Rating: 
Summary: Powerful Mexican Import
Review: "Ameros Perros" ("Love's a B****") is one of the best foreign releases in 2000. It was rightfully nominated for the Oscar for Best Foreign Film (Mexico). Such graphic nature deserves the crew tremendous respect. Few others dare such risque material. The story plot is amazing! All three separate storylines wonderfully connect as one movie. All three plots contain deep and powerful nature: a guy supporting himself by placing his dog in competitive dog fights, a supermodel confined to a wheelchair due to a severe car accident, and a dog rescuer struggling to contact his long-lost daughter. They keep the audience anxiously awaiting for the next event. Every actor performs their characters splendidly, dropping every drop of heart and soul. No drop of emotion is held back. Gael Garcia Bernal proves in this movie that he'll deservingly become a major star soon. He should have received an Oscar nomination for his role as Octavia. "Ameros Perros" is great for those looking for a power drama. Those pleased with this, which many will, should also watch "Y Tu Mama Tambien", which offers further controversy and stars Bernal.
Rating:
Summary: Amores Perros: A Very Strong Film.
Review: Amores Perros opens with a car chase, a seemingly ordinary one (lots of shouting and gunfire and near-crashes), but here a wounded dog is an original element. As I like animals and knew that dogs play important roles in this film, I had to watch it.Not that Amores Perros is told from a dog's viewpoint...(sorry) no, it's all about people and their relationships with each other. The editorial review sums it all up quite nicely, as it said that the film explores passion, loss, and the fragility of our lives. Expect sudden shifts in plot and a healthy dose of violence as well, which is all done with care and reason. I hope the dogfights were fake. There are multiple stories, but each is connected to the other (the dogs and a particular 'meeting' are key here), and each story is deep and rewarding. This is a compelling film, and I can't forget it (not that I want to). Intense and Very good.
Rating:
Summary: Estrés post-traumático.
Review: You live to suffer, either your tragedy is because you have attained all your goals, or because you attained none, Inner Self. Mexican Director, Alejandro Gonzales Iñarritu, tortures you in a complex threesome of existence, so sad their ways, one is held by a prohibited love, she is caught in motion, and the last one is frozen in cold blooded hands, for them , all love is lost. This amazing marginal film compels the unbearable truth about the being, a masterful touch into every day commanding your self to be absolute in you, for the sake of resistance against the Abyss of life (La soledad, es la única y central realidad de la existencia). Octavio, falls in love with his brother's pregnant wife, a young woman much dismissed in emotions, at first sight, Octavio enters an attempt to save the poor girl from such an abusive husband, slowly, it turns into a moral inner truth. Is it the right thing to do, or not? (¿Es o no, una traición familiar, o la redención de una pobre mujer, mas la culminación de un verdadero amor?). He survives the meantime with his fighting dog. Valeria is a breathtaking beauty, crowned in a seductive perfume advertisement, the kind of woman we men dream of. Once his little dog is lost in her house floor, she becomes trapped in the impossibility to rise up, and soar to her legs, the dog becomes the analogy of her misery, interior self intolerance (No hay nada peor que haber permanecido en estado de gracia, solo para caer, y no volver jamás a levantarse). El Chivo (The Goat), hunts human targets, just for a bunch of dirty money, he doesn't care for anyone but him and his dogs, and so, when pay time comes, the price is much to high, slowly he rots, innards decay (Solo y aislado como un perro callejero). The gathering comes in a brutal car crash, all shown in the most painful and tragic context, the point here is to put you into the misery of these three decadent humans (Tan decadente y sucio como una cloaca, donde hay de todo, y donde todo huele mal). The film is more than images and words, it is a worthy Canvas of human entrails and putrid lost consciousness, Iñarritu directs with great delight and compassion the nexus between despair and emptiness, the result comes natural and honest towards the viewers eye, a jewel in the new Latin American Film Industry, a landmark achievement, an a testament of tragic ideals. The outstanding cast shines in every scene, Gael Garcia Bernal (Octavio), captivates his character with a keen exposure of emotions and roughness, along with touches of despair (Complejo). Spanish actress Goya Toledo, gives a intricate portrait of loneliness, sharp and raw in its manifestations and held in beautiful tears (Vulnerable). And Emilio Echevarria, fools the eye with a cold and emotional personality, tight up by a black humor to provide an ambiguous view of a lost man with some tenderness left in his soul (Solido). The supporting cast does an equally fine job. Alejandro Gonzales Iñarritu, performs an excellent behind the camera work, his direction connects those hard images with the quantity and truth of the protagonist (a Tarantino influence can be perceived). The photography becomes the other character surrounding the viewer's eye into a world of frenzy and ulterior terror, an achievement that completes and enhances the whole effort, absolutely amazing (the new Mexican cinema).
