csainz I found this movie stimulating. It is true that the themes that the movie touches are touched lightly but enough you make them evident, Gael made an accurate portrait of Mexican upper class. I also believe he made the decision not to make things obvious, and I found that decision to be correct, it would make the film feel artificial for Mexican viewers, and I believe the movie is targeted precisely for Mexican viewers. The movie doesn't explain things to you with apples, and that's where its beauty is. The lack of interest of the upper class towards anything other than its own lives is patent from the very start of the film, we see the main character go thru what seems to be a local group of protesters without ever wondering why are they there... they're just an obstruction on his way. The everyday interactions with the lower class is depicted with delicacy and accuracy. There are some goofs in the film, but over all, a very interesting film. Mexico needs this kind of films that are critical to the status quo, that invite to reflection, instead of the inertial film making that leads towards telenovelas kind of stories. I would love to see more filming of this kind being done in Mexico. It is unnecessary to say that many people will come to see this film because of Gael, and that is a good thing because many of those would not have seen it otherwise, even if the message is not obvious the denunciation is there.

psychobowbie The plot ...??? what plot? Discussing it after its screening last night, my friends and I decided that there was no plot, just some weak sub-plots. They are all over the shop. The race issue is brushed upon but it is not dealt with in any depth. As is said above, I don't mind a film about nothing if at least it is entertaining, but unfortunately this one fails at that too. There seems to just be little incidents with random dialogue in between. It just isn't consistent. Many things are hinted at but most are not fully expressed. I didn't care about what happened to the characters, there was never enough detail for any of them. In the end I felt I'd have enjoyed watching a party I'd filmed on my phone instead. Come on Gael, we know you can do better than that! :)

laurenasmus I think this film was a great 'fly on the wall' experience. It was like the Mexican version of 'KIDS', only not as explicit and depressing.They basically showed what was going on in a young Mexican man's life through a party at his house. But here is the point. The lead character, Cristobal, is upper class and it focused on his interactions with a childhood friend, who is also his family's grounds-keeper/ servant. How often do we see this side of Mexican daily life? This movie evoked more sympathy for the struggle required for a Mexican in his homeland AND abroad.The filmmakers made this movie and put Gael in the drivers seat to show a Mexico that we have never experienced in a film. It takes us from ignorance to appreciation. You see this very trendy/hot-now actor in, what is perhaps, his real environment. Although I am not sure he is that racist, I feel that putting us in his shoes for a bit really makes us take a step back and think twice before judging a huge part of our population that is really making a positive impact here in America.The motive behind making this movie was to show what goes on in Mexico, where they come from. I am a Programmer for a Film Festival, and I have had to watch some really horrible stuff. For me, this was a breath of fresh air. More of a learning experience.Thanks, L

cinesphere I'm shocked that 195 reviewers (so far) have given this film an average under 4. I saw it today at the Toronto Film Festival and it was extremely well received.On the surface, this is the story of a house party in Mexico. Gael Garcia Bernal stars as Cristobel, a rich young man at a turning point in his life. He is trying to deal with other people's expectations for him, and his own wishes. Although it isn't plot intensive, it does effectively portray class/racial divide in Mexican society. Gael, Luz and the writer were at the screening. In fact, Gael has been at almost everything in town and has really shown himself to be a wonderfully warm, intelligent and sociable person. He is the sort of actor/director we always hope to encounter - he's promoting his film and himself and having a great time doing it. It's a refreshing change from the other too-busy, too- cool crew that miss screenings even when they are in town.Interesting film; great job by Gael and team.