While I was up in Jersey, I watched a number of movies.
Far from Heaven is a lacklustre film which did not provide much entertainment or food for thought.
Y tu mamá también (And Your Mother Too) is a Mexican film in Spanish. It is a comedy of the American Pie genre, except it has more sex and more dirty jokes. It is a pointless but entertaining movie.
Cidade de Deus (City of God) is a Brazilian film about youth gangs in the slums of Rio de Janeiro. It is a very good movie. The story line is good and the editing of the film was excellent. It keeps you in its grip the whole time. The topic is obviusly very potent in itself. The treatment is very matter-of-fact with an autobiographical narration by the main character. There is no overdramatiation which could have ruined it. The idea of kids with guns going around committing crimes and shooting people is not shown as something extraordinary. I would recommend this movie to everyone.
I have yet to watch “Y tu mama tambien” but I think (from what I’ve seen/heard) just about anyone who’s watched it will crucify you for you comparing it to American Pie.
I’m waiting for the “Cidade de Deus” dvd because this arsend of America shows no foreign films, I’m still sore over missing “Spun.”
Incidentally…have you watched “Amelie” btw?
Zeeshan: Which arsend are you in?
Amelie was great.
The comparison of Y tu mama Tambein with American Pie is superficial basically because of the sex comedy aspect and the vacationing boys. Otherwise they are very different movies. I like the way Latin American and European directors introduce profound philosophy of life etc. in a comedy.
Have you seen Hable Con Ella (Talk to her)? It was very good.
Hello, I found your blog interesting.
If you liked Cidade de Deus (City of God), you’ll may also like Carandiru. Its based on true events in a prison in Sao Paolo.
i disagree with your comparison of Y tu mama tambien with American Pie. Y tu mama tambien has a slightly more significant subtext while the 3 young people travel (it shows the mexican country-side, peasants and their plight).
A mexican movie thats you may enjoy is Amorres Perros.
Kanishk: Agreed that there was a better subtext in Y tu mama tambien and it was a better movie than American Pie.
Thanks for recommending Amores perros which I have seen and liked.
I have included Carandiru in my list to see.