Bunuel's exploration into the poverty-stricken streets of Mexico is both brutal, searing, and honest. The story follows a gang of juvenile delinquents, whose only somewhat positive quality is their loyalty to one and other. Having no real ambitions in life, the boys, led by Jaibo, who has just returned from prison, spend their days tormenting those less fortunate, essentially as a way to entertain themselves. Known for his surrealism, Bunuel proves with 'The Young and the Damned' that he's just as capable at neorealism. The film does still have a few surrealist moments, which perfectly compliment the neorealism, even escalating the emotional effect. The film shows the harsh reality of the slums, and how many young people are merely victims of circumstance, having no real control of their lives. The character of Pedro, the youngest member of the gang, personifies this best. There are a few scenes where we see glimmers of decency and good will, but as soon as they arise they are destroyed by the people and world in which he inhabits. In fact, Jaibo and Pedro are a perfect counterbalance, in that Jaibo is a mean-spirited, selfish human being whose chance at becoming something more is long gone. The ending is abrubt, yet perfect at illustrating the hopelessness which Bunuel sees in these poverty-plagued areas. Bunuel's film is a very important social commentary that is still very relevant today. 8.5/10
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AuthorLove of all things cinema brought me here. Archives
June 2023
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