Review of Amores Perros (2000) by Chris H — 16 Jul 2011

The first film in Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's "Parents/Childen" trilogy just might be his best. The film chronicles the brutality and realism in the lives of three distinctly different people, whose lives intersect around a pivotal event.

The performances in the film are spot on, and by no means forced. The actors make their characters feel like real people with authentic lives, issues, and desires. The film has a stark, uncompromisingly realistic style.

Just when it may seem that the violence in the film is a little too gratuitous, the film reminds us that this takes place in Mexico, where conditions are drastically different from the United States. The intense realism is reflected through the excessive use of handheld cinematography, as well as an editing style that sets the sometimes manic tone of the picture.

Although I very strongly recommend this film (it is easily one of the best of the decade), I must say that there is a great deal of violence against animals throughout, especially dogs (think Michael Vick).

No wonder the film's Spanish titles translates roughly to "Love's a Bitch.".