Emilio Maille's Rosario Tijeras is a surprsing period piece and drama. When I first read about it I expected it to be more like a Kill Bill. It isn't. The film is filled with wondrous scenary, and a very human drama. It forsakes flashy killing and comic book blood for a strong story and amazing acting by Flora Martinez.
The story revolves around two friends who meet Rosario at a club. The swinger becomes enraptured by her. It is his friend who becomes the keeper of Rosario's secrets. For a film about a killer there are very few murders in it.
Flora Martinez is a star who should be seen a lot more. In this part she is sensual, dark, vunerable, and fearful. She gives Rosario a strong mask hiding her pain behind a party woman lifestyle. Her best work comes at the end of the film when she says more in her eyes than the part could ever transmit.
My one complaint with the film is the extras were not subtitled. The extras include a making of, and the casting tapes of Martinez.