Miss Bala

I've been on a kick lately, on and off, of watching female action/revenge movies. So I happened on Miss Bala, the US movie not realizing that there was an earlier version. As I do, I tend to watch the original if I don't really know much about either. Thus, I found this version, the Mexican origional, and am glad I did.

For those who know about the drug trade in Mexico and some of the recent history, this movie no doubt drew inspiration from the arrest of Laura Zuniga (both in appearance and age). With that said, it is not the story Laura and is the story of the writers. And what a wonderful tale it is.

Without giving away much at all of the plot, we know that Laura Guerrero (Stephanie Sigman) is poor, but aspires to be a beauty queen. But unlike her friend, Azucena 'Suzu' Ramos (Lakshmi Picazo), Laura is more introverted. And the movie plays with that. Shots linger on her as she determines her wants, her needs, her next move. We feel the hesitations made while the next decision is processed and then decided upon, often not the right one. But what is the right one? In most cases, there is no better decision, just one that is less worse, but the less worse now could have longer, deeper implications. And we know she will be used as she is constantly surrounded by men of violence so no decision she makes could ever have a good result.

And my oh my how Sigman is able to use those moments. Gerardo Naranjo (the director) does a wonderful job of letting Sigman show the stress and trauma and PTSD as it effects somebody more introverted. It is lingering moments before she gets in a car, or before she changes her clothes, or while she is taking instructions. Naranjo also does a wonderful job of showing how somebody with those character traits does not need a backstory or justification, she just does what she thinks is best, being used in some way by everybody. But Naranjo also does a wonderful job of picking the shots, the framing, the color (or lack) of the shots. It is subtle, but so every present. But, as a slight spoiler, he does a wonderful job of not having her rapped as we expect she will be, early and often. Only this salacious temptation is not given into.

And the writing credit must also be recognized. Laura (Sigman), being introverted and traumatized, has a lack of words. Most of the narration is done by others talking to each other, or others giving her directions. And the story is clear, we know the characters without Laura telling us who they are. And we know the direction.

There is, of course, issues with the story. How could she be so naïve? Where did she get that passport? But while those issues are really important for deciding who wins at Canes, I felt it was not much of a detractor. And while I came into this movie expecting some kind of revenge or retribution (the memory of Laura Zuniga was triggered only after watching the ending), I was not disappointed. Yes, there is violence, but it is all around her, threatening her, punching holes in walls or seats or breaking windows, and never from her. It is as if she is the cause, just because she is there.

This movie is greatly recommended. There is quite a bit of violence, some slight nudity, and one non-graphic sex scene, so it is not for kids, or those under maybe 16/17. But if you don't like foreign films, or are not in the mood to read subtitles, just watch it so see Stephanie Sigman act.

8 out of 10