MATEO

SoToughIn this tense, terrific drama from Colombia, teenage Mateo and his mother, Made (pronounced Mah-Day), find themselves in the grip of poverty. Made, working tirelessly to keep her son safe from urban warfare, knows there are no short cuts, so she collaborates with other women at a local laundry to open a lime orchard. (JLH: 4.5/5)

Written & Directed by Maria Gamboa. Click HERE for our FF2 Haiku. NOT YET SEEN BY RICH.

*************************

Maria Gamboa’s debut feature finds teenage “Mateo” (Carlos  Hernández) and his mother “Made” (Miriam Gutiérrez) fighting for their dignity in the midst of Colombia’s internal gang wars.

The film begins with Mateo and two buddies strutting through a marketplace in Barrancabermeja (due north of Bogota), picking up protection money for local mob bosses. When he gets home, Mateo gives some of his earnings to his mother Made (pronounced Mah-Day), who responds with an icy glare. The next morning, Made reminds Mateo that he will be expelled from school if he doesn’t join a local drama program run by a priest named “David” (Felipe Botero). Mateo doesn’t want to go, but Made insists, so he grudging agrees to give it a try.

From here, Mateo tells three overlapping stories. The first story is set in a mostly-male gang world. This story is very familiar from many similar films set in different countries all around the world. The second story is set in the world of the teenage drama group, in which young men and women interact as equals. This story is familiar too, and follows a relatively predictable trajectory. The third story, on the other hand, is set in a female-centric world in which women working for very low wages band together to improve their lot through microfinance projects. Although there have been a couple of great documentaries on this topic (such as Rafea: Solar Mama), this story has rarely been shown on screen in narrative feature form before, and it propels Mateo from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Made

It goes without saying that even though he is instantly mesmerized by a beautiful dancer named “Anna” (Leidy Niño), Mateo has trouble fitting into the drama program. David’s touchy-feely “trust” exercises enrage Mateo, and he storms out. What keeps him in the group, however, is the intervention of a gang leader named “Walter” (Samuel Lazcano), who we soon learn is also Made’s brother. Walter sees a chance to take advantage of the situation by getting Mateo to gather information about David and his theater group members. In exchange, Walter – now acting the part of a proud uncle — promises Mateo a higher status in the gang, and he gives Mateo his own gun as a sweetener.

Meanwhile, Made, who is a single mother, goes to work every day in a laundry. She and her co-workers – all of whom are women – have heard that other women nearby started a profitable lime orchard, so they decide to pool their pennies and do likewise. For some of the women, this investment represents a real sacrifice, but when Made offers to pay more than her fair share, she is rebuffed. Then a friend takes Made aside and tells her on the QT that the other women don’t want her money because they all know it comes from Mateo and therefore “her money” is tainted by his gang activities.

If you look at Mateo as a coming of age story with a teenager guy at the center, you will see a very good albeit somewhat routine film from Colombia. But if you look at Mateo as a story about a single mother fighting with all her might to make a better life for her son, then you will see an extraordinary film about one woman who stands in for women all around the world who daily earn our empathy and respect.

Director Maria Gamboa, her co-screenwriter Adriana Arjona, and her whole cast and crew have created a vibrant world filled with vivid characters. By the inevitably violent climax, I cared about them all so deeply that my heart was in my throat. I was transported from a dark Manhattan theater right into a slum in Colombia, and for me this is the essence of the most powerful movie-going experiences. Days later, I still find myself thinking about these people and their world, and hoping against hope that somehow life will be good to them.

Review © Jan Lisa Huttner (7/17/14)

Photos: Carlos Hernández as “Mateo.”

Q#1: Does Mateo pass the Bechdel test? DigitalStampA

Definitely!

Without the relationships Made has with the women who surround her (first at the laundry and then at the orchard), Mateo would never be so much greater than the sum of its parts…

Q#2: Where does Mateo take place?

BarrancabermejaCO

 

196 comments

  1. What’s up i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anywhere,
    when i read this piece of writing i thought i could also create comment due to this brilliant
    piece of writing.

  2. certainly like your web-site but you need to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts.
    Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very bothersome to inform the reality on the other hand I will
    surely come again again.

  3. Appreciating the hard work you put into your site and
    in depth information you provide. It’s nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed material.
    Excellent read! I’ve saved your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  4. Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog
    posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.

