enough.Now on to the more specific comments on the DVD version. I found the *extras* to be interesting, especially the movie trailers, but I found the Making-of to be a disappointment in that it did not offer much insight into the process of making the film. The commentary, on the other hand, I did find to be interesting and useful. Overall, the film itself overcomes any flaws in the DVD presentation.
If you have not seen this film yet, you need to. It will not be 2 hours wasted.
Movie Review: Truthful, and Original Subject Matter1
Summary: 5 Stars
one has to seethat the film is
about a preacher
falling in love with
a woman in a small
town.
his act of sexual realtions with
a young woman make him sin.
the film is interesting
because in 2002 many people
who are blind innocently
need to be aware that some
of the clergy out there
do activities that are just
not right, and plain sinful.
Gael Garcia has done Levis commercials
and other movies that present the
true fact shape of Mexican Society.
the poor the oppressed, many people in
whatever country treat preachers like
gods and that is not true, this motion
picture will give you another view
of the side that is not talked about.
A dark side that must be exposed, and
what better way for this film "El Crimen
del padre Amaro" for the 21st century.
Movie made it big in Mexico! it was documented
in the major news spheres such as Televisa and Azteca
news. recommend it to all people.
if you are fluent in spanish get it, and if not, get it subtitled in english. the film is worth it. forget about the
news and other stories that have been mentioned and just
admire the work by the actors and the plot that was directed
by the director.
Movie Review: Gael Garcia Bernal At His Finest As Always
Summary: 5 Stars
"El Crimen Del Padre Amaro"("The Crime of Padre Amaro") is one of the greatest mexican releases of 2002. It deservingly received an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Film. It stars rising star Gael Garcia Bernal as Padre Amaro. This film interprets and modernizes the 19th century book version beautifully. It combines drama, romance, erotica, and religion wonderfully, offering an unforgettable experience that will keep the audience watching every scene closely. Such controversial theme deserves much respect to the cast and crew. Many twists and turns arise as the young priest and a woman begin a relationship. Amaro risks his priesthood for such love and pleasure. Every scene and detail is flawless. Bernal proves in his lead performance that he continues to evolve as an actor as he has since his debut "Amores Perros"(2000). All other actors also performed their roles beautifully. "El Crimen Del Padre Amaro" is a great film for those looking for something eyeopening or dramatic. This is sure to please many.Movie Review: Outstanding!
Summary: 5 Stars
I love Spanish-language movies and so when I saw this one in the 'Best Foreign Language Film category', I had to see it. It's the story of a handsome young priest who comes to a rural town in Mexico to begin his work. There he meets the beautiful Amelia and is soon drawn into a sexual relationship with her. Their actions eventually lead to tragedy.
I thought that Y Tu Mama Tambien was the best Spanish film ever until I saw Amores Perros. Now that I have seen 'El Crimen del Padre Amaro', I will have to change that assertion as well. This movie has a more organised plot than the two aforementioned films and is just better all the way around. Gael Garcia Bernal is at his peak as Padre Amaro. He pulls off a rather difficult role with ease and passion.
I highly recommend this movie to everyone.(unless you're a staunch Catholic.)