70 Exceptional Mexican Films – Ariel Award Winners
70 titles
- 1
The Road of LifeMovie · 1956 · 96mThree young boys are awaiting sentencing in a juvenile detention center in Mexico City. One killed his stepfather to protect his mother. Another blinded his chief tormentor after being provoked. The third turned to theft to help his family.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.4 - 2
Prayers for the StolenMovie · 2021 · 110m · DramaIn a remote countryside village, Ana and her friends Maria and Paula face the harsh realities of their lives. Their families toil in the poppy fields, harvesting opium, while the girls must cope with the growing threat of a local cartel. They strive to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst increasing danger.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 7.6
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Like Water for ChocolateMovie · 1992 · 105m · Drama, RomanceTita's romantic life turns heartbreaking when her mother prevents her from marrying Pedro, leading to his marriage to Tita's sister. Overwhelmed by grief, Tita finds comfort in cooking, a skill she’s perfected. She discovers she can infuse her food with emotion; each dish reflects her feelings and deeply affects those who eat it. This story explores love and loss through the powerful connection between food and human emotion.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 7.3
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I'm No Longer HereMovie · 2019 · 112m · DramaIn Monterrey, Mexico, a young street gang lives for dancing to slowed-down cumbia and enjoying parties. When a misunderstanding with a local cartel leads to their leader being forced to move to the U.S., he quickly misses his home.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 7.9
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El principioMovie · 1973 · 135mDuring the Mexican Revolution, a young man returns to his hometown in Chihuahua after studying in Paris, only to find it occupied by Pancho Villa's forces. He revisits his abandoned home, recalling memories of his youth – his uncle, the police chief; his sister's activism with a liberal group; encounters with women from a local brothel; and a violent labor strike – revealing the society under dictatorship before the revolution. Back in the present, he learns his father has been murdered and joins the revolutionary movement with his father's former servant.IMDb 7.4TMDB 5.1 - 6
The Boy and the FogMovie · 1953 · 111mMarta fiercely shields her son from a family history of schizophrenia, a secret she's kept from her husband.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 6.5
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Midaq AlleyMovie · 1995 · 140m · DramaIn Mexico City, several people grapple with their personal challenges. Chava, who owns a bar, wants to leave for America. Abel, a barber, is in love with Alma, whose life takes an unexpected turn. Susanita, a lonely woman, seeks a stable relationship. Their hopes and desires intersect against the city's backdrop, revealing their weaknesses and their drive to move forward.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0
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La ChocaMovie · 1974 · 94mDeep in the jungle, a smuggler lives a secluded life with his wife, La Choca, his son, and his sister-in-law, Flor. Their peaceful existence is shattered when strangers arrive, accusing him of betrayal.IMDb 6.2TMDB 7.5 - 9
TizocMovie · 1957 · 109m · Drama, RomanceThe film follows an expert Indian hunter renowned for his exceptional ability to capture animals alive, preserving their pelts. This skill earns him respect from his community and the envy of others. He is also depicted as a wise and compassionate man who uses his knowledge to benefit himself and those around him. The movie explores tribal life, relationships, and human nature through the lens of his remarkable hunting talent.Stream onIMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5
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The Young and the DamnedMovie · 1950 · 82m · Drama, CrimeIn a dangerous slum of Mexico City, a group of young people fight to survive in a world of violence, crime, and poverty. Pedro, one of these youths, starts with a strong sense of right and wrong. But as he's exposed to the harsh realities of his surroundings, Pedro's morality erodes under pressure from those around him. This intense drama explores how innocence is lost, the effects of a broken society, and the difficult choices people make when trying to survive.IMDb 8.2TMDB 8.0 - 11
Under California: The Limit of TimeMovie · 1998 · 96mDamian, a married artist in Los Angeles, accidentally hits a woman and flees the scene. Seeking atonement, he travels to Mexico alone to find peace and connect with his family history. With the help of a local guide named Arce, Damian finds his grandmother's grave and embarks on a journey through the desert landscape of his ancestors, hoping for redemption.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.0 - 12
Under the ShrapnelMovie · 1983 · 102mA guerrilla commando attempts to kidnap a politician. The operation results in the deaths of several police officers and guerrillas. The leader of the kidnappers unexpectedly encounters an old acquaintance. To prevent the acquaintance from revealing their plans, he takes him hostage.IMDb 6.7TMDB 5.1 - 13
The Crime of Padre AmaroMovie · 2002 · 118m · Drama, RomanceYoung Father Amaro travels to Mexico to care for his aging Father Benito, but finds himself struggling with temptation. He develops an affair with a 16-year-old girl, who is herself the daughter of Father Benito's former lover. Torn between his vows and desire, Father Amaro must decide between a life of faith and a path of sin.Stream onIMDb 6.7TMDB 6.7
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Poison for the FairiesMovie · 1986 · 90m · Fantasy, HorrorIn 1960s Mexico City, this film tells the story of two teenage girls growing up and facing unexpected difficulties. Flavia, a sheltered schoolgirl, befriends Veronica, a lively orphan interested in witchcraft.