Amores Perros is based in a very difficult and complex script by novelist Guillermo Arraiga, set perfectly into screen by Alejandro Gonzales Iñarritu, the intention is to show how the human conscience can be turn against it self for what ever reason, the result is a Inner struggle for unparallel obstacles, and the strength that comes and goes with it.
The film represented Mexico for Best Foreign Language Film in 2001 Academy Awards, unfortunately it didn't win, but the influence of the film has made a mark already in Latin American film industry, a much needed and deserved attention to our great movie artists. There are two DVD versions (in Region 1), the first one released by Lions Gate studio (February 18, 2003), witch comes with no extras at all, but only with an O.K. transferring of the film, and the second one, released by Studio Home Entertainment (September 25, 2003), that comes with a better transferring of the film (5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound), a nice production commentary track, music videos, etc. (this is the version to take home).
Shocking, extreme, and sad, Amores Perros is a fine piece of Marginal characters, made with enough strength to put the harsh truth into a trip of sight and sound (Exquisita y portentosa, verdadera referencia de lo mejor del cine Latino Americano).
Rating:
Summary: Perfect, almost-perfect
Review: PERFECT: the original and compelling characters, brilliant cast, interwoven plotlines, great dialogue, masterful film editing and camera work, the irresistible charging-bull energy and momentum throughout most of the film (this energy reminded me of Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas"). ALMOST-PERFECT: the middle sequence, about the perfume model and her married lover, drags on and on. Thankfully, this is the only part of the film that was a bit slow and belaboured. Incredibly fresh, one of the best films of the last 10 years.
Rating:
Summary: excellent latino cinema!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: I don't even know where to begin in reviewing this cinematic masterpiece. The first time I saw this film was on a bootleg copy off the streets, no subtitles, no fancy commentary just an
excellent film with an wonderful cast of characters. This movie is an haunting portrayal of human suffering as well as friendship,love, desperation and even hope. I was even more impressed when this film came out on dvd. This has excellent special features including a making of documentary as well as directors commentary. This is one of the best films I have seen in ages.Sometimes when a director intertwines different stories of completely different people it becomes kind of cheesy and almost cliche. But this is far from cliche. The viewer of this film will feel extreme empathy and compassion for all characters in this film for me it was Garcia Bernal's character. Our lives are defined by what we lose, who we love and how we suffer, this movie embodies all of that. This movie touches you so deeply that you will be pondering over it for days to come. I absolutely fell in love with this movie as a whole,the look, the feel, everything. This is one of my favorite movies ever!!! You definitely need to check this movie out!! p.s. The soundtrack is awesome as well with great tracks from Cafe Tacuba, Moenia and Control Machete, to name a few.
Rating: 
Summary: good acting, boring story
Review: I mean...people seem to LOVE this movie. It's not bad, but it gets repetitive and obvious by the end...I don't know...it just didn't "do it" for me.
Rating:
Summary: Fresh, interesting and meaningful stories on many levels
Review: This Mexican film is so good that it was nominated for an Academy Award in 2001. It's a true drama in every sense of the word and even at 153 minutes, it held me captivated. There are three stories, and each of them could be a full feature in its own right. But they interconnect by a chance traffic accident. And each character's life is affected by it in different ways. All the stories have to do with love. All the stories have to do with death. And all the stories have to do with dogs. In fact, in each story, the dog is as much as a character as the people. The first story stars Gael Garcia Bernal, who later became well known for his roles in "Y Tu Mama Tambien" and "The Crime of Padre Amaro". He wants to earn money to run away with his young sister-in-law who is being mistreated by his brother. And so he uses his dog in dogfights. The film opens with a wild chase scene in which he is fleeing from a competing dog fighter. That's when the accident occurs. The second story is about a beautiful model and her lover who leaves his wife and children for her. She has a dog, which she loves as if it were a child. She is injured in the accident and becomes wheelchair bound. When her little dog gets trapped under the floorboards in her new apartment, the story escalates. The third story is about a homeless man, a former revolutionary, who makes his living as an assassin. He owns several dogs and rescues the fighting dog from the accident. As the story moves along we discover that his has abandoned his family years before. His grown daughter thinks he is dead and has no idea that he follows her around. This is a very simple outline of the story but it is much more than that. Each character is deeply developed and I felt I was inside of each of them. I held my breath at times as the stories took yet another twist. And I felt deep emotion for each of their plights. I also loved the dogs. And I thought the stories were fresh, interesting and meaningful on many levels. They were sad, and yet very complete. And at the end I felt a catharsis of emotion that is present so many works of art. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: brilliant
Review: Amores perros is one of those few movies that will have you glued in front of the screen for two and half hours, and the moment it ends you want to start watching it again.
