Sujo

This is a film that let you accompany Sujo on his journey of self determination. From being in danger as a boy due to his father involvement in the Mexican mafia to him being followed by a shadow that looms large over his life. You see this story of a young boy being rescued by women but also by his own good nature. The camera hides with him as he tries to save his life and later on follows him in the countryside, poverty also has beauty through a boy's perspective. What a story, it speaks tons to me. Watched it at Pingyao Film Festival and got the chance to get an autograph from one of the directors. A rare triumph a film full of wisdom.

"SUJO" is a masterful blend of compelling storytelling and mesmerizing visuals. The film's brisk pace keeps the audience engaged, while the stunning cinematography by Ximena Amann paints a vivid and atmospheric backdrop. Each frame is a work of art, capturing the essence of Sujo's world with remarkable detail and authenticity.

Juan Jesús Varela delivers a tour-de-force performance as Sujo, bringing depth and nuance to a complex and emotionally wrought character. Varela's performance captures the full range of Sujo's emotions, from the innocence of his childhood to the hardened resolve of his adulthood.

More than a gripping family tragedy, "SUJO" is a powerful indictment of violence and its devastating impact on society. The film unflinchingly confronts the brutal realities of life in a world ruled by cartels, offering a glimpse into the human cost of violence.

"SUJO" is a cinematic triumph that deserves to be seen by a wide audience. The film's powerful message, stunning visuals, and exceptional performances make it an unforgettable and thought-provoking experience.

A revenge killing in a remote Mexican town leaves the already motherless young "Sujo" (Kevin Aguilar) an orphan. Luckily for him, his aunt "Neme" (Yadira Pérez) rescues him from the same vengeful fate and brings him up determined that he will resist the temptations of the town that might lead him to follow in his father's footsteps. That's no easy task as his close friends soon end up involved with the local cartel and so she sends the now teenage lad to find work in the vastness of their capital. Here he (now Juan Jesús Varela) begins to yearn for an education, and befriends the teacher "Susan" (Sandra Lorenzano) but the visit of his childhood friend "Jai" (Alexis Varela) reminds him that it's going to be very difficult to cut the ties with his past. This is really quite a touching depiction of a life born into a society that's tight, loyal and violent. Depart from the established order of things and life soon becomes worthless, existence perilous and it's an entire family that can become a target. The young Aguilar sets up the characterisation really quite effectively as an innocent young boy caught up in a maelstrom of events that leaves him rudderless and alone before morphing into the older character whom Varela continues to develop delicately into a young man whose goals, conviction and innate decency might just help him break from the cycle of hopelessness. Pérez also delivers strongly playing on a combination of the practical and the mystical as she strives to keep the lad, and his friends, on a different track - despite the obvious temptations of the bright lights and the money they bring. His late father had a car. A fancy one, at that, and when the young man learns to drive it it might offer him a route out or a route in...? It's a slowly paced affair, this, but essentially it's about choices and brave ones at that. The status quo brings acceptance, brutality and normalcy; a new life requires unsettling changes and risks almost as great. There are no easy wins for this young man.

Sujo is a powerful film. I watched at Sofia Film Festival and i got very moved by this story. Children in this world are subjected to terrible acts of violence and this story at some point seemed that it was going to be a no way out type of story. It ended being a masterfully told tale about a boy turning into a good man. I really didn't expect the outcome and how all characters are interwoven into a delicate fabric of life and destiny and hope.

We all deserve to have a good future and Sujo is a testament of that.

Only thing that I didn't like was missing the Q&A at the festival. Cheers to the creators of such a special story. Hope it will have more awards and recognition.

This film is a very delicate portrait of a young man that was born in a very difficult reality: gang violence in Mexico. The boy becomes an orphan when his father, a murderer himself, is killed. He grows up under his shadow but taken care by many different characters that help him overcome many obstacles. Is he the master of his destiny? Or is he a servant of an impending fate?. A man is self made or is he just his past and context?. This film doesn't provide answers but raises a very powerful question that really resonates. Beautifully crafted, powerful performances and a mysterious namesake, Sujo. Must see. Watched at 2024 HKIFF.