His Most Serene Highness (2001) Reviews

This historical drama depicts the waning days of the life of Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, the 19th century president of Mexico who, in 1847, waged a war against the United States that ultimately cost his nation half of its territory. Su Alteza Serenísima finds Santa Anna (Alejandro Parodi) in poor health in 1876, wracked with pain after losing a leg but holding on to his hopes of regaining his political power and winning back Texas from the United States. As Santa Anna discusses both his past and his ambitions for the future with his colleagues, his wife Dolores (Ana Bertha Espin) introduces visitors who declare their enthusiastic support for Santa Anna's schemes, not knowing that his wife has paid paupers to speak to her husband posing as his allies. Su Alteza Serenísima was the first feature in nine years from veteran Mexican filmmaker Felipe Cazals. The film garnered 11 Mexican Academy Awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress.
~ Mark Deming, Rovi