The Violin

Don Plautarco (Ángel Tavira), his son Genaro (Gerardo Taracena) and grandson Lucio (Mario Garibaldi) earn a living as traveling musicians while also smuggling weapons to rebels fighting the country's oppressive regime. But when they return home to find their town occupied by the army and the residents forced into hiding, they make a bold play to recover the ammunition the troops have seized. Francisco Vargas directs.

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» Queued up by 29 people

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» Reviewed by 1 person

This film had a profound affect on my psyche and cut into the depths of my soul. I feel for the filmmaker and everyone involved, and I have no doubt they put their lives and families at risk by showing a brutal and realistic portrayal of the government's treatment of indigenous insurgents. People who have little left to lose after being exploited and marginalized for centuries, who want no more than a little bit of land to grow some food, and a chance to raise their families in peace, to survive, and maybe a chance at an education for their children. This film is a masterpiece. To call it artsy would be an insult, but it is true art. It's art is manifested not in abstract imagery or melodrama, but in the sheer beauty of the stark reality of it's subject and the unflinching telling of the story. I saw no claims of being based on real events, but the universal truths are reflections of civilization since the beginning, as the weak, outnumbered and underprivileged are dominated and victimized by the powerful and corrupt. The film was not preachy or judgmental, but overwhelming in it's simplistic view of a dire situation, and it's message that anyone will fight back if pushed hard enough. With no heartwarming moments or sappy ending to lift one's spirits it may not be for the feint of heart or young children, but fans of Mexican cinema and serious drama will love this movie. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in filmmaking at it's best. You won't be disappointed.
- couchdog53