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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.

Silent Light (2007)

7.3/10
Director: Carlos Reygadas
Starring: Cornelio Wall Fehr, Maria Pankratz, Miriam Toews, Peter Wall, Jacobo Klassen, El...

A transcendent meditation on love and religion, filmed in Northern Mexico by native auteur Carlos Reygadas ('Battle in Heaven'). The story revolves ar... Read more

City of Men (2007)

7.3/10
Director: Paulo Morelli
Starring: Douglas Silva, Darlan Cunha

Adapted from the Brazilian TV series created by the producers of the film "City of God," this engrossing drama relates the story of Acerola and Laranj... Read more

Elsa and Fred (2007)

Director: Marcos Carnevale
Starring: China Zorilla, Manuel Alexandre

A story about two elderly people who, at the end of the road, discover that it's never too late to love. Elsa is 82-years-old and for the past 60 year... Read more

Pan's Labyrinth (El laberinto del fauno) (Blu-Ray) (2006)

8.2/10
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Starring: Alex Angulo, Ariadna Gil, Maribel Verdu, Sergi Lopez, Ivana Baquero, Doug Jones

It's 1944 and the Allies have invaded Nazi-held Europe. In Spain, a troop of soldiers are sent to a remote forest to flush out the rebels. They are le... Read more

Chronicle of an Escape (2006)

7.3/10
Director: Adrian Caetano
Starring: Pablo Echarri, Rodrigo De La Serna, Lautaro Delgado, Nazareno Casero, Matias Mar...

Based on true events, this harrowing drama set in the 1970s tells the story of a pro soccer player (Rodrigo De La Serna) profiled as a terrorist and k... Read more

La Tragedia de Macario (2005)

6.9/10
Director: Pablo Veliz
Starring: Tina Rodriguez, Rogelio Ramos, Victor Agustino

Determined to provide his wife with a better life, Macario (Rogelio Ramos) leaves his Mexican village to find work in the United States. This drama fo... Read more

The Violin (2005)

7.8/10
Director: Francisco Vargas
Starring: Mario Garibaldi, Dagoberto Gama, Angel Tavira, Gerardo Taracena

An elderly Mexican violinist - along with his son and grandson - becomes involved in the formation of a peasant's rebellion during the 1970s. Hoping t... Read more

The House of Sand (2005)

Director: Andrucha Waddington
Starring: Fernanda Montenegro, Fernanda Torres

In 1910 Aurea and her mother arrive in the Brazilian town of Maranhao where her husband believes he'll find prosperity in the barren desert. As the fa... Read more

Battle in Heaven (2005)

5.7/10
Director: Carlos Reygadas
Starring: Marcos Hernandez, Anapola Mushkadiz, Bertha Ruiz, David Bornstein

Marcos is the chauffeur of a general with a secret that only he and his wife know - they kidnapped a baby for ransom, and the child died in their care... Read more

Two Sons of Francisco (2005)

6.9/10
Director: Breno Silvera
Starring: Dira Paes, Angelo Antonio, Marcio Kieling

The incredible true story of Brazil's leading country music duo. Starting out a very long way from stardom, their father was not the first to pressure... Read more