  5. Hey there would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using?
    I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m having a tough time deciding
    between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for
    something unique. P.S Apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!

  6. Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thank you, However I am going through problems with your RSS.
    I don’t understand the reason why I cannot join it.
    Is there anybody else having the same RSS problems?
    Anyone who knows the solution will you kindly respond?

    Thanx!!

  7. Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like
    you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message
    home a little bit, but other than that, this is
    great blog. An excellent read. I’ll definitely be back.

  8. I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out
    right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get got an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following.
    unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since
    exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case
    you shield this hike.

  9. I have been exploring for a bit for any high-quality articles or weblog posts in this sort
    of area . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this site.
    Reading this information So i am glad to exhibit that I’ve a very
    just right uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed.
    I most no doubt will make sure to don?t omit this web site and give it a look regularly.

  10. First off I would like to say awesome blog! I had
    a quick question that I’d like to ask if you don’t mind.
    I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your mind before writing.
    I’ve had a hard time clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out.
    I truly do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the first 10 to
    15 minutes are usually wasted just trying to figure out
    how to begin. Any suggestions or tips? Thank you!

  11. Hi to every body, it’s my first go to see of this website; this web site carries amazing
    and genuinely good stuff designed for visitors.

  12. Thank you, I’ve just been looking for information about this topic for
    ages and yours is the best I have came upon so far. But, what about
    the bottom line? Are you sure concerning the supply?

  13. Does your website have a contact page? I’m having problems locating it but, I’d like to
    shoot you an email. I’ve got some suggestions for your blog you might
    be interested in hearing. Either way, great website and I look forward
    to seeing it improve over time.

  14. We are a group of volunteers and opening a new
    scheme in our community. Your site provided us with
    valuable info to work on. You have done an impressive job and our entire community will be grateful to you.

  15. Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice whilst you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a blog website?
    The account aided me a applicable deal. I have been a
    little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided vibrant clear
    idea

  16. Pretty nice post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wished
    to mention that I have really loved browsing your weblog posts.
    After all I will be subscribing to your feed and I am hoping you write
    again very soon!

  17. I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up!
    I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back in the future.
    All the best

  18. I do not know whether it’s just me or if perhaps everyone else experiencing
    issues with your website. It seems like some of the text in your posts are running
    off the screen. Can somebody else please provide feedback and let me know if this
    is happening to them as well? This could be a problem with my web browser because I’ve had this happen previously.
    Thanks

  19. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any
    widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest
    twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time
    and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this.
    Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I
    look forward to your new updates.

  20. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be
    really something that I think I would never understand.
    It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I’m looking forward
    for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

  21. Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too fantastic.
    I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re
    stating and the way in which you say it. You make it
    enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart.
    I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a
    terrific website.

  22. hello there and thank you for your info – I’ve definitely picked up something new from right here.
    I did however expertise some technical points using this site, as I experienced to reload the site many
    times previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your web host is OK?
    Not that I am complaining, but slow loading instances times will sometimes affect your
    placement in google and could damage your high quality score if
    ads and marketing with Adwords. Well I’m adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for a lot more of your respective fascinating content.

    Make sure you update this again very soon.

  23. Howdy, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just
    wondering if you get a lot of spam comments?
    If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can advise?
    I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any help is
    very much appreciated.

  24. Generally I do not read post on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to take a look at and do so!
    Your writing taste has been surprised me.
    Thanks, very nice article.

  25. Great weblog here! Also your web site so much up
    fast! What host are you the usage of? Can I am getting your associate link on your host?
    I want my site loaded up as fast as yours lol

  26. Simply wish to say your article is as astonishing.

    The clarity in your post is simply cool and i can assume you are an expert on this subject.
    Fine with your permission allow me to grab your feed to
    keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please
    continue the enjoyable work.

  27. I’ve been surfing on-line greater than 3 hours lately, but I never discovered any interesting article like yours.
    It’s beautiful worth enough for me. In my view, if all webmasters and bloggers made just right content as you probably did, the net will be much more helpful than ever before.

  28. I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or blog
    posts in this sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I at last
    stumbled upon this site. Reading this info So i’m happy to express
    that I’ve an incredibly excellent uncanny feeling I came upon just what I needed.

    I such a lot without a doubt will make sure to don?t
    disregard this site and give it a glance regularly.

  29. Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.

    I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your
    useful info. Thanks for the post. I will definitely return.

