Noche de fuego

A good story, a strong direction, very beautiful cinematography and convincing acting.

However, for some reason, I didn't feel the emotional impact I was supposed to. Even if the story is good, the plot is, for too many minutes, uneventful and that pace is an issue as almost removed all my interest on it. I also have some serious problems with the editing (some scenes drag a lot as mentioned but also some strange and incoherent cuts, especially in the classroom).

Anna, Paula and Maria are three young girls growing up in a remote mountain town in the Mexican rainforest. Poppies are grown locally and harvested by the townspeople controlled by the Cartels. Life is precarious and the balance of power between Police, Cartel and Military is tenuous at best. This is impeccable Social Realist film with many captivating performances from non actors. If you like the genre you will like this one. 8/10.

Horror, even the weird and most brutal films are just that, scary films. Noche de Fuego, based on Jeniffer Clement's "Prayers for the Stolen" is a radical departure from films that tackle the world of drugs and its consequences. Tatiana Huezo's film is an introspective into the life of three children as they grow in a world of violence in the mountains of Mexico where most people work in the world of opium harvesting. Harrowing and crude, the film goes into the depths of humanity, seen from the eyes of three young girls who fear the possible threats of only "living" as kids. The performances are stunning. The casting is superb. The DP created a visual masterpiece. With Tati at the helm, this rollercoaster of a film, will keep you nailed to your seat as it will be engraved in your mind for years to come. At Cannes, the film had wild reviews but, above all, an audience who couldn't believe what they experienced through the first Festival that chose it. A complete success!

A bittersweet innocence exists among a group of young girls growing up in a drug-controlled country. One viewing of this excellent film will convince even the most stubborn-minded of the main reason that some of Mexico's inhabitants are fleeing to America to seek a better life.

When I went to see this movie, I knew it was gonna be tough, but I didn't imagine it to make me cry that much. The story really goes to the heart.

Also, the child actors did a wonderful job!