Kevinrv

I saw this documentary a few years ago at the Chicago Latino Film Festival. I was fascinated by the stories that were told of how this small community of Jewish settlers ended up in Mexico and how they have assimilated into Mexican culture. As someone who has been interested in Mexican culture and history for some time, I was intrigued by this small part of history which very few people know about. I had been traveling to Mexico for years and never knew there was this community of Jewish immigrants that have a long history of living in Mexico. It very sensitively portrayed the history of several immigrants and how they came from different parts of Europe. Most, if not all, came with the hope of making it to the United States eventually, but instead started careers and families in Mexico. I want to say I think it was a good thing that they stayed. Well worth seeing if you have the opportunity. I would like to see it again.

This movie is one of the best interpretations of a great novel to the big screen that I have ever seen. This is not an easy feat, being that we are talking about a science fiction/fantasy novel with characters such as hobbits, elves, dwarves, wizards, orcs, etc. But the use of special effects is (nearly) flawlessly applied in the director, Peter Jackson's, interpretation of the different races depicted in Tolkien's epic novels. Along with the stunning New Zealand landscape, which lends its own unique visual appeal, Jackson has created visual effects so astounding and so appealing that one is quickly drawn into the story, yet I did not feel overwhelmed. The screenplay does an excellent job of methodically telling the story of Frodo Baggins and the dilemma into which he is suddenly and mysteriously thrown. The movie left me with a feeling of satisfaction and a sense that I had been thoroughly entertained, but also with an intense desire to see those next two episodes which we know will be coming out in the next two years. In other words, the movie did what it was supposed to do, and did it splendidly! Now, I think it's time I go pull those books off my dusty bookshelf and.....