The Crime of Father Amaro

7/10

(2002) starring Gael Garcia Bernal, Ana Claudia Talancon. Directed by Carlos Carrera.

There are a few basic rules out there which, if you follow, help you go further in life. Examples: never make eye contact while eating a banana; never trust a fart; and don’t barrack for Collingwood. Heed these and you will get ahead.

The Crime of Father Amaro reveals another important lesson. If you are a catholic priest, sworn to celibacy, and sent to a conservative but violent Mexican town where you have already made some enemies, then don’t screw the sixteen year old daughter of the inn keeper.

But that is what happens in this movie, based on the novel by Portuguese writer José Maria de Eça de Queiro. It’s about ambition versus love, needs of the flesh versus those of the spirit, and, most of all, about a young priest choosing what kind of life he wants for himself.

Now, this might all sound drier than a nun’s ninny, but it’s actually rather good. The performances, particuarly by the devilishly handsome Gael Garcia Bernal, are captivating and there are some interesting and real characters.

Still, I was only going to give it a 6 until, bless my cotton socks, I found that the ending was sad and powerful. This is a tricky kind of film. It shifts around on you and makes you wonder with which character your allegiances actually lie. It’s not a sudden shift, but gradual. Like puberty. You start our squeakily sure about everything, then by the end you’re a little emotional, speaking in a deeper voice and you’re slightly ashamed.

Or perhaps, to keep with the Mexican flavour of the movie, I should liken it to eating a reheated blue corn taco. It’s good while it lasts but afterwards you feel a little upset.

About Pecs

Pecs has no food, has no job and his pets' heads are falling off.
This entry was posted in All Reviews, Book-to-Film, Drama and tagged . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply