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.
The Films of Alejandro Jodorowsky: Fando Y Lis / El Topo / The Holy Mountain / La Constellation Jodorowsky (1968)
Director: Alejandro Jodorowsky
Starring: Alejandro Jodorowsky, Brontis Jodorowsky
One of cinema's most controversial and influential filmmakers, this collection features three of his early films including 'Fando Y Lis' (1968) - His... Read more
Black God, White Devil (1964)
7.4/10
Director: Glauber Rocha
Starring: Joao Gama, Geraldo Del Rey
A masterwork, 'Black God, White Devil' blends mysticism, religion, and popular culture, into a powerful, bleak and cruel epic, that unashamedly expres... Read more
I Am Cuba (1964)
8/10
Director: Mikhail Kalatozov
Unseen by the West for nearly 30 years, this unusual Cuban/Soviet co-production was meant to help train Cuban filmmakers and build support for Castro'... Read more
The Exterminating Angel (1962)
8.2/10
Director: Luis Bunuel
Starring: Silvia Pinal, Jacqueline Andere, Claudio Brook
Louis Bunuel's masterpiece tells the story of guests invited to a lavish dinner party who find they are unable to leave at the end of the evening. A m... Read more
Nazarin (1959)
7.8/10
Director: Luis Bunuel
Starring: Francisco Rabal
A priest in a poor community lives a charitable life in accordance with his religious principles, but many others do not return the favor. 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
Los Olvidados ( The Young and the Damned ) (1950)
8.8/10
Director: Luis Bunuel
Starring: Miguel Inclan, Roberto Cobo, Estela Inda, Alfonso Mejia
The best known film of Luis Bunuel's Mexican period, "Los Olvidados" looks unflinchingly at life in a festering Mexico City slum. A group of juvenile... Read more