Pedro Páramo

I didn't know this was adapted from a novel until I read some of these reviews, but now that makes sense. There is a depth of pain and sorrow wrought from the passions and injustices of our human condition in every frame of this film, and I am guessing in every page of the novel, which I have not read. Some reviews seem to think it does not do justice to the book, but imo, as a film it is beautifully tragic. And very well filmed and acted. There are probably many cultural elements about the story I missed, like One Hundred Years Of Solitude, but also like that film it's a fabulous and deep work. My only complaint is I lost track of some of the characters, who they were and what time they represented. But it all came into focus later. 8/10.

A wonderful film.

The acting is top notch. This movie shows that there are wonderful Mexican actors and that we CAN write a good script, so I will not be forgiving any sub par job in the future.

The movie is gorgeous. Everything is done with love and care. My only (very small) complaint would be some of the CGI. But it doesn't take away from the wonderful story-telling and the visuals.

If paying attention is not your forte, maybe the movie is not for you. By the way, the movie is magical realism, that means it combines fantastical elements with day-to-day life. The reviews that say "it does not make sense", do they also complain about other genres? Does Avengers make sense? Star Wars?

Every character has a story to tell. It's not about villains and heroes. There's no divine retribution.

En verdad me hizo pensar que los mexicanos ya estamos muertos, solo estamos esperando a que alguien nos lo diga.

Pedro Páramo follows Juan Preciado, who travels to the abandoned town of Comala to find his father, the ruthless landowner Pedro Páramo. In Comala, Juan encounters spirits who reveal the dark legacy of Páramo's cruelty and power.

The movie is an exceptional adaptation of the book of the same nam by Juan Rulfo. I think its stunning cinematography, set design, and costumes truly enhance the visual experience. The acting is also solid and well-executed.

Unlike some opinions, I didn't find the movie boring at all; on the contrary, it kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

However, it's not a movie for everyone, as it requires some mental effort to follow the shifts in time. But for those who enjoy narrative challenges, it's a fascinating experience.

A mother's last wish is for her son, Juan, to visit the father he never knew in a distant town. Juan finds the town abandoned and yet swirling with life. Nothing is as it seems. Apparitions appear and drift away. Pedro Páramo, the father, lays claim to the town and its inhabitants, and yet strangely his soul also belongs to them. Juan risks being swallowed by the miscreant spirits, the terrible deeds, and all the heartache. Not the inheritance he expected.

With intoxicating dance sequences, a profusion of light and color, flashbacks, capable acting, and the amazing cinematography of Rodrigo Prieto, the film and cast bring Juan Rulfo's 1955 masterpiece of magic realism to life. "If you want to understand who we are as a country," said one of the actors "then open the book."

The best part of the film is the characters. They are not good or bad, just human. Director Rodrigo Prieto, who was present for this world premiere screening at the Toronto International Film Festival, said that the characters fascinated him too. "Each character" he said, "has something about ourselves." Have an internal journey of your own in the magic and darkness of this film, a reflection of the Mexican soul.

Juan Rulfo might be one of the most influencial Latin American writters of all time, and Pedro Paramo is without a doubt his masterpiece, so having to adapt it into any kind of work (a film, a tv series, a play) is a risk very few screenwriters, directors and producers can afford.

Four times Academy Award® nominee cinematographer - and now director - Rodrigo Prieto knows very well how to use all his resources and talent to create a flawless visually and technical stunning enviroment worthy of praise with the help of Academy Award® winner Eugenio Caballero in charge of the production design, and Academy Award® winner Gustavo Santaolalla in the music score.

The cast is amazing too, especially the supporting performances by Dolores Heredia, Roberto Sosa and Ilse Salas.

Goya® winner Mateo Gil does an impressive work adapting Rulfo's book, keeping in mind the narrative of the book is not lineal and might be difficult to follow, therefore this is a movie that needs to be watched while paying attention.