Summary of “El Infierno” by Luis Estrada
One-line summary:
“El Infierno” is a dark and satirical Mexican crime drama that follows a man’s descent into the violent and corrupt world of drug trafficking.
Main cast and crew:
– Director: Luis Estrada
– Writer: Luis Estrada
– Key actors: Damián Alcázar (Benny García), Joaquín Cosio (El Cochiloco), Ernesto Gómez Cruz (El Diablo), María Rojo (Doña Cata)
– Music director: Michael Nyman
– Director of photography: Patrick Murguia
– Producers: Luis Estrada, Jaime Sampietro, and José María Morales
Plot:
“El Infierno” tells the story of Benny García, a Mexican immigrant who returns to his hometown after being deported from the United States. He finds his hometown, San Miguel Arcángel, plagued by poverty, violence, and corruption. Desperate to improve his life, Benny becomes involved in the drug trade.
As Benny delves deeper into the criminal underworld, he encounters a cast of colorful characters, including El Cochiloco, a ruthless drug lord, and El Diablo, a corrupt politician. Benny’s journey takes him through a series of violent and morally compromising situations, as he tries to navigate the treacherous world of drug trafficking.
Throughout the film, “El Infierno” explores the devastating consequences of the drug trade on Mexican society. It exposes the systemic corruption that allows drug cartels to thrive and the impact it has on the lives of ordinary people. The movie also tackles themes of poverty, desperation, and the loss of moral values in the pursuit of wealth and power.
Reception and legacy:
Upon its release, “El Infierno” received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and biting social commentary. It won several awards, including the Ariel Award for Best Picture, and was nominated for the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. The film’s success solidified Luis Estrada’s reputation as one of Mexico’s most influential directors.
“El Infierno” has had a lasting impact on Mexican cinema, as it continues to be regarded as a significant work within the crime drama genre. Its unflinching portrayal of the drug trade and its consequences resonated with audiences and sparked important conversations about the social and political issues facing Mexico.
Recommendation:
“El Infierno” is a thought-provoking and gritty film that offers a searing critique of the drug trade and its impact on Mexican society. It combines dark humor with intense drama, creating a compelling narrative that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. However, due to its violent and graphic content, it is not suitable for sensitive viewers.
Memorable quote:
“Do you know what the worst thing about hell is? That even the devil is afraid of it.” – Benny García
