Así es la vida (2000)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

Arturo Ripstein

Writer:

Paz Alicia Garciadiego (writer)

Release Date:

12 January 2001 (Spain)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Based on the Greek tragedy MEDEA, this is a present day Mexican version, set in the seediest possible milieu of Mexico City...

Plot Keywords:

Mexico | Infanticide | Domestic Violence | Betrayal | Murder

Awards:

3 wins

Cast

Arcelia Ramírez	...	Julia
Patricia Reyes Spíndola	...	Adela, The Godmother
Luis Felipe Tovar	...	Nicolás
Ernesto Yáñez	...	La Marrana
Alejandra Montoya	...	Teenager
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Marta Aura		(as Martha Aura)
Daniela Carvajal
Constanza Cavalli
Beto Alonso Gil
Francesca Guillén	...	Raquel
Osami Kawano
Loló Navarro
Andrés Weiss
Marco Zapata

Also Known As:

Así es la vida (Spain)
C'est la vie... (France) (TV title)
Such Is Life (International: English title)

Runtime:

Germany:98 min

Country:

Mexico | France | Spain

Language:

Spanish

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Australia:MA | Singapore:R(A) | Hong Kong:III | Spain:18

Movie Connections:

Version of Medea (1988)

A gripping drama that leaves you gasping

The format of this film is typically theatrical. There are many soliloquies in which the character tells us how hard life is, the misfortunes that have beset the family and the uncertainty of the future. There are discussions between mother and daughter, arguments between husband and wife, and threats from an unrelenting landlord. There is a very slow fade between the numerous scenes like a theatrical curtain change. Surprisingly there is also a chorus of four who appear at odd times with appropriate songs. They philosophize on life as in some Greek drama. And why not? This happens to be a modern Mexican version of the classical Greek play "Medea".

I normally dislike modern versions of the classics....often experimental attempts at presenting something different that is rarely successful. Not so here. This is an amazing drama that should not be missed. It is so different, so unique, so powerful it will remain in your thoughts for days. What we see on the screen is no fairy story. It is as relevant to-day as in the days of ancient Greece. Just read the daily newspapers and you will see what I mean.

Nicolas a young and not so successful boxer is supported by his wife Julia who dabbles in herbal mixtures and witchcraft to augment the family income. They have two young children. When Nicolas falls in love with the landlord's daughter and seeks a divorce, the future of the children becomes a major concern. The outcome is horrendous.

Nicolas and Julia pour out their intimate thoughts as we watch the love that once they had for each other evaporate before our eyes. There is a sense of tragedy and impending doom wonderfully portrayed by the actors as we watch helplessly in desperation and the chorus from time to time reinforces our thoughts.

I liked very much the summing up by Nicolas in the final scene. Whenever tragedy overtakes us, it is difficult to assert who is to blame. The message in the film seems to suggest that it is rarely the fault of one person. Indeed,we must all accept some share in the responsibility. Such is life!