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 Noble Family (2013)
7.4/10
Director: Gary Alazraki
Starring: Gonzalo Vega, Luis Gerardo Mendez, Karla Souza, Juan Pablo Gil
When a successful construction mogul, Germán Noble, realises that his adult children are spoiled beyond belief, he stages a fake company bankruptcy an... 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
The Peddler (2010)
7.7/10
Director: Eduardo de la Serna
This sweet little documentary tells the story of Daniel Burmeister who is a filmmaker like no other. Travelling from village to village around Argenti... Read more
The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)
8.2/10
Director: Juan Jose Campanella
Starring: Ricardo Darin, Javier Godino, Pablo Rago, Guillermo Francella, Soledad Villamil
Aka "El Secreto de sus Ojos". Benjamin (Ricardo Darin, "Nine Queens"), a retired court employee, decides to write a book about an old murder case that... Read more
The Silent House (2010)
5.4/10
Director: Gustavo Hernandez
Aka "La Casa Muda". Laura and her father only need to spend one night in the house, but eerie things start happening soon after they arrive. Strange s... 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 Wind Journeys (2009)
7.4/10
Director: Ciro Guerra
Starring: Marciano Martinez
A Colombian accordion player (Marciano Martinez) believes he must give up the instrument after the death of his wife. Legend has it that the device or... Read more
Tony Manero (2008)
6.8/10
Director: Pablo Larrain
Starring: Alfredo Castro, Paola Lattus, Hector Morales, Amparo Noguera, Elsa Poblete
As Augusto Pinochet holds Chile in the grip of dictatorship, Raul, a 50-year-old man obsessed with John Travolta's character from 'Saturday Night Feve... Read more
Trash (2014)
7.2/10
Director: Stephen Daldry
Starring: Wagner Moura, Selton Mello, Rooney Mara, Martin Sheen
Richard Curtis writes and Stephen Daldry directs this Rio-set adventure drama. The film follows 14-year-old Raphael (Rickson Tevez), who, after findin... 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