Juan Carlos Valdivia Movies
A Bolivian man with dreams of reuniting with his son and starting a new life in the United States is forced to resort to questionable methods due to harsh laws designed to curb immigration in director Juan Carlos Valdivia's thoughtful meditation on the post-9/11 political climate. Mario Alvarez (Demián Bichir) wants nothing more than to travel to Miami, re-connect with his long-lost son, and seek out a new life in a new country. Obtaining a visa in Bolivia is no easy task though, and in order to achieve his goals Mario will be forced to bend the rules nearly to the breaking point. Mario's diligent efforts to escape to the U.S. are soon complicated, however, when a beautiful young dancer named Blanca (Kate del Castillo) voices a desire to quit her job at a seedy strip club and settle down with the desperate dad in Bolivia. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Demián Bichir, Kate del Castillo, (more)
- 1996
Bolivian filmmaker Juan Carlos Valdivia makes his feature film debut with this bold, arty conglomeration of realism, romantic comedy, and crime drama as it chronicles the misadventures of Julia and her brother-in-law Johah Larriva, a teacher at a private girls' school. His troubles began when he married the wealthy daughter of an eccentric family. His snooty father-in-law has never concealed his disapproval of Jonah's modest social standing. His wife is unable to enjoy sex and this adds further tension. Eventually the frustrated Jonah allows Julia to seduce him. Unfortuantely, the family finds out and to save face, sends Julia to the United States. The family soon falls into financial ruin. Meanwhile, Julia falls in love with a powerful drug lord and because of this, tragedy ensues. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
