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Latin America Cinema

By Alice's definition, Latin America includes all the films we have from Mexico and South America. Largely represented here are the films of Mexico and Brazil, but there are also treasures from Argentina, Cuba and Colombia. Many of these films are set against a political or religious backdrop, particularly those from South America. For example the searing social commentary of 'City of God' leaves the viewer not only with the memory of an electrifying and well-crafted film but an insight into the harsh realities of Brazilian street kids. Celebrated film maker Hector Babenco did the same with the brutal but incredible, Pixote (1981), then turned to political prisoners with the fantastic 'Kiss of the Spiderwoman' (1985). Mexican films defy categorisation and cover subjects from dog fights ('Amores Perros') to young love ('Y Tu Mama Tambien') to sci-fi ('Cronos). Robert Rodriguez began his career here with 'El Mariachi'. New talents emerging include Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Alex de la Iglesia, and Guillermo del Toro who like Rodriguez has already made the move to Hollywood. To find films from a specific country use the By Country link to the left.

Maria Full of Grace (2004)

7.5/10
Director: Joshua Marston
Starring: Catalina Sandino Moreno, Yenny Paola Vega, John Alex Toro, Guilied Lopez, Patric...

Director Joshua Marston's powerful tale introduces us to a determined young woman whose desire for a brighter future leads her into a world of unimagi... Read more

Behind the Sun (2001)

7.7/10
Director: Walter Salles
Starring: Ravi Ramos Lacerda, Rodrigo Santoro

Walter Salles ("Central Station") helmed this powerful drama set in the Brazilian badlands in 1910, where a feud between two families boils over into... Read more

Nine Queens (2001)

7.9/10
Director: Fabian Bielinsky
Starring: Gaston Pauls, Ricardo Darin

Thrilling Argentinean import details the adventures of small-time con men Juan and Marcos as they attempt to sell counterfeit stamps to wealthy philat... Read more

Everybody Has a Plan (2012)

5.5/10
Director: Ana Piterbarg
Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Soledad Villamil, Javier Godino, Daniel Fanego, Sofia Gala Cast...

A.k.a. "Todos tenemos un plan". Spanish-language drama starring Viggo Mortensen as a man who swaps identities with his twin brother. Agustin (Mortense... Read more

Nicotina (2003)

6.7/10
Director: Hugo Rodriguez
Starring: Diego Luna, Daniel Gimenez Cacho, Rosa Maria Bianchi, Rafael Inclan

In Mexico City's criminal netherworld, computer hacker Diego Luna plans to make a fortune off the Russian mob. But his pretty neighbour makes a disco... Read more

Black Orpheus (1959)

7.5/10
Director: Marcel Camus
Starring: Breno Mello, Marpessa Dawn, Lea Garcia

This extravagant explosion of colour and sounds is a modern re-enactment of Orpheus and Eurydice's tragic tale against the splendid backdrop of Carniv... Read more

El Mariachi / Desperado (1993)

Director: Robert Rodriguez
Starring: Carlos Gallardo, Consuelo Gomez, Peter Marquardt, Antonio Banderas, Joaquim de A...

An explosive double feature dvd from director Robert Rodriguez. "El Mariachi" - All he wants is to be a mariachi, like his father, his grandfather and... Read more

The Official Story (1985)

7.8/10
Director: Luis Puenzo
Starring: Norma Aleandro, Hector Alterio, Analia Castro

1985's Academy Award winner is a politically explosive and emotionally draining drama set in the tumultuous period after the Falkland's debacle. Alean... Read more

El Bonaerense (2002)

6.9/10
Director: Pablo Trapero
Starring: Jorge Roman, Mimi Ardu, Dario Levy, Victor Hugo Carrizo, Hugo Anganuzzi

From time to time Zapa (Jorge Roman), a thirty-something locksmith in a small Argentinean town, is pressured by his shifty boss to employ his safecrac... Read more

Miss Bala (2011)

6.5/10
Director: Gerardo Naranjo
Starring: James Russo, Stephanie Sigman, Noe Hernandez, Lakshmi Picazo, Leonor Vitorica, I...

Suspenseful Mexican crime thriller involves the plight of Laura Guerrero (Stephanie Sigman), a poor Tijuana salesgirl who dreams of winning the local... Read more