Movie Review: Miss Bala (2011 From Mexico)

Movie: Miss Bala  (2011 From Mexico)
Starring: Stephanie Sigman, Noe Hernandez
Director: Gerardo Naranjo

Verdict: 8 out of 10.  A gritty movie which shows the tough and violent life in Mexico,a victim of  violent drug wars.  It has the feel of 'City of God' (Brazil, 2002) and is equally effective.

Mexico is making really good movies these days. 'Miss Bala' loosely based on a real incident is one in that list. It is set in Baja California the Mexican side across San Diego in US. The plot involves a young woman Laura who is from poor working class background. Miss Bala  refers to her attempt to contest and win the 'Miss Baja' beauty pageant.  Unfortunately she finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. When she and her friend go to a dance club they get caught in a shootout between rival gangs in the drug business. She becomes witness to this crime and as a result gets caught up in the web of drug mobs. As an innocent, helpless and simple minded young woman she becomes a pawn in the hands of a ruthless drug boss.  Incidentally 'Miss Bala' means 'Miss Bullet'

The story itself is gritty. But the movie takes this story and does a fantastic job of laying bare the tough and violent side of Mexican society which is inflicting untold suffering on innocent people there, as a result of years of fighting between rival gangs and the ineffective and sometimes corrupt  police. The movie has an exciting pace while paying attention to details. There is one shootout in a town square which is one of most fantastic scenes I have seen in such movies. The movie also exposes the involvement of the US in aiding the drug business in Mexico.

The acting by Stephanie Sigman who plays Laura is very delicate and she portrays conflicting emotions very beautifully. Noe Hernandez as the drug boss Lino,  looks so menacing and real that it is hard to believe that he is acting.

The scenes are so full of detail and elaborate sequencing, one has to tip the hat to the script writer, photographer and sound departments of this movie. The director Gerardo Naranjo has set for himself an ambitious goal and I am convinced that he has achieved his goal in full measure.

Every time I see such movies I experience two emotions in tandem. I am first happy for the thrilling experience these movies offer but at the same time I can't help feeling a bit discouraged that I am just a constant spectator of such wonderful efforts. When will I be a player?