Memorable, crazy movie

Brilliant and touching

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

As the story begins, we watch a woman setting up the dining room table, as though for a celebration. She has been cooking up for a dinner, but we do not know what is the occasion. Something peculiar, we never see the woman's face, just her activities around the kitchen and dining area. When the man delivering packages of meat does not get any answer at the apartment's door, his alternative is to bring them to Jose's place, across the street. Jose Kurtz turns out to be the former husband of Nora, the woman we saw earlier.When Jose goes to Nora's place, he is shocked to find her dead. It is clear to him she committed suicide. Jose being Jewish must contact the rabbi in order to set the funeral arrangement. The rabbi objects to Nora being buried in sacred ground, upsetting Jose. Having to deal with the problem, he decides to go to a local funeral place where he contracts for the necessary details to have her buried in a regular cemetery. "Nora's Will" directed by Mariana Chenillo, is a dramatic Mexican comedy that explores the clash between traditional Jewish culture and that of the country in which the story is set. In flashbacks we get to know what happened between Jose and Nora and what caused their divorce. The fact that Jose has only moved across the street from his former wife, speaks volumes. While he is not openly grieving, memories of a happier time in his marriage comes rushing to his mind. Fernando Lujan playing Jose makes an impression. He is stoic facing the final preparations for a wife he stop living with a long time ago, but in reality he has not stopped loving her. An in a way, finding the binoculars used by Nora to spy on Jose, also indicates she has not completely forgotten of the man she fell in love.Ms. Chenillo's debut shows a new talent in the Mexican cinema.

A lethargic beginning is never really overcome in this very slight, mildly interesting and amusing film. Complications from the death of the eponymous title character eventually provide some conflict but the main tension for too low is between the ex-husband and his memory of the controlling woman he left 20 years ago, only to move next door, ostensibly to keep an eye on his son. Never bad and not poorly paced for its slight content, the main problem is a concept that just isn't developed enough. The story as presented here could've made a strong short film but is ultimately meager at feature length, despite a few twists and fine acting.

The scene is Mexico,modern times. A divorced woman,Nora, is getting things ready for Passover Seder (ordering the food,invitations,and every thing else). She then takes a fatal overdose of sleeping pills. Her ex husband,Jose,who lives directly across the street gets the box of meat for preparing,instead of Nora. When Jose takes the package of meat to Nora's flat,he discovers that she is dead in her bedroom. Jose, a weary,bitter man,makes calls for his son to come over & get things cleared up. Things only get in state of chaos when a host of folk arrive to deal with the deceased (various Rabbi's,Nora's long time domestic,other family members,etc.). The family for Nora to have a traditional Jewish funeral,despite the fact that she committed suicide (an absolute no no in the Jewish religion,where life is regarded as sacred). Problem is,Jose has become something of an atheist in his later years. All of this,and more,make for a sparkling black comedy that has a surprise element in the end (I'm not saying)that makes for a life affirming film. Mariana Chenilla writes & directs this film from her own screenplay. Cinematography by Alberto Anaya. Edited by Oscar Figueroa & Chenilla. The cast include:Fernardo Lujan as Jose,a somewhat unlikable soul (at first)that experiences a transformation of sorts. Silvia Mariscal as Nora,Enrique Aireola as Moises,Ari Brickman as Ruben,and Veronica Langor as Tia Leah. With Marina De Tavira,Max Kerlow,Juan Pablo Medina & Vanya Moreno. Well worth seeking out. Spoken in Spanish with English subtitles. Not rated by the MPAA,this film contains some rude language & brief sexual content

This is, without a doubt, one of the best examples of what talented Mexican filmmakers can achieve. Excellent plot, impeccable script, outstanding actors and an amazing director's work. No big sound effects or different locations are needed to tell a deep story that leaves you wanting to know more (Ms. Chenillo, please tell us there will be another film about Jose's life!), as a matter of fact, it takes place inside an apartment in Mexico City, for the most part. Certain aspects of Jewish beliefs and traditions that many viewers would not understand are seamlessly integrated in the dialogs, and yet there's no saturation, no "over explaining". It's a very clean story, almost unadorned, and yet there is so much beneath it! As a viewer, you never lose interest, on the contrary, you get more and more intrigued as the story unveils -flashbacks are a smart element that adds to the anticipation. A thought lingers on after the movie ends: humans beings, regardless of faith or heritage, are rich, complicated and fascinating beyond the limits of life. Standing ovation!!!