Pedro Páramo

Juan Rulfo might be one of the most influencial Latin American writters of all time, and Pedro Paramo is without a doubt his masterpiece, so having to adapt it into any kind of work (a film, a tv series, a play) is a risk very few screenwriters, directors and producers can afford.

Four times Academy Award® nominee cinematographer - and now director - Rodrigo Prieto knows very well how to use all his resources and talent to create a flawless visually and technical stunning enviroment worthy of praise with the help of Academy Award® winner Eugenio Caballero in charge of the production design, and Academy Award® winner Gustavo Santaolalla in the music score.

The cast is amazing too, especially the supporting performances by Dolores Heredia, Roberto Sosa and Ilse Salas.

Goya® winner Mateo Gil does an impressive work adapting Rulfo's book, keeping in mind the narrative of the book is not lineal and might be difficult to follow, therefore this is a movie that needs to be watched while paying attention.

The difficulty of adapting one of the best Mexican literary works and one of the greatest examples of surrealism was a complete challenge for this great photographer and now debuting director. The film tries and succeeds very well, with an excellent cast and a long history in Mexican cinema, they give it the necessary support to tell this magical, melancholic story that is difficult to understand for those who are not Mexican. It is not the typical Hollywood, there are no monsters, aliens, or other current inclusive themes. This film is a tribute to Mexico, to our history, to our countryside and to our people. I think Mr. Rulfo would be happy with the work done on his great novel.

I'm sure that people giving a low rating, have simply not read the book, and hence not understood this wonderful movie. You don't have to read the book, but if you really want to understand the movie, read the book at some point. You'll be surprised and you'll love both!

Pedro Paramo, the book, reflects sadness and melancholy on every page. This is what made Rulfo great - his narrative was some sort of beautiful sadness. The book's narrative is simple yet beautiful. This movie does a great job of conveying the book's sadness through its dialogues, music, and the environment of Comala.

I'm surprised this is the director's opera prima. The actors, production, and costume design - every department paid a lot of attention to ensure the movie is as accurate as possible. Some of the book's dialogues are retained in the movie, along with the imagery, suffering, and horror - nothing is left aside.

This is undoubtedly a fantastic visual representation of Pedro Paramo, and it's one of those rare movies that can live up to the books they're based on.

A wonderful film.

The acting is top notch. This movie shows that there are wonderful Mexican actors and that we CAN write a good script, so I will not be forgiving any sub par job in the future.

The movie is gorgeous. Everything is done with love and care. My only (very small) complaint would be some of the CGI. But it doesn't take away from the wonderful story-telling and the visuals.

If paying attention is not your forte, maybe the movie is not for you. By the way, the movie is magical realism, that means it combines fantastical elements with day-to-day life. The reviews that say "it does not make sense", do they also complain about other genres? Does Avengers make sense? Star Wars?

Every character has a story to tell. It's not about villains and heroes. There's no divine retribution.

En verdad me hizo pensar que los mexicanos ya estamos muertos, solo estamos esperando a que alguien nos lo diga.

I didn't know this was adapted from a novel until I read some of these reviews, but now that makes sense. There is a depth of pain and sorrow wrought from the passions and injustices of our human condition in every frame of this film, and I am guessing in every page of the novel, which I have not read. Some reviews seem to think it does not do justice to the book, but imo, as a film it is beautifully tragic. And very well filmed and acted. There are probably many cultural elements about the story I missed, like One Hundred Years Of Solitude, but also like that film it's a fabulous and deep work. My only complaint is I lost track of some of the characters, who they were and what time they represented. But it all came into focus later. 8/10.