La soldadera

This is a fascinating portrayal of women in the Mexican Revolution. There is a stark contrast between the men who ride on horseback and the women who are forced to walk carrying their heavy belongings; the men tower over the women which creates a sense of oppression and superiority. The "soldaderas" seem to have little choice in participating in the Revolution and as such are constructed as passive victims. There are, however, a few women within the film who fight for themselves and not because they were forced to join by their husbands. The change in appearance of Lázara from peasant girl to "soldadera" represents how she moves from passive victim to actively choosing to be a "soldadera."

As has been noted in an earlier comment this film can be enjoyed without a great understanding of Spanish as most of the key events are portrayed through facial expression. If you do, however, speak Spanish and know a little about the Mexican Revolution it most definitely enhances the viewing.

Overall it is a very interesting film from the perspective of the ordinary figures of the Mexican Revolution.