MARIA FULL OF GRACE was a strangely chosen title as Maria is not portrayed as anyone particularly special. No spectacular epiphany or transcendence takes place either, which only adds to the realism. This is not a negative comment as it is a well made film.
Caught in grinding poverty, treated poorly by her boss, pressured to give up the money she earns to her sister and mother for daily expenses, and finally undone by her boyfriend's lack of affection, Maria makes a rash decision.
Seduced by the money offered, Maria agrees to fly to America as a drug mule. It is very interesting to watch the whole process which is filmed almost in a documentary style. I was fascinated by the traffickers business-like manipulation and training of the girls. They are taught how to swallow large grapes as practice in the days leading up to trip. When the time comes to ingest the drugs Maria is given a gentle stomach massage halfway through to adjust the drug pellets into place so they can fit more in.
The whole story is told very calmly and quietly, focusing solely on Maria as she allows herself to be used. The tension is never artificially heighten with clever camera angles or a pounding score. Even when she is under suspicion of carrying drugs, and must sign permission for the customs agents to x-ray her, we get the impression Maria will unemotionally accept whatever happens.
This film should be not be watched just for the entertainment value. It also provides a clear and troubling perspective of the choices some of us must make to survive.
I did find Catalina's extraordinary beauty, even with minimal make- up, quite distracting, and it has made me look up other films she has made.
Caught in grinding poverty, treated poorly by her boss, pressured to give up the money she earns to her sister and mother for daily expenses, and finally undone by her boyfriend's lack of affection, Maria makes a rash decision.
Seduced by the money offered, Maria agrees to fly to America as a drug mule. It is very interesting to watch the whole process which is filmed almost in a documentary style. I was fascinated by the traffickers business-like manipulation and training of the girls. They are taught how to swallow large grapes as practice in the days leading up to trip. When the time comes to ingest the drugs Maria is given a gentle stomach massage halfway through to adjust the drug pellets into place so they can fit more in.
The whole story is told very calmly and quietly, focusing solely on Maria as she allows herself to be used. The tension is never artificially heighten with clever camera angles or a pounding score. Even when she is under suspicion of carrying drugs, and must sign permission for the customs agents to x-ray her, we get the impression Maria will unemotionally accept whatever happens.
This film should be not be watched just for the entertainment value. It also provides a clear and troubling perspective of the choices some of us must make to survive.
I did find Catalina's extraordinary beauty, even with minimal make- up, quite distracting, and it has made me look up other films she has made.