Y tu mama tambien (2001)

Directed by: Alfonso Cuarón | 105 minutes | drama | Actors: Maribel Verdu, Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna, Diana Bracho, Andrés Almeida, Juan Carlos Remolina

‘Y tu mamá también’ (‘And your mother too’) is a bold, fresh Mexican film, driven by the Latin passion we know from the work of Pedro Almodóvar. The lively, spontaneous acting style of the three main characters clashes here and there with the sometimes somewhat forced lyrics that they get put in their mouths, especially when it comes to sex, but the film gets away with it for the reasons mentioned: light-hearted, fresh and energetic.

Yet ‘Y tu mamá también’ deserves more, because it deals with questions that are important for everyone in intimate relationships, presented with the necessary humor and a good portion of sizzling sex. The film also gains the necessary weight as it progresses to remain in the memory.
Because the tragedy is saved for the end and the conversations between the three main characters who carry the film are mainly about the free, unfettered life, the work is light-footed enough to hold the attention of a young audience for an hour and a half. The behavior of Luisa, who likes to experiment, forces Julio and Tenoch – at first sight two superficial breeding stallions – to reflect on their friendship during the journey, with necessary consequences. ‘Y tu mamá también’ also offers a nice insight into the life of modern young people in Mexico, which is mainly known to us as the banana republic. With a critical note here and there about corrupt politicians, but above all with a lot of love for one’s own culture. It is therefore extremely suitable for the art house visitor. With enthusiastic play by Gael Garcia Bernal (‘Amores Perros’) and heartthrob Diego Luna, who got to work in Hollywood after this film, in ‘Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights’ and ‘The Terminal’. Director Alfonso Cuarón broke through with the beautifully shot Dickens film adaptation ‘Great Expectations’ (1998) and completely with ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ (2004).