This week at Monday Movie Nights we celebrate Cinco de Mayo a day early. For those of you who don’t know, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla so as part of our celebration we have sent our resident Frenchman away to Europe.
Mexican filmmakers have been in the spotlight in recent years with back-to-back Best Director victories for Mexican directors Alfonso Cuarón and and Alejandro González Iñárritu so now is the perfect time to celebrate our neighbours from south of south of the border’s contribution to film.
Our selection of movies this week showcase some of the earlier work of Mexico’s most talented directors along with several fan favourites that couldn’t be ignored.
Los contendientes:
El Topo (1970) 125 min
Dir. Alejandro Jodorowsky
A mysterious black-clad gunfighter wanders a mystical Western landscape encountering multiple bizarre characters.
¡Three Amigos! (1986) 104 min
Dir. John Landis
Three unemployed actors accept an invitation to a Mexican village to replay their bandit fighter roles, unaware that it is the real thing.
Desperado (1995) 104 min
Dir. Robert Rodriguez
A gunslinger is embroiled in a war with a local drug runner.
The Mask of Zorro (1998) 136 min
Dir. Martin Campbell
A young thief, seeking revenge over the death of his brother, is trained by the once great, but aged Zorro, who is also seeking a vengeance of his own.
Amores Perros (2000) 154 min
Dir. Alejandro González Iñárritu
A horrific car accident connects three stories, each involving characters dealing with loss, regret, and life’s harsh realities, all in the name of love.
Y Tu Mamá También (2001) 106 min
Dir. Alfonso Cuarón
In Mexico, two teenage boys and an attractive older woman embark on a road trip and learn a thing or two about life, friendship, sex, and each other.
Casa de mi Padre (2012) 84 min
Dir. Matt Piedmont
Scheming on a way to save their father’s ranch, the Alvarez brothers find themselves in a war with Mexico’s most feared drug lord.
…and since it happens to be May 4…..
Star Wars (1977)
Dir. George Lucas
Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a wookiee and two droids to save the universe from the Empire’s world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader.