emuir-1 Living in the USA I am daily subjected to a negative view of Mexico and its people, whom certain Americans feel should keep quiet, stay in Mexico and do as they are told (by good old Uncle Sam); therefore, it is a pleasure to watch a film, which counters this negative stereotype and shows a beautiful country with its own way of life - sometimes good, sometimes bad. The political system may appear corrupt to the American style, but it is theirs and some of them achieve their aims by violence rather than purchasing them. Mexico is not alone in military strong men running the country. I have not seen many Mexican films, "Like Water for chocolate" was probably the first, but I have watched several telenovellas and enjoy seeing the ways and traditions of our next door neighbor. I gave this fine film a 10 as it was excellent, and I hope to see more such films in the future.

bland-kevin67 I love the drive in this movie. It sweeps from country to city with wonderful undertones and great panoramic scenes. The actors did a great job and the directing was superb. The story is told in a hurry up and wait fashion that I usually see in Italian films. The ruthlessness of the general is played down with the tender way he treats his wife and family. It leaves you confused and unsure who to root for. I also love when actors can pull of playing very young to mature and have you believing it. Entitlement is a universal theme where the very rich takes advantage of the poor. I loved the lead actress how she played the part and the story kept going as if it would never end and you wanted to keep watching. It kind of makes one wish there was a sequel to this historic fiction based upon real characters.

jotix100 Angeles Mastretta's 1985 novel, "Arrancame la vida", was a huge success in Mexico as well as in many Spanish speaking countries. The title, which can be translated as "tear out my life", was also the title of a famous Mexican song, which is heard at the end of the film sung by Tona La Negra, one of the best Mexican singers of all times.The narrative centers around Catalina Guzman. As the story begins, she is a young woman that is dazzled by a much older man, Andres Ascencio. They get married, much against her father's objections. Catalina is not prepared for what her life will turn out with her new status. Andres, an ambitious, and well connected man in Puebla, decides to run for governor of the state. Before getting married Catalina had consulted a seer to see what her future will be and the fact she wanted to 'feel'. The woman's advice is a blunt one: she will use her sex in order to fulfill herself. A prophetic omen, indeed.Right after Catalina and Andres have their first child, he comes in with two other children he had sired with another woman. Catalina, who is inexperienced, plus having to rear her own infant, is confused and resentful of the strangers that are thrown into her lap; a new responsibility she didn't count on. Andre, a womanizer, will bring another daughter into the household.Andres decides to take the family to Mexico City where he will be closer to influential people as he wishes to run for the presidency, eventually. Walking into the Bellas Artes auditorium one day, Catalina watches a rehearsal of the local symphony orchestra. The director, Carlos Vives, gets annoyed with her presence. He wants her to step to the rear of the theater where she will not distract the players. That meeting will mark a turning point in Catalina's life. Unfortunately, Catalina doesn't realize how her amorous involvement with Carlos will change her life as well as cause his death.This epic account of Ms. Mastretta's novel was written and directed by Roberto Sneider. The film gets the basic points of the novel in cinematic terms resulting in an engrossing story that, although predictable up to a point, doesn't prepare the viewer for the way Catalina's resolve will free her at the end.Ana Claudia Talancon, who we first met in "El crimen del padre Amaro", makes an excellent impression with her Catalina. Ms. Talancon goes from a young woman to a sophisticated society lady effortlessly. Equally good is the Andres of Daniel Gimenez Cacho, a wonderful actor that always delivers. Jose Maria De Tavira appears as Carlos Vives, the orchestra leader that falls in love with Catalina.Javier Aguirresarobe's cinematography takes us to places in Mexico that are overlooked by most of his fellow cameramen. The music by Leonardo Heilblum and Jacobo Lieberman does wonder for the picture. Roberto Sneider, an actor turned director, shows he has a talent that needs to be seen.

MarianoDanush This movie may contain some strong scenes, but it is a good screenplay that becomes great by the excellent performance of Daniel Gimenez Cacho. Ana Claudia Talancon makes a good performance look even better by her beauty. But unfortunately not all actors in this movie are good, I'm talking of the horrible work that Jose Maria de Tavira does in this movie, its a bad acting work but it looks like garbage compared to his coworker Gimenez Cacho. The screenplay its a great adaptation of the books written by Angeles Mastretta, this screenplay was done by the author of the book and the director, Roberto Sneider. The movie takes a theme that reminds you of La Ley de Herodes, so it portrays the old fashion politicians in Mexico, which still exist. The directors work is a good work which makes you try to remember his name, i personally hadn't seen any of his previews works but now that I've seen this one I'm sure gonna see his next work, he directed Dos Crimenes with Pedro Armendariz Jr. and Damian Alcazar. The movie is worth seeing and you enjoy it a great deal thanks to the acting of Gimenez Cacho, i hope to see more lead roles from him. So i hope you enjoy this one, and it has been already released so i don't know why it is shown as in production still.