Veronica believes she has supernatural abilities, and the girls begin having fun, witch-themed adventures together. But Veronica grows more insistent, demanding Flavia's complete loyalty. As they become older, their games take a darker turn.
The film explores identity, friendship, and the challenges that arise when young people encounter things they don't understand. It examines how the wonder of childhood can be both protected and damaged by the appeal of the unknown as their friendship is tested by increasing pressure.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 7.6
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Red DawnMovie · 1990 · 96m · Drama, Thriller, HistoryOctober 1968. Mexico City is gripped by student protests against the government. As the protests intensify, the government responds with increasing force, leading to a violent confrontation on October 2nd. This historical drama portrays this turbulent period, where the struggle for change blurs the line between protest and rebellion. The film examines resistance, idealism, and sacrifice through the experiences of those who challenged the established order in a nation poised for transformation.IMDb 8.0TMDB 8.2 - 16
The Place without LimitsMovie · 1978 · 110m · DramaThis drama unfolds in a small Mexican town, exploring the complicated relationships shaped by family, ambition, and tradition. Conflicts arise when pride and greed divide the community, forcing characters to question their beliefs. The film examines the tension between old customs and new opportunities, revealing both the strengths and challenges of this close-knit society. It's a powerful look at universal themes like honor and desire, and how people navigate expectations in their lives.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 17
Recipes to Stay TogetherMovie · 1996 · 96m"Cilantro y perejil" is a comedy about couples in Mexico struggling with the economic crisis. The story explores the enduring question of whether it's worth being in a relationship. The film offers humorous, unexpected, and relatable insights. After a ten-year marriage ends, Carlos and Susana both find it difficult to find love again. As time passes, Carlos realizes he can't navigate life's simple tasks – like telling cilantro from parsley – without Susana.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.7 - 18
Amores PerrosMovie · 2000 · 154m · Drama, ThrillerA car crash in Mexico City triggers a series of unexpected events for three individuals: a supermodel, a young man planning to elope with his sister-in-law, and a homeless man. Their lives are dramatically altered by the seemingly insignificant fate of a dog.Stream onIMDb 8.0TMDB 7.6
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El águila descalzaMovie · 1971 · 90mA hapless individual creates a superhero costume and uses his bicycle to patrol for crime. His activities draw him into a larger conflict concerning American businesspeople attempting to seize control of local Mexican enterprises.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.5 - 20
GüerosMovie · 2014 · 111m · Drama, ComedyAgainst the backdrop of 1999 student strikes in Mexico City, two brothers embark on a nostalgic journey through the city to find an elderly, famous musician. Filmed in black-and-white, *Güeros* is a vibrant coming-of-age story filled with youthful energy.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 7.6
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Los Fernández de PeralvilloMovie · 1954 · 115mA young man struggles to sell household items and is unsuccessful. His sister, weary of their impoverished circumstances, runs away with a criminal.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.3 - 22
