The 3 best Mexican movies set during the Day of the Dead

Although Halloween is gaining ground as a celebration increasingly seen among Mexicans, the Day of the Dead will continue to be the highest tradition, which has also permeated world culture, thanks to Hollywood. That’s why we now look at some of the best Mexican movies set during this special day.

Macario

Cinema as it is known today, not only nationally, but in general, would not be the same without ‘Macario’, One of the best Mexican films of all time. Released in 1959, directed by Roberto Gavaldón, and starring Ignacio López Tras and Enrique Lucero, it gives life to Macario, the protagonist, and to Morte, one of the most mythical characters in national cinema.

The recordings of ‘Macario’ took place in the caves of Cacahuamilpa, in Taxco, Guerrero, and the story is taken from the novel of the same name by B. Traven. Gavaldón’s story has been hugely successful at festivals such as Cannes and was also the first Mexican film to be nominated at 14th. Thanks to this, “Macario” spent 14 weeks on the bill and can now be seen on Blim and YouTube. . completely legal.

Pedro Paramo

One of the most recognized works of Mexican literature came from the hand of writer Juan Rulfo, which was adapted in 1966 into a feature film that would bear the name of ‘Pedro Paramo’, one of the best Mexican Day of the Dead movies. The incredible photography of Gabriel Figueroa, again Ignacio López Tarso, together with John Gavin in the performance, and Carlos Velo in the direction, made this film one of the best exponents of national cinema.

“Pedro Páramo” represented Mexico during the Cannes Film Festival in 1967, in a story that Mexicans managed to overturn to transform it into the traditional Day of the Dead. Death itself has become such a feared being, but a subject that has created an entire tradition behind it full of joy and, above all, of celebration. It is also available on YouTube and soon Netflix will make a new adaptation.

to the bone

At various festivals or even inside the classrooms of some schools it was shown ‘to the bone’, an animated short film debuted in 2001, directed by René Castillo. This Mexican film has become a classic among the champions of national cinema, for having represented with the stop motion technique one of the most colorful and iconic traditions in all of Latin America.

It only takes 12 minutes to show “Hasta los Huesos” with plasticine skulls, one of the most ingenious and fun crafts ever seen on the Day of the Dead. In addition, Eugenia León gives life to “Llorona”, which she sings to the rhythm of the Café Tacuba. Currently you can see it from the FilminLatino platform, or via YouTube.