Movies by Juan Manuel Bernal
Perfect Obedience
The fictional Father Ángel de la Cruz is based on Legion of Christ founder Marcial Maciel, whose long history of child abuse was not addressed until 2006 and only publicly acknowledged in 2009. But director Luis Urquiza chooses to structure his film through the largely uncomprehending, wondering eyes of 13-year-old Julián, who travels from the arms of his loving pastoral family into the austere, hallowed halls of the seminary. Singling out the boy as his intimate disciple, installing him in his palatial private quarters and redubbing him “Sa...
Viva High School Musical: Mexico
Football captain Cristóbal discovers that his neighbor and classmate, Mariana, has changed a lot over the summer. Meanwhile, Luli is still as vain as ever and overshadows her poor brother, Fernando. As a new year begins at High School Mexico (HSM, initially interpreted), the school has announced a "Battle of the Bands" contest hosted by Jesse & Joy. Working against the clock and with limited resources, Cristobal, Mariana, and a few of their peers unite as a band. In a desperate effort, Luli dares the impossible task of separating Cristobal f...
Tiempo cautivo
Marionette
Ernesto, a Cuban actor who decides to audition in Mexico, is stranded in the gigantic city when he fails to achieve a leading role in an important play. Facing the dilemma of returning defeated to his home, he accidentally meets Belén in the subway, a spontaneous actress who tells stories or lies in exchange for some coins.
Alta Tensión
A retired man that used to work for the National Electricity Company fight with his sons who want to get his money.