Saint Death  (2007)

Theatrical Release Information:
Saint Death

In Mexico City's rough-and-tumble Tepito district, crime and violence are unfortunate facts of life, and in a dominantly Catholic nation it's no surprise that the people of Tepito have turned to a favored saint for guidance and protection. However, in Tepito the saint in whom many have placed their faith has been rejected by the Catholic Church -- Santa Muerte, or Saint Death, who is personified in icons as a skeleton shrouded in a white dress. Adopted by the poor and many in the criminal underclass, Saint Death is to some a throwback to Aztec deities of the past, and to others a presence that has become so common in Mexico that they have chosen to worship death rather than shun it. Filmmaker Eva Aridjis examines this phenomenon in the documentary] Saint Death, which features interviews with a number of worshipers to pay tribute to Santa Muerta shrines, as well as tracing the history of this saint created by the people. Gael Garcia Bernal provides the film's narration. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide