Review of Maria Full of Grace (2004) by Bill H — 12 Jan 2008

A dark disturbing look into the drug world, but also has that tinge of being a coming of age tale.

Maria Full of Grace has a quick peek into the drug world and Maria's (Catalina Sandino Moreno) life struggles. If I have a grudge, and I do, it's that the film moves by incredibly quick, giving us very little details on Maria's backstory and those around her, usually portrayed, daresay I, two-dimensional... even though they're believeable. So to me, it's a bit choppy in its storytelling, characterization ('cept for Maria) and presentation. Her decision to go into the "mule" business seems to have magically appeared (sadly, not by chance). I guess the gritty doc. feel compensates for the film's briefness, and its fallback on the coming of age portion, which makes up the entire film.

The drug world scenes are perhaps the most stomach churning. To actually see what goes on is pretty shocking, seeing how the pellets are made, how much is given to each person, and the reaction from its carriers, suppliers, buyers, and the law. Going from low to lower is a quick glance at our sick sad world. Maria's foray into this world, sadly, comes out of desperation.

Despite my minor qualms with the film, it all works well because of what our main protagonist goes through to help get her somewhere in which might offer a better and brighter future. The film shows how uncertainty can run our lives, and we all go through with that. Some of us might forever remain uncertain on some things. In times of desperation, it can almost destroy us (another theme). The brevity of certain parts in the film still kinda bug me, but its central themes, its disturbing look into the drug world, and Catalina Sandino Moreno's performance all contribute into making this film a near-masterpiece. Might be not quite perfect, but in this case, the good highly outweigh the flaws.