Rating: 
Summary: Powerful Film - A Must See
Review: As a latino (Honduras C.A.) I was intially fascinated with the sights and sounds of latin America. As a movie watcher I was impressed with the story telling of the film (there are several little stories and tails throughout). The soundtrack was outstanding (evening during the final credits). I found myself rewinding the tape and watching it again.
Rating: 
Summary: Powerful
Review: Federico Luppi, the fine actor from Argentina, takes the lead role as Dr. Fuentes. He sets out to find his former students on the road to places he's never been. The shift in his life is caused by the death of his wife. He sets out in spite of his family not wanting him to leave. The aging doctor first encounters one his former students, now a drug dealer, using the same drugs he taught him to cure others, he is now using them for ill purposes. His journey has only begun and he finds many more dissapointments along the way. This is a beautiful film that is allegorical, historical, contemporary and packed with messages for the viewer to interpret. In his quest to find his students he finds his country to be quite different from the view he had of it prior to his leaving the city. He encounters missing people and tales of abductions from men with guns. The villagers call them white men with guns but are quick to say that the Indios are also now white men. Although the story takes place in an unnamed country, the parallels to Guatemala are clear. Having witnessed a corpse on the roadside while travelling in a bus (everyone gawked with little concern, as though it were a common sight) in Guatemala and seeing the treatment first hand of the military I am pretty sure this is where it is. However, this is unimportant as these occurences of hit squads and paramilitary goons, in cahoots with the military, are a frequent sight in many Latin American countries. Anyway, Dr. Fuentes picks up several people along the way to expand the tale. He picks up a "liberation priest" who abandons his collar and those who believed in him, a former military thug turned thief, an indigenous young woman who doesn't speak since she was raped by soldiers and a street-savy kid who is an orphan and Dr. Fuentes's guide. All represent the society Dr. Fuentes is unaware of and as they tell their sordid stories, amidst flashbacks and surreal dreams, a country whose people live in brutal chaos is revealed . This is a powerful movie, one to be seen more than once in order to fully enjoy. Although the story evolves around Dr. Fuentes and his crew, there are several encounters with a funny couple who are "informed" tourists with bad Spanish accents and worse pronunciation. A completly enthralling film, in spite of its length, that hits close to the harsh reality of life in Latin America. A beautiful film that is set to the backdrops of the jungle and it's relics from the past, as well as present day village life , it is a movie that is visually breathtaking and mentally stimulating. Recommended for those that like movies that carry a political and social commentary. Great stuff, see it before your next vacation to the tropics, so that as the guy from the radio says"and now you know the rest of the story" before you get there.
Rating:
Summary: Powerful
Review: Federico Luppi, the fine actor from Argentina, takes the lead role as Dr. Fuentes. He sets out to find his former students on the road to places he's never been. The shift in his life is caused by the death of his wife. He sets out in spite of his family not wanting him to leave. The aging doctor first encounters one his former students, now a drug dealer, using the same drugs he taught him to cure others, he is now using them for ill purposes. His journey has only begun and he finds many more dissapointments along the way. This is a beautiful film that is allegorical, historical, contemporary and packed with messages for the viewer to interpret. In his quest to find his students he finds his country to be quite different from the view he had of it prior to his leaving the city. He encounters missing people and tales of abductions from men with guns. The villagers call them white men with guns but are quick to say that the Indios are also now white men. Although the story takes place in an unnamed country, the parallels to Guatemala are clear. Having witnessed a corpse on the roadside while travelling in a bus (everyone gawked with little concern, as though it were a common sight) in Guatemala and seeing the treatment first hand of the military I am pretty sure this is where it is. However, this is unimportant as these occurences of hit squads and paramilitary goons, in cahoots with the military, are a frequent sight in many Latin American countries. Anyway, Dr. Fuentes picks up several people along the way to expand the tale. He picks up a "liberation priest" who abandons his collar and those who believed in him, a former military thug turned thief, an indigenous young woman who doesn't speak since she was raped by soldiers and a street-savy kid who is an orphan and Dr. Fuentes's guide. All represent the society Dr. Fuentes is unaware of and as they tell their sordid stories, amidst flashbacks and surreal dreams, a country whose people live in brutal chaos is revealed . This is a powerful movie, one to be seen more than once in order to fully enjoy. Although the story evolves around Dr. Fuentes and his crew, there are several encounters with a funny couple who are "informed" tourists with bad Spanish accents and worse pronunciation. A completly enthralling film, in spite of its length, that hits close to the harsh reality of life in Latin America. A beautiful film that is set to the backdrops of the jungle and it's relics from the past, as well as present day village life , it is a movie that is visually breathtaking and mentally stimulating. Recommended for those that like movies that carry a political and social commentary. Great stuff, see it before your next vacation to the tropics, so that as the guy from the radio says"and now you know the rest of the story" before you get there.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: I do volunteer medical work in the mountains of southern Mexico. The scenery is exactly what I have personally experienced. The local politics is familiar in all the third world areas that I have worked in over the past ten years. It is a must for those who do this work. Francis A. Fote, MD
Rating:
Summary: A movie set in Lat.Am.that isn't totally pessimistic!!!
