Chichester Cinema at New Park
Maria Candelaria
- Xochimilco
One of the highest peaks of Mexican cinema in 1943, director Emilio Fernández’s film depicts one of his passions: the injustice and prejudice for poor and innocent people.
Lorenzo Rafael (Pedro Armendáriz) is living with María Candelaria (Dolores Del Río) and they plan to get married until tragedy occurs as she gets ill and Lorenzo has to break in to a store and steals medicine and a dress for Maria for their wedding day. The owner of the store: Don Damián (Miguel Inclán) wants Maria for him, and incarcerates Lorenzo. Maria tries to get money to get Lorenzo out of jail as she poses for a painter in Xochimilco, but a confusion implodes tragic events.
The film is an allegory that centres on the eponymous heroine’s attempt to survive an equally hostile Indian and Spanish population. Visually everything about the film is beautiful; the settings yet unsoiled by man, the photography of Mexico's greatest cinematographer Gabriel Figueroa, and the leading lady (Dolores Del Rio). A milestone in Mexican Film History, and Winner of the Grand Prix and Best Cinematography at the Cannes Film Festival in 1946. (Subtitles)
In the Studio (Limited Seating Capacity) Tickets £5
Mexico · 1943 · Emilio Fernandez · 102min
