Such a frustrating disappointment

Awesome Movie

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

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.

About an hour into the movie, it really struck me as to how somber of a tone the movie had. The movie starts with the bleak surroundings of rural Colombia as we are introduced to Maria, who yearns for something greater than an indifferent boyfriend, lousy job, and over-bearing family. Once she signs up to become a mule, it doesn't become any easier for her. The scene at the airport was tense, and truly leaves the viewer at the edge of their seat. Once they show New York, things are just as grim. The main actress is who truly carries this movie. She really portrays the frustrations, hopes and strength of teenager in a different country who hopes to achieve something and find her place in the world.

Some people are unaware of the process of drug trafficking going on around the world. This job might look simple and easy, but it is actually a lot more risky than one might think it is. This situation is clearly shown throughout the movie "Maria Full of Grace," by Joshua Marston. This film specifically exemplifies the trafficking of drugs inside the poor neighborhoods of Colombia. Born and raised in the poor slums of Colombia, Maria Álvarez (Catalina Sandino), takes a big step towards moving away from her current situation. Sick and tired of living the way she does, she decides to step out of her comfort zone and embarks in a risky journey for the sake of her future. With only seventeen, María quits her job at stripping thorns from flowers at a rose plantation once she realizes this job is not going to sustain her and her unborn child. That is when she gets involved as a drug mule. Definitely, nothing like a typical teenage girl.First, while watching this movie, it is important to put oneself on the shoes of a person born and raised in this environment. That is why, it may be debatable whether Maria's choice on joining this precarious business was the best option for her. Obviously, for someone like her, drug trafficking provides much more income than a safer haven that might have given her way more less. Considering the fact that the character, not only quit her only job, and lived in a cramped place, but she also became pregnant at the time, being in her shoes, it was a desperate moment for money.Evidently, the title of the movie itself is ironic. Maria Full of Grace is not actually full of grace, but full of fallacy. However, if analyzed from a different perspective the meaning of the title can also be considered as a symbol. Even though drugs are not seen as graceful, it is grace for Maria. Being a mule provides her with enough money to even buy a real house for her family, which means that this amount of money will be what she will use to provide for her baby. The job she joins is definitely an open door of salvation, considering her conditions. That is why, she is a heroine for her future."Maria Full of Grace" is a valuable movie to watch because it demonstrates the struggles of a young girl weaving into a dangerous business in order to survive. This movie was well done mainly because of the cast chosen. The film started as an indie production with a low budget. Even Catalina Sandino (Maria Álvarez) started her debut as a movie star with this film. Nevertheless, she portrayed natural emotions that appropriately fitted the movie to which was nominated for an Oscar for Best Performance by an Actress. Also, the camera movements and shakiness gives for instance a feeling of verisimilitude. This technique creates a major impact on the audience by making them believe that the events on the movie are real, which helps transmit the extents that "Marias" would go for their sake. In general, the drug trafficking business portrayed was ingeniously interpreted. To finish off, this movie is not subjected to an specific audience because it demonstrates a world-wide problem that many have seen, heard, and even gotten involved with. Clearly, the theme of this movie is drug trafficking. With this film, the audience is able to get inside the roots of this smuggling system and see the thin ice in which the people involved walk on. The character Maria shows the bravery needed to overcome any fears and fight to strife to survive.

Had to watch this for my women studies class. Why, i don't really know, as it doesn't have much to do with gender issues. Anyway, I can't explain the great reviews. Yes, like most people in the third world she lives below the poverty line. Her life is more boring than a struggle. No wonder she wants to escape. However, it's not really an interesting story line. Yes, drug traffic is dangerous, Lucy dies, but otherwise its pretty mundane. No real character development nothing. while we are on that subject, if you hire no names off the street you aren't going to be able to develop interesting characters. There is a reason movies are supposed to include real actors Nuff said