Review of Y Tu Mamá También (2001) by Miguel R — 28 Jul 2015

Alfonso Cuarón's film is framed as if a "documentary" which features a distant and dis-engaged narrator. It is an effective device. As we "meet" the 3 leading characters of the story, we are allowed to make "judgements" about each one. I stress the word "judgement" because that is what we do. It is as if Cuaron gives his audience permission to allow us to wedge each three "characters" into our own sense of stereotyping and passive viewpoints.

As the movie progresses, the idea of documentary gives sway to leaving the audience as "flies on the walls." Our pre-conceived ideas of each character proves incorrect. These characters do not fit into cultures' restrictively simple "labels.".

Thanks to the skills of Maribel Verdú, Diego Luna and most especially Gael Garcia -- these characters very quickly become "people" filled with challenges and very real worries and concerns.

The "older" woman is not really that much older than her male friends. She is barely a decade older. But as a woman and as an adult who has had a bit more experience, she is more forgiving of her friend's limitations. It doesn't mean she understands them.

Julio and Tenoch have been raised in very different ways and within very contrasting social classes. It has not prevented a deep friendship, but as they grow older each is painfully aware of their own "judgements" and "prejudices.".

What seems like a simple road trip and coming of age story is far more complex. At the time the film was released, Cuaron's use of explicit sex went far beyond the range of the American R-rating. It was hit with the often damaging and unfair "NC-17" label. For younger people this film became an infamously erotic, bold and graphic look at sexuality.

It would be unfair to not allow the film its eroticism. It is erotic. It is also a very intelligent examination of sexuality from both the limited perspectives of two only recently "legally" recognized young adult males as well as an adult female perspective. Sexuality is at the core of this beautiful film.

The road trip is not simple. It is filled with glimpses into The Mexican culture which is simultaneously beautiful, confused and horrifically economically corrupt tension. In addition, this "little" road trip reveals itself to be a realistic and troubling exploration of male bonding. When that bonding dips it's toes into the deep waters of sexuality -- this friendship can never return to it's innocent fun and love. It is severed. It is damaged beyond repair.

And our leading female character is dealing with life's most challenging and horrifying realities. Beyond lonely, Luisa is trying desperately to find solace in a world that has refused it. These two kind young men represent a youth she has almost forgotten. And while she tries to help guide these two boys into a smarter sexual understanding she also pushes them too fast and too far. She is unable to notice this because of an internal horror that she keep hidden. Not because she is afraid to share it --- but because she is too afraid to allow herself to view it.

"Y Tu Mama También" presents itself as a sexy coming of age movie that is actually a profound and tragically sad reality that comes with adulthood. Underneath that already complex achievement lies a societal-political of a Mexico that is about to explode onto other cultures and countries that I don't I was even aware of at the the time. More than just an "important" work, this is stunning adult film that no one will want to miss.