Sujo

There are moments of greatness in this so called movie, because is not a movie is a great documentary.

Wonderful actors so natural and lovely photography not without mention the excellent direction. This filming work is far beyond (almost all the time), of narco cliches even though it's a narco bloody culture story.

A portrait of a mexican youth in poverty condition. The destiny of millions. At least 50% of young people in Mexico faces the most horrible face of being a second, third or fourth citizen class and further more: a no class citizen.

I appreciate that every day the Mexican cinematography enthusiasts became in filmmakers, increasing their talent and show it to the world.

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.

Watched this at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

"Sujo", while slow, is a good character study of a movie about a boy struggling in a society due to being born with a cruse that can't escape with strong direction, beautiful camerawork, and good performances from the entire cast. The narrative explores some interesting themes, characters, and ideas that felt genuine, dark, and a bit depressing and tense to observe. Including good sound designs, costumes, and atmospheres explored throughout the setting.

The performances from the cast members are good including the child performances as each cast helped to create the realistic, isolated feel and lonely of the characters situated in. Many of the characters are interesting but it does suffer from some weak developments that felt a bit hollow. I did wish the characters were a little more grounded and some of the pacing could improve. Including some of the dialogue as some of the dialogue feels a little too artificial at times.

Nevertheless, the filmmakers has proven that they have a good vision and there are some really strong moments throughout. It is flawed but it's still an ambitious story to tell.

Of course this is an authentic social drama, but not really crime though, because you won't find here any action and bloody sequences. It is only a psychological and social study of a young boy whose father was a sicario, a hired killer for the Mexican cartels. This movie is not SICARIO, I repeat, nor the adaptation of a Don Winslow's novel. This is not destined to wide audiences, and only selected folks can appreciate such a little gem. I would have prefered another kind of ending. But that remains a beautiful film, splendidly done. I will never see this film again, but don't misunderstand the content of my review. It is worth the discovery. It deserves to be seen. Not a movie produced to make the gross, and that's the most important.

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.