Brilliant acting and a superb director.
Rating:
Summary: Definitely one of my top 5!
Review: This movie is definitely for everyone, especially those who enjoy viewing foreign films. I must admit that I am not a fan of foreign films but after watching this, I can't believe that Mexico could do a movie much better (in my opinion) than most Hollywood movies. I especially liked the action sequences such as the car crash, the dog fights, and of course, Richie! I've read some of the reviews and I noticed that there are some people who were offended because of the graphic dog fight scenes. I don't think you should be offended because aside from the exquisite animal prosthetics and make-up used for the dogs, the dog fight sequences are necessary to deliver a dog-eat-dog-world message to the character of Octavio, and his brother Ramiro. I would not tell more about the movie so as not to be a spoiler. But definitely, this one is a must-see.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant
Review: As you may or may not assume, I am a common frequenter of my videostore. I have spent a lot of time browsing the isles; fishing through the often mediocre selection of film, looking to find the perfect poison for killing 90 to 120 minutes of a summer afternoon. As I spend a lot of time here, I've come to notice a few things about the goings on of the place. One of the more important things I've noticed is that the New Releases section seems to have it's own set of seasons. There are times when good movies are as abundent as freckles on a stereotypical Irishman. However, the seasons do change, and then there is a long drought, with dustballs like 'The Real Cancun' and 'The Guru' rolling about the arid plains of New Releases. When this film "drought" occurs, I spring into action and head down to the Foreign section, for it's dawned on me that since only the better of the foreign stock make it to the States, I'll always be in for a decent (at worst) film. But enough of my drawn out, pseudo-professional anecdote. The point is: I went to the foreign section, rented Amores Perros, and watched one of the best movies of the past twenty years.
This movie ranks up right alongside Pulp Fiction in great films of the new generation of directors. The script is a strong one: combining an excellent story (three stories interwoven, but that makes it all the better) and authentic dialogue--a real treat for those who look beyond eye candy. However, the cinematography is just as powerful as the script, combining quick, fast shots, jumps, and long stills to a dazzling effect. The acting too, is wonderful. It's believable, and professional--all that's needed for a great movie. This is indeed a great movie. I don't like wasting words on plotline, because it just spoils the film, so I will just say this: watch the movie and it will take you in. It's completely emersing, and although it runs a little overtime (150 minutes or so), the lag isn't really noticable, as everything is so engaging. The worst crime that a director can perpetrate is to make an incomplete film for sake of time. We have a long film, but a complete film. You leave feeling satisfied, not wanting more.
This film is excellent, and anyone who appreciates film can tell you this. Do not take the time to read the childish rants of 1-star reviewers, for they are all essentially the same. Allow me to paraphrase their worthless tirades: "They hurt dogs. I love my puppies and I was offended. I mean, think of the dogs! All those poor dogs! If I think of poor Rufus in those dog fights, oooh my little schnookims! PS: it was a little long." Look, as the good man from Mexico says on this site: the world is not the "smiles and sunshine" atmosphere of suburban Arizona. People do this, and it's shedding light on an ugly practice. If anything, it's making us more aware of the horrors of dog fighting. Do not give this movie a bad review if you're too squemish, because then you're not judging the movie, you're judging your tolerance factor, and therefor your opinions are not valid, at all. My family owns a dog. I love him very much. Is it slightly disturbing to watch the dogfights? Yes. But that doesn't make the movie any less brilliant. Watch this movie if you want to see something new and original. It will leave you amazed.
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