The PrizeMovie · 2011 · 115mCeci, a seven-year-old girl, carries a weighty secret she doesn't fully grasp. Her family's survival hinges on her staying silent, but the nature of the secret remains unclear. Living in hiding from military oppression in Argentina, Ceci grapples with the question: what must she say? What should she believe and do to earn the love of her mother and those around her?Stream onIMDb 6.5TMDB 6.2
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The Chosen OnesMovie · 2015 · 105m · DramaFourteen-year-old Sofia is deeply in love with Ulises, but their connection leads her into a prostitution ring in Mexico. To help her escape, Ulises must find someone to take her place. Based on the novel by Jorge Volpi, the story unfolds within the world of teenage prostitution.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.3 - 24
The Year of the PlagueMovie · 1978 · 109mA devastating illness emerges in a Mexican town. A doctor recognizes it as an epidemic and attempts to warn officials, but his concerns are ignored. The disease quickly spreads, prompting the government to suppress information and avoid public alarm.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.1 - 25
Identifying FeaturesMovie · 2020 · 95m · DramaMagdalena travels to find her son, who has gone missing while heading for the U.S. border. During her search, she meets Miguel, a man recently deported from the United States. They begin traveling together: Magdalena searching for her son, and Miguel hoping to reunite with his mother.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0
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Herod's LawMovie · 1999 · 123m · Comedy, Crime, MysteryIn a quiet Mexican village in the 1940s, political unrest escalates when the town's three mayors die suddenly. A quiet janitor, hoping to improve the community, unexpectedly becomes the new mayor. Power quickly corrupts him, turning him into an abusive authority figure who surrounds himself with untrustworthy people. This drama examines the dangers of ambition and the allure of absolute control, depicting the shifting loyalties of people caught in a time of political upheaval.Stream onIMDb 7.7TMDB 7.9
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Mariana MarianaMovie · 1987 · 85mSet in 1940s Mexico City, the story follows a schoolboy named Carlos who develops a crush on his best friend's mother, Mariana. Carlos is drawn to Mariana's family, who possess numerous American possessions despite not being wealthy – a rarity among Mexican families at the time. The narrative escalates when Carlos leaves school to confess his feelings to Mariana and is subsequently caught by his teachers.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.4 - 28
The Realm of FortuneMovie · 1986 · 130mDionisio unexpectedly experiences a period of good fortune, but soon forgets that luck is fleeting and that life in his bleak town makes it easy to lose hope.IMDb 7.3TMDB 5.4 - 29
The Golden DreamMovie · 2013 · 110m · DramaFleeing poverty and violence in the slums of Guatemala City, a group of teenage friends sets out for California, hoping for a better life.Stream onIMDb 7.6TMDB 6.8
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EnamoradaMovie · 1946 · 99m · Drama, Romance, WarDuring the tumultuous Mexican Revolution, General Reyes and his guerrilla soldiers invade Cholula, a prosperous conservative town near Mexico City. This action dramatically changes the town and deeply affects General Reyes.
While his troops plunder Cholula's wealth, Reyes becomes unexpectedly drawn to Beatriz Peñafiel, the daughter of a respected local family. Their first meetings are tense, as the revolutionaries’ violence contrasts with Beatriz’s privileged background, but they develop a growing attraction.
The film examines love during political upheaval and the impact of a difficult time that challenges social customs and tests human relationships. It combines romance, drama, and historical details to offer a moving look at people facing hardship.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.8 - 31
The BarracksMovie · 1945 · 110mThis film follows a peasant family in late 19th-century rural Europe as they struggle to achieve their goals, facing resistance and hostility from their community.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0
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Northern Skies Over Empty SpaceMovie · 2022 · 114mDon Reynaldo, a respected hunter facing his twilight years, finds his family's history and his father's legacy at risk. This creates dangerous shifts in his relationships with his family, his employees, and the land he holds dear.Stream onIMDb 6.5TMDB 7.4
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Letters from MarusiaMovie · 1975 · 110mThis is the story of a foreign company's brutal suppression of miners in a small Chilean nitrate town. The workers fight for their basic rights, sparking a conflict that mirrors the historical union struggles in northern Chile, which tragically ended in violent repression.IMDb 6.8TMDB 5.4 - 34
Goitia: A God for HimselfMovie · 1989 · 110mAs death nears, Mexican painter Francisco Goitia creates a final work: a recollection of his life. It depicts his return to Mexico and connection with his homeland, his lifelong quest for self – both as a man and an artist – and his battle with physical suffering that ultimately leads to religious faith.IMDb 7.0TMDB 3.6 - 35
I Dream in Another LanguageMovie · 2017 · 101m · Fantasy, DramaA native language is disappearing, with only two remaining speakers who have been estranged for over 50 years due to a past disagreement. Martín, a young linguist, must bridge this divide, persuading the old friends to communicate again so he can record their speech and study the language.Stream onIMDb 7.4TMDB 7.9
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The Beginning and the EndMovie · 1994 · 187mThe film follows the Boteros, a working-class Mexican family facing hardship after their father's passing. Ignacia (Egurrola), the mother, makes a difficult decision: she's willing to jeopardize her three older children's futures to safeguard her youngest, Gabriel (Laguardia). She believes Gabriel is destined for success and will restore the family's lost wealth. However, fate intervenes, and tragedy awaits the Boteros. Based on the novel by Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.2 - 37
CronosMovie · 1993 · 94m · Drama, Horror, ThrillerThis thrilling story centers on a driven alchemist from the past who relentlessly seeks the secret to immortality. His invention, the Cronos device, is unexpectedly found by an antique dealer hidden within a statue. Unknowingly, the dealer activates the device, which grants him youth with a terrible price each time it's used. The story unfolds as the legendary fountain of youth transforms into a frightening place where life and death become dangerously intertwined.Stream onIMDb 6.7TMDB 6.7
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Pan's LabyrinthMovie · 2006 · 118m · Fantasy, Drama, WarFollowing the Spanish Civil War, ten-year-old Ofelia and her pregnant mother go to live with her abusive stepfather. She discovers a strange labyrinth and encounters a faun who tells her she might be a princess from a hidden kingdom. To find her real father, Ofelia must complete a series of bizarre and dangerous challenges that make it hard to tell what's real and what's not.Stream onIMDb 8.2TMDB 7.8
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The Other VirginityMovie · 1975 · 110mLaura and Eva, two young waitresses, develop romantic relationships with Adrian, a movie distributor, and his friend Luis.IMDb 6.8TMDB 4.9 - 40
HopeMovie · 1988 · 138mNineteen-year-old Vladimir Olhosvky flees Russia after the Revolution, seeking exile in Mexico City. He must now navigate a completely unfamiliar country and build a new life for himself.IMDb 6.7TMDB 5.8 - 41
El InfiernoMovie · 2010 · 148m · Action, Crime, WesternDeported back to Mexico, a man is forced to join the ruthless drug cartel that controls his hometown, simply to stay alive.Stream onIMDb 7.7TMDB 7.9
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El misterio del TrinidadMovie · 2003 · 92mA peculiar bond between two brothers.IMDb 5.7TMDB 4.4 - 43
Duck SeasonMovie · 2004 · 90m · Comedy, DramaFourteen-year-old friends Flama and Moko have been inseparable since childhood. With a comfortable life – a parent-free apartment, video games, magazines, soft drinks, and pizza delivery – they're prepared for a typical, uneventful Sunday.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1 - 44
