 | Amores perros Starring: Emilio Echevarria, Goya Toledo, Jorge Salinas, Gael Garcia Bernal |
A homeless man (Echevarria) pushing his cart of rags through the streets of Mexico City pulls out a gun and shoots through the window of a plush Japanese Teppan restaurant and puts a bullet into the heart of a well-dressed businessman. The man's blood splatters onto the hot grill and sizzles while the shooter quickly disappears into the crowd. In the barrio, a young man (Bernal) living in a crowded apartment with his mother, brother and sister-in-law is hopelessly in love with his abusive brother's wife. To escape with the wife, he makes big money by involving himself in the brutal, bloody "dog fighting" biz with the family dog. Mexico's top model (Toledo) begins a new affair with a successful married man in a high rise apartment. Three stories intertwined and directly connected only by a sudden car crash is the basis for Iñárritu's new film, "Amores perros" ("Love's a Bitch!") "Amores perros" is a violent, grim tale of three totally disconnected lives centred in Mexico City. They connect only during the crash when each of their lives is unalterably changed. One faces hopeless desperation, one an unknown existence with a severe handicap and one redemption. Iñárritu's vivid colour and gritty camera work capture an edgy quality to these mixed tales which delve deeply into the human condition and man's ability to create his own personal hell. This director gets his point across with bold violent strokes that repel and engage his audience at the same time. Brilliant cinematography, excellent acting, and superb direction make this film one of the year 2001's best movies. There will be no middle ground for this film. Some will detest the violence and brutality to animals (none were actually hurt) and humans. Some will get beyond this, yet find the length of this 2 1/2-hour epic somewhat irritating. I would agree that some additional editing might perhaps have added more power to the film. I had no problem with either the length or the violence and let's face it; Mexico City can be a violent and dangerous city. It's the honesty of the film that impresses. The meaning is boldly obvious and stated with truth seldom found in cinema. "Amores perros" can best be summed up by the film's ad, "If you don't see it, don't worry! You'll live it!" "Amores perros" is a striking new film from a brilliant new director. |