  30. My brother recommended I might like this blog. He was entirely right.
    This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine just how much time I had spent for this info!
    Thanks!

  31. Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was curious about your situation; many of us have developed some nice practices and we are looking to exchange solutions
    with others, be sure to shoot me an e-mail if interested.

  32. Wonderful goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and
    you are just too magnificent. I actually like what you have acquired
    here, certainly like what you are stating
    and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it wise.
    I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is actually a tremendous site.

  33. Hi there I am so delighted I found your blog page,
    I really found you by accident, while I was looking on Google for
    something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say thank you for a
    tremendous post and a all round entertaining blog (I
    also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to go through it
    all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be
    back to read much more, Please do keep up the awesome b.

  34. Hello there, I discovered your blog by means of Google at the
    same time as looking for a similar subject, your web site came up,
    it appears to be like good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

    Hi there, simply was alert to your blog thru Google, and located that it is really informative.
    I’m going to watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful
    if you happen to continue this in future. Numerous other
    people will be benefited from your writing.

    Cheers!

  35. Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having a tough time
    locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail.

    I’ve got some ideas for your blog you might be
    interested in hearing. Either way, great blog
    and I look forward to seeing it improve over time.

  36. My brother suggested I might like this website.
    He was totally right. This post truly made my day. You can not imagine simply how much time I had spent
    for this information! Thanks!

  37. Hi! I know this is sort of off-topic however I needed to ask.

    Does running a well-established blog like yours take a lot of work?
    I’m brand new to operating a blog but I do write in my journal
    everyday. I’d like to start a blog so I can easily share my personal experience and
    thoughts online. Please let me know if you have any kind of suggestions or tips for brand new aspiring bloggers.
    Thankyou!

  38. My developer is trying to convince me to move to
    .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the costs.

    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on numerous websites for about a year and am nervous about switching to another platform.
    I have heard great things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress content
    into it? Any help would be really appreciated!

  39. Its like you learn my mind! You appear to grasp so much approximately
    this, such as you wrote the e book in it or something.
    I feel that you simply can do with some p.c. to drive the message home a bit, however other
    than that, this is wonderful blog. A great
    read. I will certainly be back.

  40. It’s in fact very difficult in this active life to listen news on TV, therefore I simply use the web for that purpose, and get the most
    up-to-date news.

  41. Hi I am so grateful I found your web site, I really found you by error, while I was researching on Digg for something else, Regardless I am here now and
    would just like to say kudos for a fantastic post and a
    all round thrilling blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t
    have time to read through it all at the moment but I
    have bookmarked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read
    more, Please do keep up the superb jo.

  42. Great items from you, man. I have take into accout your stuff prior to and you’re
    just extremely wonderful. I really like what you’ve acquired right here, really like what
    you are stating and the way by which you are saying it.
    You’re making it enjoyable and you continue to care for to
    stay it smart. I can not wait to read much more from
    you. That is really a great website.

  43. Hello, i think that i saw you visited my weblog so i got here
    to go back the want?.I’m attempting to to find issues to enhance my website!I assume its ok to make use of a few of your ideas!!

  44. What’s up everybody, here every person is sharing these kinds of experience,
    thus it’s pleasant to read this website, and I used to
    visit this web site every day.

  45. magnificent put up, very informative. I wonder why
    the other experts of this sector do not understand this.
    You should continue your writing. I’m confident, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!

  46. Hey there! This is kind of off topic but I need some
    advice from an established blog. Is it tough to set up your own blog?
    I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast.
    I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m
    not sure where to start. Do you have any ideas or suggestions?
    Thank you

  47. Howdy I am so grateful I found your site, I really found you by mistake, while I
    was searching on Google for something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say thanks
    for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining blog (I also
    love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at the minute
    but I have book-marked it and also added your
    RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the excellent work.

  48. What i don’t understood is in reality how you are
    no longer actually much more well-liked than you might be now.

    You’re so intelligent. You already know therefore significantly in the case of
    this subject, made me for my part imagine it from so many numerous
    angles. Its like men and women aren’t involved unless it is
    one thing to do with Girl gaga! Your individual stuffs
    outstanding. At all times take care of it up!

  49. Hey there! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 4!
    Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to
    all your posts! Carry on the superb work!

  50. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
    The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get got an edginess over that
    you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come
    further formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.

  51. I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles
    or blog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this web site.

