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The Crime of Padre Amaro
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Synopsis
A priest discovers the path of virtue can be steep, and temptation can demand a heavy price, in this controversial drama from Mexico. Father Amaro (Gael Garcia Bernal) is a young Catholic priest whose mentor, the Bishop (Ernesto Gomez Cruz), expects great things from him. However, like all priests, Amaro must first be assigned where he is needed most, which leads him to the small rural community of Los Reyes, where Amaro is to assist Father Benito (Sancho Gracia). To his shock, Amaro discovers Benito is hardly following Holy Law -- he's having an affair with Sanjuanera (Angelica Aragon), a woman who runs a local restaurant, and he's been helping a drug dealer launder his profits in exchange for large donations to the church, which Benito feels is justified as the funds are being used to build a hospital and orphanage for the poor. Amaro is disgusted with Benito's actions, but he soon discovers his own weaknesses when he falls in love with Amelia (Ana Claudia Talancon), Sanjuanera's teenage daughter. As Amelia finds herself falling for Amaro, she breaks off her relationship with Ruben (Andres Montiel), a reporter. Ruben responds by publishing a story which reveals the details of Benito's dealings with the drug dealers; Benito in turn tries to lay the blame at the feet of noble Father Natalio (Damian Alcazar), whose work with local peasants has been wrongly interpreted as supporting armed revolutionary factions. As Amaro tries desperately to distance himself from the growing scandal, he receives shocking news from Amelia when he learns she's pregnant with his child. The Crime of Father Amaro's portrayal of corruption within the Catholic Church led to an outcry from Catholic organizations, both in Mexico and the United States, where they attempted to organize a boycott of the film. However, the tactic failed in Mexico, where the controversy helped to boost ticket sales, making it the highest-grossing Mexican film ever in its native country. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Cast

Pedro Armendariz, Jr. Presidente Municipal
Ernesto Gómez Cruz Bishop
Angélica Aragón La Sanjuanera
Damián Alcázar Father Natalio
Luisa Huertas Dionisia
Sancho Gracia Father Benito
Ana Claudia Talancón Ameilia
Ana Claudia Talancón Amelia
Veronica Langer Amparito
Jorge Zárate Father Mauro
Gael García Bernal Padre Amaro
Gaston Melo Martin
Andres Montiel Ruben
Roger Nevares Father Galvan

Production Crew

Eça de Queiroz Book Author
Jose Maria Eca de Aqeiroz Book Author
Sandra Leon Becker Casting
Guillermo Granillo Cinematographer
Jose Maria Morales Co-producer
Rosino Serrano Composer (Music Score)
Maria Estela Fernandez Costume Designer
Carlos Carrera Director
Oscar Fuigueroa Editor
Laura Imperiale Executive Producer
Miguel Lima First Assistant Director
Alfredo Ripstein, Jr. Producer
Arturo Ripstein Producer
Daniel Birman Ripstein Producer
Carmen Gimenez Cacho Production Designer
Vicente Leñero Screenwriter
Nerio Barberis Sound/Sound Designer
Year: 2002
Runtime: 120
Country: France
MPAA Rating: R
for sexuality, language and some disturbing images
Category: Feature

Genre
Drama

Produced by
Alameda Films
Artcam
BluFilms
Cinecolor
Foprocine
Gob. Edo de Veracruz-Llave
Imcine
Samuel Goldwyn Films
Wanda Vision

Release
November 15, 2002 (USA - Limited)
by IDP Distribution

Awards
2002 - Best Foreign Film - National Board of Review
2002 - Best Foreign Language Film - Academy
2002 - Best Foreign Language Film - Golden Globe
2002 - Best Foreign Language Film - Academy
2002 - Best Foreign Language Film - Golden Globe
2002 - Best Foreign Language Film - Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Scie
2002 - Best Foreign Film - National Board of Review
2002 - Best Foreign Language Film - Hollywood Foreign Press Association