mend-mrw Reviews

Monarca (2019–2021)

Gripping series, if only it was more reflective of Mexican society

[7/10 · 14 March 2021]

Great narrative, the stories get more intense and gripping as they develop partly because of the ever-changing allegiances. No character comes out well, and everyone's involved in the lies and actions of the Monarca family and its dirty dealings.

I just wish the show was more reflective of Mexican society. I understand this is a show about the business elite, but Mexicans of indigenous descent are the majority in the country yet play only servants or members of organised crime in this show. I also thought the story about Andrés' sexuality is predictable and follows old homophobic tropes.

Otherwise an enjoyable watch!

Karmen Gei (2001)

Truly brilliant interoretation of Carmen

[9/10 · 6 January 2021]

I truly loved this interpretation of Carmen! Tickets every box, though I would've enjoyed to see the relationship with the police office unfold just a bit more before it came crashing so abruptly. Otherwise excellent watch, great pacing, and refreshing context.

Adam (IV) (2019)

Convincing story, lots of nuance, beautifully shot!

[9/10 · 27 December 2020]

This was beautiful. Taking place mainly in a domestic setting, the film focuses on the interactions unfolding between two women and their personal stories to tell of their struggles with the world outside, social stigma and having to make difficult decisions in this context. It seemed like it was made with a Moroccan, and maybe more generally Arab audience that understands the context, which I loved and gave lots of space for nuance. The open ending felt right and like it was a conscious decision by the director. If I had one complaint, it would be that the characters could've have more depth to their stories. At times they seemed a little flat. Otherwise I really enjoyed this film!

Waking Life (2001)

Thank you Jeff!

[1/10 · 3 May 2009]

Thank you Jeff, I totally agree with you! The movie is simply pretentious and so obvious. The theories that were expressed are hardy advanced or even airtight. I couldn't care any less about the characters. To me it seemed anything but well thought-out.

And it's true, if you think it wasn't a good film you're instantly dubbed stupid. I can assure I did understand the movie, it just doesn't fulfill the criteria of being interesting or thought-provoking. At least that's what it claims to be. I'm annoyed I wasted 1:38h of my 'waking life' (I now realise how ridiculous even the title is). I could've read a decent thesis in that amount of time. Bummer.