    Reading this info So i’m glad to show that I have a
    very excellent uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed.
    I most certainly will make sure to don?t put out of your mind this web site
    and give it a glance on a relentless basis.

  52. Awesome site you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any user discussion forums that cover the
    same topics discussed in this article? I’d really like to be a part of online community
    where I can get feed-back from other experienced people that share the same interest.
    If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Kudos!

  53. Howdy just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know
    a few of the pictures aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I
    think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same results.

  54. First of all I want to say superb blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if
    you don’t mind. I was interested to find out how you center yourself and
    clear your mind before writing. I’ve had a hard time clearing my thoughts in getting
    my ideas out. I truly do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be lost just
    trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or tips?
    Cheers!

  55. It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
    I have read this post and if I could I want to suggest you some interesting things or suggestions.
    Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article.
    I wish to read even more things about it!

  56. Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed!
    Extremely useful info specially the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot.
    I was seeking this certain info for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.

  57. I was curious if you ever thought of changing the page layout of your blog?
    Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
    But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better.

    Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or two pictures.
    Maybe you could space it out better?

  58. I like the helpful information you provide
    in your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly.
    I’m quite certain I’ll learn lots of new stuff right here!
    Best of luck for the next!

  59. Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account
    it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! However, how
    could we communicate?

  60. Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before
    but after looking at some of the posts I realized it’s new to me.

    Regardless, I’m definitely pleased I came across it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back frequently!

  61. Have you ever thought about writing an ebook or
    guest authoring on other blogs? I have a blog
    based on the same information you discuss and would love
    to have you share some stories/information. I know my visitors would value your work.
    If you are even remotely interested, feel free to
    send me an e mail.

  62. Do you have a spam problem on this website; I also
    am a blogger, and I was wanting to know your situation; we have created some nice practices and we
    are looking to trade strategies with other folks, be
    sure to shoot me an email if interested.

  63. Hi, There’s no doubt that your blog might be having web browser compatibility issues.
    Whenever I take a look at your site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in I.E.,
    it’s got some overlapping issues. I just wanted to provide you with a quick heads up!

    Other than that, fantastic blog!

  64. Magnificent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just too wonderful.
    I really like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you’re saying and the way
    in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it sensible.
    I cant wait to read much more from you. This is really a tremendous website.

  65. Excellent blog here! Also your website loads up fast! What host are you using?

    Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my site loaded up
    as fast as yours lol

  66. Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic but I was
    wondering which blog platform are you using
    for this website? I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options for
    another platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  67. Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this,
    like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do
    with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that,
    this is fantastic blog. An excellent read.
    I’ll definitely be back.

  68. Hi there everybody, here every one is sharing these familiarity, so it’s pleasant to read this weblog,
    and I used to pay a quick visit this blog every day.

  69. Admiring the time and energy you put into your site and detailed information you present.
    It’s nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same old rehashed material.
    Fantastic read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.

    My page: agen poker pulsa

  70. I’m not sure where you’re getting your info, but great topic.

    I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.

    Thanks for excellent info I was looking for this information for my
    mission.

  71. Wonderful work! That is the type of info that are supposed to be shared around the net.
    Disgrace on the seek engines for no longer positioning
    this post higher! Come on over and seek advice from my site .
    Thank you =)

  72. Hello! This post could not be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my
    old room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this write-up to him.
    Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!

  73. I believe this is among the most significant information for me.
    And i am satisfied studying your article. However want to commentary on few basic things, The site style is wonderful,
    the articles is really nice : D. Excellent process, cheers

  74. This is really fascinating, You’re an excessively
    professional blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to in search of extra of your magnificent post.
    Additionally, I have shared your web site in my social
    networks

  75. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d most certainly donate to this superb blog!
    I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking
    and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
    I look forward to brand new updates and will talk about this website with my Facebook group.
    Talk soon!

  76. Hello, i believe that i saw you visited my site thus i got here to go back the want?.I am attempting to to find things to
    enhance my web site!I suppose its good enough to make use of a few of your ideas!!

  77. Great beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your web
    site, how could i subscribe for a blog website? The account aided me a acceptable deal.
    I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright
    clear idea

  78. Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it but,
    I’d like to shoot you an email. I’ve got some ideas for
    your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way,
    great blog and I look forward to seeing it expand over
    time.

Leave a Reply to http://01color.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=66297 Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *