Real Women Have Curves Theatrical Release Poster Newmarket films
As a Mexican-American, I grew up with Mexican media being the norm in my household until recent years when I began to explore out of my bubble.
I especially found it fascinating that much of the media I considered childhood staples were foreign to most other people. I guess not everyone got traumatized on a lovely Saturday evening while watching the ending of the Selena movie.
On a serious note, I began to think about this more given the current political situation in America and even just Chicago. It hurts seeing people afraid to just exist, especially during a time that’s supposed to be filled with pride and celebration.
So, I thought what better way to start Hispanic Heritage Month than by sharing some Mexican films that you definitely need in your life. Some may leave you in tears, but it is all a part of the experience.
“The (Almost) Legends” is such a rich and fun film that I recommend anyone to see once. I watched it with my siblings and feel it is ideal to watch with family. It’s a comedy revolving around two estranged half-brothers who reunite after their father’s passing.
It’s absolutely hilarious and features some wacky visuals. I’ll always die on the hill that Mexican comedy has this irreplaceable charm you cannot find anywhere else. If you’re a big comedy person, this one is definitely for you.
Be warned, it’s a fast-paced movie, so be careful looking away from the subtitles—it’s easy to miss some really funny lines.
A Mexican-American classic; I recommend everyone of all ages to see this movie. America Ferrera will always have my heart, but most especially in her role as Ana Garcia. Ana is such a relatable character even if you can’t fully resonate with her.
She is a prime example of the stereotypical Mexican daughter battling between duty and chasing her dreams, but she is also representative of so many girls’ stories to this day. For that, I’ll always hold this character dear to me.
I find this movie to be especially important given our increasingly strict beauty standards; I think any young girl would benefit from seeing this movie. It’s bittersweet and a beautiful take on the female Mexican-American experience.
Another Mexican-American classic. Perhaps a little cheesy by today’s standards, but a beautiful film nonetheless. One thing I love about this movie is the lack of “white savior” in the forefront.
This film is a classic “based on a true story” Mexican film surrounding a teacher who helps his students pass calculus when nobody else believes they can. I think this film is a beautiful story of resilience and determination.
There is a common stereotype of Mexicans being “stupid,” so I love that this movie directly breaks that barrier and challenges it. This is another film I firmly believe that everyone should see.
- “I’m No Longer Here”
This was another film I watched with my siblings and one I adore deeply. Often people discuss immigration and the types of lives immigrants escape from, but it’ll always be hard for one to conceptualize.
I find this movie to be a beautiful example of this, and one that needs to be seen now more than ever. It is a story about a guy named Ulises (Juan Daniel García Treviño) who’s in a gang with some friends. He ends up having to flee to America due to a gang related conflict and the story goes from there.
I like that this story isn’t about the “perfect immigrant.” It’s raw and leaves you feeling heavy by the end, and you feel for Ulises. Cinematography wise, the way it’s shot is art in itself and I feel no matter what this movie will leave a strong impact on you.
- “Instructions Not Included”
“Instructions Not Included” is one of many Mexican children’s first experiences with movie trauma, right next to “Bajo El Mismo Cielo.” This movie is so ingrained in my memory I could probably recite the entire plot to you by heart.
“Instructions Not Included” is a film about a playboy named Valentín (Eugenio Derbez) who suddenly finds out he has a daughter after his ex-fling drops her at his doorstep.
It’s such a beautiful movie and one I always loved as someone who grew up with a single father. It’s also one I wish I could burn out of my memory just so I could watch it again for the first time.
I highly recommend this movie, maybe more than any on this list. If you watch and enjoy it, I highly recommend watching Derbez’ other films. Nearly his entire discography in itself is a staple in Mexican households.
I truly hope this list gives you some new favorite movies and opens your heart to the beautiful world of Mexican cinema. There’s so many wonderful films to discover, way more than I could ever encapsulate into a single list.