Review: I watched this movie with my advanced high school classes in mind. I wasn't disappointed. The story line is great, the imagery is excellent, and the ending actually has a conclusion to discuss in class!! The Spanish was slow enough to be understood by advanced o intermediate-advanced students. Funny, though, many reviews talk about it taking place in Mexico. I would have said Central America (El Salvador or Honduras, perhaps?)EL Norte and LA Historia Oficial are both great movies, but this one was just as good.
Rating:
Summary: Men with Sticks and other arresting imagery
Review: In the end, there IS hope and salvation. I was lucky enough to view this film in the fashion it was meant - in good company and on a projection screen of a small back room in a local bar. Lush colors, great soundtrack, and a compelling plot make this one a winner! Watch for a child on a tricycle...
Rating:
Summary: A must-see for anyone interested in Latin America
Review: Men with Guns is one of the most moving and important movies I have ever seen. It reflects the socioeconomic and political struggles which have shaped Latin America and reminds us that the road to democracy in this region was paved with the sweat and blood of the innocent and poor. The characters in the film reel you in and you will find yourself empathizing with even the most evil of them. It is a startling, although generalized account of the violence which has characterized Latin nations and the scenes will remain with you for a long time.
Rating:
Summary: Powerful, moving Latin American drama
Review: Naive city doctor's eyes are opened to the violence and wrong-doing of his country's army when he learns that the young doctors that he trained have been killed. It's powerful and bold, especially considering the current political and military situation in Chiapas, Mexico. Scenery is fabulous, with great shots of indigenous Indians. Acting and cinematography are excellent - a most pleasant surprise to me. R rating due to some language & some violence. I highly recommend this video.
Rating:
Summary: CORRECTIONS
Review: Ok, after reading all the reviews, I feel a bit of an obligation to correct some of the entries, especially since the "most helpful" one is blatantly wrong on this respect. The movie, it is generally agreed, takes place in Guatemala. this is not specified, though, but it is evident throughout the movie that this is where it is happening. So dont believe that it was in south america, or mexico, or anything like that (though it was filmed in Mexico). How many mayans are there in South America? So I hope that this entry helps. And its not my opinion, but the opinion of my college professor. Oh yeah, and its an AWESOME movie.
Rating:
Summary: CORRECTIONS
Review: Ok, after reading all the reviews, I feel a bit of an obligation to correct some of the entries, especially since the "most helpful" one is blatantly wrong on this respect. The movie, it is generally agreed, takes place in Guatemala. this is not specified, though, but it is evident throughout the movie that this is where it is happening. So dont believe that it was in south america, or mexico, or anything like that (though it was filmed in Mexico). How many mayans are there in South America? So I hope that this entry helps. And its not my opinion, but the opinion of my college professor. Oh yeah, and its an AWESOME movie.
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