Between 1936 and 1956, the Mexican film industry experienced an unprecedented period. Inside context After World War II, Europe and the United States experienced a shortage of material for film production, and they also focused their efforts on the said war. Therefore, Mexican cinema developed into the cinema center of Latin America and other Spanish-speaking countries with diverse and high-quality productions. that they showed us important personalities in front of and behind the camera, such as Pedro Infante, María Félix, Emilio “El Indio” Fernández and Luis Buñuel. Here we present to you 10 Mexican Golden Age Films You Can’t Ignore.
Let’s go with Pancho Villa! (Director: Fernando de Fuentes, 1936)
The conclusion of the so-called “Trilogy of the Revolution” by Fernando de Fuentes. A critical vision of the most important armed movement of the 20th century is presented here, in which the figure of the “Centaur of the North” is also portrayed as a cruel and indifferent creature. It was named the best Mexican film in history in the magazine’s latest issue Are in July 1994.
Where to see? UNAM Film Library YouTube channel.
There are the details (Director: Juan Bustillo Oro, 1940)
It is the first film with Cantinflas in the lead role. He plays the boyfriend of a rich man’s maid who is posed as his brother-in-law. A series of entanglements and confusions occur throughout the film, resulting in Cantinflas enjoying luxury and comfort. He is joined in the cast by Sara García, Joaquín Pardavé, Dolores Camarillo, etc.
Where can you see it? ViX.
Maria Candelaria (Director: Emilio “El Indio” Fernández, 1943)
This film, starring Dolores del Río and Pedro Armendáriz, won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. It tells the story of Lorenzo and María Candelaria, a couple in love who want to be together but have to deal with people from their town who want to separate them. The rest of the cast consists of actors such as Miguel Inclán, Alberto Galán and Luis Aragón.
Where can you see it? ViX.
Miss Barbara (Director: Fernando de Fuentes, 1943)
María Félix plays a rich woman with a strong character who owns a farm over which she exercises iron control. After a traumatic experience, she stopped trusting people, especially men, but the arrival of Santos Luzardo could change that.
Where can you see it? ViX, Prime Video
In love (Director: Emilio “El Indio” Fernández, 1946)
Another film with María Félix and Pedro Armendáriz in the roles of the revolutionary José Juan Reyes and the rich Beatriz Peñafiel. Both start out in an awkward situation, but their interactions gradually blossom into a romance.
Where can you see it? ViX.
The three Garcias (Director: Ismael Rodríguez, 1946)
Three unruly cousins who can only be controlled by their grandmother Luisa (Sara García), named Luis Antonio García (Pedro Infante), José Luis García (Abel Salazar) and Luis Manuel García (Víctor Manuel Mendoza), compete to conquer Lupita Smith (Marga Lopez). In addition, the three Garcías must deal with López’s cousins, who still have unfinished business with them.
Where can you see it? Prime Video and Claro Video.
We poor people (Director: Ismael Rodríguez, 1948)
José “El Toro”, played by Pedro Infante, is a carpenter who lives in poverty but never gives up as he tries to raise his family, whom he adores: his niece Chachita (Evita Muñoz), his sister Yolanda (Carmen Montejo ) and his girlfriend Celia (Blanca Estrella Pavón).
Where can you see it? Sure, video.
Little black angels (Director: Joselito Rodríguez, 1948)
In this drama, Pedro Infante plays José Carlos Ruiz, a singer who marries a racist woman named Ana Luisa (Emilia Guiú) who has a black nanny, Mercé (Rita Montaner), whom he treats very badly. When it turns out that her daughter is black, the girl experiences her mother’s rejection. And while all this is happening, there is a family secret that could change things for everyone.
Where can you see it? Prime Video, Clear Video
The king of the neighborhood (Director: Gilberto Martínez Solares, 1950)
In The king of the neighborhoodTin Tan plays a millionaire con artist who unintentionally falls in love with one of his victims, who develops a desire to make him her husband. A funny parody of Mexican melodrama. The cast also includes Silvia Pinal and Fannie Kauffman “Vitola”.
Where to see? Not available on any platform at the moment Streaming.
The forgotten (Director: Luis Buñuel, 1950)
In this film inspired by Italian neo-ruralism, we follow a group of young people living in the neighborhoods of Mexico City in a context of violence and crime. And here a boy named Pedro (Alfonso Mejía) grows up and is faced with dangerous decisions.
Where can you see it? ViX.
