The Passion of Maria Elena 2003
Distributed by First Run/Icarus Films, 32 Court St., 21st Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201; 800-876-1710
Produced by Chango Films
Directed by Mercedes Moncada Rodriguez
VHS, color, 76 min.
Sr. High - Adult
Latin American Studies, Multicultural Studies
Date Entered: 02/08/2005
Reviewed by Rue Herbert, Head, Library Media Resources, University of South Florida, TampaThe Passion of Maria Elena is a disturbing account of the hit and run death of three-year-old Jorge, and his mother Maria Elena’s search for justice and truth. Maria Elena is a Raramuri, indigenous to Mexico, and quite traditional in lifestyle. Marisela, the woman driving the truck that killed Jorge, is ‘white’ and from a more metropolitan setting. The film documents the challenges Maria Elena faces resulting from her grief and search for a fair resolution, the corrupt official justice system, the racism toward the Raramuri, and the suspicion felt by her own community in relation to the death of her son.
I found this film difficult to review, and more difficult to recommend. While the basic themes of the story are poignant, the filmmaker’s use of drawn out, primarily visual moments are distracting. Instead of underscoring the tragedy and frustration of the situation, these artistic pauses seem to draw out the story more than necessary. While it might be the filmmaker’s intention, there is a resulting flatness to the atmosphere of the film that seems too heavy. Ultimately, the flow of the film toward the final resolution is quite revitalizing.
The subtitles (at least on the review copy) were occasionally problematic. They were not always timed properly. In a couple of cases they advanced too quickly to read. Occasionally quite a bit of dialogue would take place before any subtitles appeared. It was also sometimes difficult to have a clear understanding of the identity and relationships of the people being interviewed.
With the exception of the subtitles, the production values are very high. While the film would work well as a case study to be examined in upper level cultural anthropology or related courses, I think the only other primary audience for the film would be extremely serious documentary viewers. It is very difficult as a reviewer to be critical of a work that is both moving and eye opening in a cultural studies sense. However, I feel this program can only be recommended to the audiences mentioned above.
Awards
- Best Documentary 2003 Sao Paulo Film Festival
- Best Mexican Feature 2003 Guadalajara Film Festival