★ 8 / 10
Whether or not we realize or acknowledge it
Brent Marchant
Whether or not we realize or acknowledge it, our memories can have considerable impact on us, perhaps even going so far as to define our character and drive…
Whether or not we realize or acknowledge it, our memories can have considerable impact on us, perhaps even going so far as to define our character and drive our motivations, for better or worse. This is especially true when it comes to significantly powerful recollections, the kind that leave a profound, lasting impression on us and our psyche. But are these remembrances fixed and unalterable, essentially representing unshakable, infallible records of past experiences? Or can they shift over time, despite perpetual reinforcement that makes them seem like they’re fundamentally unchangeable? And how does that affect us in terms of our character, perspective and actions? Those are among the questions raised in this debut feature from writer-director Pierre Saint-Martin Castellanos, a fact-based memoir about his mother and a trauma she underwent in her youth. Retired Mexico City lawyer Socorro Castellanos (Luisa Huertas) leads a rather unfulfilling life in her cramped, rundown high-rise, sharing an apartment with a sister she despises (Rebeca Manríquez), her unemployed ne’er-do-well son (Pedro Hernández) and his industrious, inexplicably devoted wife (Agustina Quinci), a career woman who has become the couple’s principal breadwinner. Socorro had a long career skillfully maneuvering her way through Mexico’s corrupt political and legal system, but it’s worn down the gruff, surly, sometimes-ruthless counselor, contributing to the failing health and embittered outlook that have come to shape her everyday existence. But, more than that, she’s spent much of the past 50 years obsessing over the memory of her older brother’s killing at the hands of Mexican troops during the 1968 student protests at the Tlatelolco Massacre, one of the most violent event’s in the nation’s recent history. She has long sought her own brand of “justice” (i.e., vengeance) against the soldier responsible for his death, but all to no avail. However, when she comes upon a vital clue about her brother’s killer, she at last sees an opportunity to exact revenge. With the aid of the building’s jovial but untrustworthy janitor (José Alberto Patiño), a criminal whom she helped keep out of jail, Socorro hatches a plan to take down the alleged killer. But is this a wise idea? Is it a genuinely foolproof scheme? Is she sure of her facts? And has time hardened her memories to the point where she doesn’t question their accuracy? “We Shall Not Be Moved” provides an intriguing look at the question of how reliably we can trust our recollections, especially as we age and as infirmity, limitation and unyielding inflexibility begin to take their toll on our outlook and physical well-being. These themes are brought to bear through the film’s superb character development and stunning black-and-white cinematography, a fitting and gorgeous metaphor for the protagonist’s determined, unbending mindset. The picture’s devilish comic relief further enhances these attributes, providing the narrative with an edge that sharpens the story’s unapologetically bold sensibilities. It may take a little effort to find this independent gem, which has principally been playing at film festivals and in special screenings, but the filmmaker’s premiere effort is well worth it, a thoughtful production from a promising new talent.
Read full review
★ 8 / 10
Justice, Memory, and the Wounds of 1968
GerardoMenmar
After being selected as Mexico's representative for the Oscars, winning several Ariel Awards, and having re-release screenings, I finally got to see this…
After being selected as Mexico's representative for the Oscars, winning several Ariel Awards, and having re-release screenings, I finally got to see this wonderful film that honors those who died in the shameful massacre of October 2, 1968.Filmmaker Pierre Saint-Martin (yes, he's Mexican) makes an intimate movie that mixes drama, suspense, and dark humor with respect. It shows the pain and mourning that many people who lost family members on that tragic day still feel, while also making an effective reflection on the meaning and value of justice and revenge.But without a doubt, the soul of the film is Luisa Huertas, who transmits all the mixed emotions and the desire to seek justice for her brother's death more than 50 years ago. Her character is sarcastic and very passionate.Just like in Duck Season (to which the movie makes a small homage by having the DVD at home), the story moves through the corridors and apartments of the Tlatelolco housing units, with beautiful black and white cinematography that, just like the memory and the impact of what happened in the late '60s for Socorro, seems to have been frozen in time.A worthy representative of Mexico at the Awards - hopefully it will at least get the nomination, and if not, that this film gets more visibility and doesn't let us forget that kind of event that still doesn't feel so far away in today's world.
Read full review
★ 8 / 10
Really hidden festival circus gem
JuanAsilo
Mexican cinema sometimes is all about the narco culture o related from films to documentary, going off beat. Which there were a movie about selling Mexican…
Mexican cinema sometimes is all about the narco culture o related from films to documentary, going off beat. Which there were a movie about selling Mexican food in LA that would be nice, instead we have No nos movernos. English means we ain't moving, here the review:
Taking place in one massacre in Mexico history the shoot out of the student in 3 Cultures. A senior lawyer call Socorro received a package from someone, revealing a photo of he brother he lost that day n the name of the cadet that tortured him. Taking her to plan scheme to exact her own brand of justice, but things gets complicated from her son marriage who's unemployed, with wife expecting n leaving him. To hiring a first class Sicario to do kidnapping.Is very unique seeing a Mexican film touching historical moment especially what happen in that decade, seen it from witness that only lost brother, but father touching subjects from lost, revenge n letting go. The film cover all sides.Is awesome that protagonist is senior lawyer been trapped her past, n the relationship with maintaining guy that's pure Mexican gold in dialogue.So conclude very historical movie reminding Gen Z mex what happened, but feel most Mexican won't give chance following other Mexican gems from Duck Season to The Violin (which awesome).Fun fact all this re black/white.
Read full review
•••
More mexican movies please.