This movie has been called "the most controversial film ever made" but I really think it is only called that by the Producers of it as I am sure that films like The Last Temptation of Christ gained much more notoriety. It is definitely the highest-grossing domestic film ever for Mexico. The movie is El Crimen del Padre Amaro or if you read the subtitles like I do, The Crime of Father Amaro.
It's hard to believe that the concept for this film was not born out of current events, where sexual misconduct and misuse of power were weekly headlines pertaining to the Catholic Church. In fact, El Crimen del Padre Amaro is based on an 1875 Portuguese book by social reform author Eça de Queirós and adapted to modern day Mexico by screenwriter Vicente Leñero. This film tells the tale of a handsome young priest, Padre Amaro (Gael Garcia Bernal) who comes to work at a parish of a small but corrupt town in Mexico. He is immediately well liked, especially by the young daughter of a lady who owns the restaurant that feeds them for free. The story is not just about Sex, Lust, and Sin, as the posters would lead you to believe. The story goes deeper than that in to themes of Mexico's current societal issues such as journalistic independence, the peasant uprisings, the drug traffickers influence on mainstream life, and of course, the struggle with celibacy that priests contend with. Leñero does an excellent job of blending these things together and Director Carlos Carrera does a great job of tying it all up in one hot package.
The acting is very good in this movie, Bernal (Amores Perros, Y Tu Mama Tambien) has really shown his acting talent in this film and is thoroughly convincing as the earnest priest who we see slowly change through the film. Just as outstanding is Ana Claudia Talancón (from the Vale Todo t.v. show)as the young Amelia, who leaves her journalist boyfriend because he mocks the Church. Sancho Gracia is also excellent as the much-revered Father Benito, who is the veteran priest at the Parrish.
The movie falters with it's relying on classic Mexican soap-opera antics and melodrama. It creates a degree of cheesiness in a potentially excellent film. El Crimen del Padre Amaro is not for everyone, but definitely worth a view for the art-house and foreign language film lovers. Also fans of Mexican cinema will want to check this out. Devout Catholics will be downright squeamish (or deeply offended) as one scene is downright blasphemous! You've been warned.
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