Las grandes aguasMovie · 1980 · 103m · Adventure, Drama, ThrillerThis drama centers on a public works engineer who faces challenges beyond a major construction project. As he manages the complex undertaking, his personal life deteriorates. He struggles with family issues while also confronting a corrupt local businessman who views the project as a threat to his profits. The story explores resilience and integrity amidst adversity, blurring the lines between career goals and ethical choices within the context of urban development and local politics.IMDb 7.1TMDB 5.0 - 45
A Family Like Many OthersMovie · 1949 · 130mA typical middle-class family's life is disrupted by the arrival of a highly energetic vacuum cleaner salesman who goes door-to-door.Stream onIMDb 7.9TMDB 6.7
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Bedtime Fairy Tales for CrocodilesMovie · 2002 · 108mA man journeys back through generations, visiting the homes of his father, grandfather, and further into the past.IMDb 7.0TMDB 5.5 - 47
PastorelaMovie · 2011 · 88m · Fantasy, Comedy, RomanceJesus Juarez, known as Chucho, has long played the Devil in his town's annual Nativity play. This Christmas, the new pastor's casting choice ignites a conflict between the two men, a struggle between good and evil.IMDb 6.3TMDB 7.0 - 48
MezcalMovie · 2007 · 90mOn a stormy day in Parián, a mythical town where paths cross, a group of people consumed by a lack of love, guilt, pain, and a thirst for revenge gather at a cantina. They seek solace in mezcal and in the shared suffering of those around them.IMDb 6.7TMDB 5.1 - 49
Sin remitenteMovie · 1995This Mexican drama follows a solitary, elderly postal worker who becomes the target of a mean-spirited prank. It starts when the grumpy postman, Andre, is bothered by his young neighbor Marianna’s loud music during her romantic encounters. Seeking revenge, Marianna begins sending him anonymous love letters. Intrigued, Andre hires a cheap detective to identify the sender. The detective believes it's Teresita, a sex worker who joins in for extra money. Andre’s friend warns him it's a game, but he ignores the warning because he is in love. Meanwhile, Marianna tries to win over Luis Felipe, a cynical tabloid journalist, by taking gruesome photos of murder victims for him. Both Marianna and Andre are headed for a bad ending.IMDb 7.1TMDB 5.5 - 50
Frida Still LifeMovie · 1986 · 108mThis film chronicles the life of painter Frida Kahlo and her interactions with the people of her era. Confined to a wheelchair due to polio, surgeries, and amputations, she confronts and reflects the vibrant and often contentious aspects of Mexican history during the height of the Mexican muralism movement.IMDb 6.8TMDB 5.4 - 51
RomaMovie · 2018 · 135m · DramaMexico City, 1970s. Two women working as domestic servants provide support to a mother of four while her husband is away for a long time.Stream onIMDb 7.6TMDB 7.6
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Lake TahoeMovie · 2008 · 89m · Drama, ComedyFollowing a car accident with his family, Juan meets a series of unusual and memorable people who offer assistance. What starts as a simple situation evolves into a profound experience, prompting reflection on themes of mortality, familial relationships, romance, and intimacy.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.5 - 53
The PearlMovie · 1947 · 86m · Drama, AdventureIn a small coastal village, fisherman Quino and his wife Juana struggle to care for their sick son Coyotito, who was stung by a scorpion. The town doctor refuses treatment because they owe him money. Then, Quino finds an extraordinary pearl while fishing. Worried it will bring them bad luck, Juana begs him to return it to the sea. As their problems mount, the couple must choose between holding onto hope and dealing with the consequences of their choice in a difficult world.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1 - 54
Robinson CrusoeMovie · 1954 · 90m · Adventure, DramaA British slave trader is shipwrecked and stranded on a remote tropical island. Alone and isolated, he must learn to survive without modern comforts or human contact. Over time, he uses his wits to build a life for himself, finding resources in the island's environment. This is a story about resilience, adapting to the unknown, and the psychological effects of being completely alone.Stream onIMDb 6.6TMDB 6.3
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Tú, yo, nosotrosMovie · 1972 · 108mThe film follows three interconnected stories exploring themes of betrayal, desire, affection, and heartbreak.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.0 - 56
In the Palm of Your HandMovie · 1951 · 112mA con artist charms the widow of a wealthy man, only to discover she and her lover orchestrated the husband's death. A dangerous game of deception begins, leaving the question: who is truly manipulating whom?Stream onIMDb 7.4TMDB 6.0
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The Gates of ParadiseMovie · 1971 · 90mTroubled by gambling debts, Andrés and his lover, Blanca, leave the city and journey across several states. Along the way, they spend time with a pair of hippies before tragedy strikes.IMDb 6.9TMDB 4.3 - 58
