Julio and Tenoch were just two young boys who were trying to experience life to the fullest. Tenoch coming from money, he was able to do what he wanted and was use to getting what he wanted I am sure. Julio was just the opposite, he came from a poor family and it was interesting how many of the films that we have screened have had similiar friend relationships. ( one wealthy and one poor). I felt as though Ana took advantage of these young boys even though they had already been into teen sex and drugs, but she led them on and did not try to be a role model for them.
The reality is teen sex and drugs are in every culture and we can try to prevent it or act like it does not exist, but guess what, it does. This movie could have been filmed anywhere in the world and it would have been the same. I am not really sure what it taught me about Hispanic culture except for the fact that they have porn as well!! I wish we could have seen the ending I did figure out that Ana was dying, but I do not know of what and I do not want to have to watch it again just to find out. I do not like movies with no plot or purpose.
I really did enjoy this class more than what I thought I would and I am sorry that it had to end on this note. I would take this movie off of the list to be seen for this class.
Tammy ,I agree sex/drugs/alcohol are a real part of childrens lives in all cultures. The lack of parental involvement was scary. These boys seemed to have no one who really cared about them. They were able to leave and do whatever they wanted without consequence. The fact that Luisa had sex with the boys was disturbing .This kind of abuse is widespread and no matter what issues she was dealing with personally(husbands infidelity,terminal illness) doesn't change the fact that as an adult (even a young adult) she had a moral responsibility to these boys. Not my favorite movie of this class either. I much perferred some of the others. I don't believe that this film had to be so graphic. The point could have been gotten across without all the visuals.
ReplyDeleteLisa Gallagher
I did not feel uncomfortable like you did watching this movie with the rest of the class. I come from a family where sex has always been an open discussion so I am very comfortable talking about and watching movies with sexual content. Sex is a natural and enjoyable part of life especially in the teenage years when you are trying to figure out relationships and who you are. I too agree that teenage sex/drugs/alcohol use are in every culture and every society. Whether or not it remains behind closed doors or out in the open is the question. In this movie it was truly out in the open. Ana I didn't think was a typical adult woman. She was sheltered and had to take on the care of her aunt much to early in life to enjoy her younger years so she couldn't be a good role model for these kids.
ReplyDeleteTammy,
ReplyDeleteI did not feel comfortable with the film, I just did not think it was an appropriate film for cultural diversity. I was not sure what message we were supposed to get from this. What I did bring away from the film was that teens will be teens and no matter what country they are from, teens follow the same patterns. They are into the same mischief and trouble. They all are going to experiment with drugs, alcohol, and sex. As a mother with grown kids I knew that I would always had to stay on top of what they were doing and what they were into. It was really hard. I think this film really showed what the end result of ignoring what your kids are doing. Luisa did not serve well as a role model for the boy either. Instead of taking advantage of their inexperience, she could have taken the time to teach them what was right. I do not think this film should be shown for the next class.