National MechanicsMovie · 1972 · 105mA mechanic brings his family to a car race, where a series of events unfold involving trouble, betrayal, violence, and the unforeseen death of an older person.Stream onIMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3
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NaufragioMovie · 1978 · 101mA woman spends years awaiting the return of her son, a sailor who writes to her frequently. She shares his letters and her sorrow with a coworker and friend, who gradually develops an idealized view of the son.IMDb 6.8TMDB 5.3 - 60
The 4th CompanyMovie · 2017 · 120mZambrano, a young criminal, sees a chance for redemption by joining the legendary prison football team, The Dogs of Santa Martha. However, his aspirations draw him deeper into the world of organized crime. The Dogs, also known as The 4th Company, are a powerful group of inmates who work for the jail's corrupt administration, controlling its vices and privileges. Corruption and crime run rampant throughout the city, fueled by those in power during the López Portillo presidency, encompassing everything from car thefts to bank robberies.Stream onIMDb 6.2TMDB 6.0
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If I Never See You AgainMovie · 1997 · 97mFive elderly men start a band and escape from their nursing home, hoping to perform for an audience. They face challenges from the city, the nursing home staff, and the police, all of whom try to stop them. Their dream finally comes true when they get a gig as musical accompaniment for dancers at a low-end cabaret. *In Case I Never See You Again* is a film about life, death, sadness, and the search for happiness.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.0 - 62
Silent LightMovie · 2007 · 136m · Drama, RomanceJohan and his family are Mennonites from northern Mexico. He defies both religious and societal expectations when he falls in love with someone else.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 6.8
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Castle of PurityMovie · 1973 · 110m · DramaThis film explores the mind of a man who believes humanity is inherently immoral. Driven by this conviction, he isolates his family within their home, viewing outside interaction as a dangerous path to temptation. The story examines power, control, and the difficult balance between safety and isolation. It challenges viewers to reconsider their own views on relationships and how deeply personal beliefs can affect the lives of those around us.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4 - 64
The Passion of BereniceMovie · 1976 · 101mA young woman with traditional values, living with her godmother, undergoes a profound and unexpected change after meeting a man.IMDb 7.1TMDB 5.8 - 65
TótemMovie · 2023 · 95m · DramaIn a lively Mexican home, seven-year-old Sol gets caught up in the excitement of planning her father Tona's birthday party. Her mother, aunts, and relatives orchestrate the preparations, building towards an event that feels both eagerly awaited and a little daunting. As the day unfolds, Sol starts to grasp the importance of this year's celebration, mirroring the growing awareness within her family.Stream onIMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8
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Nora's WillMovie · 2008 · 92mJose is informed that his ex-wife, Nora, has died by suicide. A rabbi explains that because of the upcoming holiday, Nora must be buried within five days. Unbeknownst to Jose, Nora had meticulously planned her funeral arrangements, ensuring he would be responsible for them. However, she overlooked a hidden photograph under her bed – a detail that will reveal the enduring nature of their love, found in the most unexpected places.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 7.2
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Hidden RiverMovie · 1948 · 110mA rural teacher is summoned by the Mexican President to work in a remote village. There, he finds the community controlled by a cruel and powerful chieftain.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 6.0
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'Ora sí ¡tenemos que ganar!Movie · 1981 · 90mWorkers in a mining town, oppressed by those in control, secretly form a union.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.3 - 69
Life SentenceMovie · 1979 · 95mFresh out of prison, Tarzan Lira tries to start over with a job at a bank. But things might not go as smoothly as he hopes.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.7 - 70
Reed: Insurgent MexicoMovie · 1972 · 124mThis film dramatizes the newspaper reports of John Reed, focusing on his experiences during the Mexican Revolution. It is widely recognized as the first major cinematic depiction of the Mexican Revolution in Mexican film history.IMDb 6.7TMDB 5.8