Recession's Biggest Losers Are Latinos

Blame the housing market. The real estate collapse in 2005 lead to a dramatic decline in Latino wealth to according a Pew Research Center study on wealth in America released Tuesday.

In fact, Pew found that Latinos accounted for the largest single decline in wealth of any racial or ethnic group during the U.S. recession.

According to the study:

Two-thirds of Hispanics' median net worth in 2005 came from home equity. When the housing market collapsed, so did Latino wealth. Median home equity for Hispanics fell by 51 percent in the period of the survey.

Second, Hispanics were more likely to live and buy homes in states such as California, Florida, Nevada and Arizona, which were on the forefront of the real estate bubble, enjoying early gains in home values.

The pursuit of the American dream through the purchase of a new home has now proven to be a major factor into the largest wealth gap between white and minority Americans in over 25 years.

"What's pushing the wealth of whites is the rebound in the stock market and corporate savings, while younger Hispanics and African-Americans who bought homes in the last decade — because that was the American dream — are seeing big declines," said Timothy Smeeding, a University of Wisconsin-Madison professor who specializes in income inequality.

According to the Pew study, the housing boom of the early to mid-2000s boosted the wealth of Hispanics in particular, who were disproportionately employed in the thriving construction industry.

But those gains quickly shriveled in the housing bust. After reaching a median wealth of $18,359 in 2005, the wealth of Hispanics — who derived nearly two-thirds of their net worth from home equity — declined by 66 percent by 2009.

Among blacks, who now have the highest unemployment rate at 16.2 percent, their household wealth fell 53 percent from $12,124 to $5,677.

In contrast, the median household wealth of whites dipped a modest 16 percent from $134,992 to $113,149, cushioned in part by a stock market recovery that began in mid-2009.

"The findings are a reminder — if one was needed — of what a large share of blacks and Hispanics live on the economic margins," said Paul Taylor, director of Pew Social & Demographic Trends.

"When the economy tanked, they're the groups that took the heaviest blows."

The latest data come as President Barack Obama and congressional leaders try to reach a deal to avoid a U.S. default on its financial obligations after Aug. 2.

Democrats and Republicans have been wrangling over proposals that could cut trillions of dollars from programs such as Medicare and Social Security.

They are divided over whether to bring in new tax revenue, such as by closing corporate tax loopholes or increasing taxes for the wealthy.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Posted in hispanic market , latin , Latin America , latino , latino recessions , Pew Research Center , President Barack Obama

Ethnicity no obstacle to be ‘Latina’ star

What a setup: A Lebanese-American singer agrees to a J.Lo/Shakira makeover to win pop-star success.

But for all its outrageous wit and energetic performances, Company One’s production of “Learn to be Latina” is like a “Saturday Night Live” sketch that’s funny at first but goes on too long.

Written by young San Francisco playwright Enrique Urueta and directed by Greg Maraio, “Learn to be Latina” starts off as a sharp, exaggerated satire on selling your soul to a corporate culture in which ethnic types run hot and cold — and, no matter one’s sexual orientation, it’s imperative to act straight.

Mixing dance, movement, hand puppets and free-flowing shtick, the corporate characters are clever cartoons. Their company? Funky Artist Development, or FAD. Only our heroine, Hanan (Shawna O’Brien), and office slave Bianca (Kristina Kattar) are allowed a few genuine emotions.

There’s plenty of edgy wit. When the execs at FAD first quiz Hanan about her personality, their reaction is, “Completely self-centered! Excellent!” When they find out she’s Lebanese- Ameri-can: “Don’t bomb anything on your way out.” And when Hanan accuses them of racism, their answer is perfect: “Some of my best friends are like you, and by some, I mean none.”

There are lines here you won’t find anywhere else. “Always think: What would Tiffany do?” And, “In the wise words of Axl Rose ...”

The smart, sometimes offensive humor is refreshing at first, but by the 30-minute mark, one becomes aware there is a sell-by date for stridently outrageous social farce. This product begins to turn when head honcho Mary (an ethnic consultant with a Ph.D. in pop culture) pulls out her sock puppet.

This pointed, campy, larger-than-life show may score with Boston’s underserved, gay/lesbian theater audience. The cast has unflagging energy, and there are spot-on bits like the scandal-fueled Latino TV show “Elena!” (In this role, Crystal Lisbon, who does double duty as Mary, is wonderfully cheesy.)

But the fun runs out too soon. Late doses of lesbian romance and gooey sentiment, which may be parodies themselves, are too little, too late to make this endless, repetitive skit worth two acts. The players are ready for prime time, but the material is not quite.

Source Daniel Gewertz

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Posted in hispanic market , latin shows 2011 , latina shows 2011 , latino TV show 2011 , learn to be latina

Salsa dancing: The perfect cure for the newly single woman

"I'm putting on eyeliner." My good friend on the other end of the phone knows exactly what I mean when I say this.

She laughs. "You're going out tonight, are you?"

We've had this conversation many times in the past few months, ever since my divorce and the onset of a new life. Sharing custody with my daughter's father suddenly left me with pockets of free time I hadn't had in years. Free time meant freedom to do things I'd previously only had time to dream about. All the years I'd put aside certain desires because of time constraints and a partner who was both critical and unwilling to participate were over. The allure of possibility stretched before me, as enticing as the Yellow Brick Road. Only I wasn't headed for the Emerald City - I was going salsa dancing.

I had no intention of wasting time feeling sorry for myself; instead I felt a license to take the liberty of really taking care of myself. Part of that meant doing things I loved and interacting with other people. Salsa dancing was one activity that fulfilled both requirements. Above all else, the desire for a sense of interconnectedness through the simple act of human touch pushed me out the door and onto the dance floor. Touch could be had, hours at a time, in five-minute increments, in a safe way. Plus, there was the chance to dress up, have fun, and get in shape.

The music was part of the draw. Latin music has a rhythm unlike any other. It's impossible to listen to it and sit still. The beat is infectious; nod your head to the beat and it's only a matter of time before the rest of your body begins to follow. The instruments of percussion have names that sound like music: clave, timbale, and conga. And hey, you gotta have more cowbell. You can never have too much cowbell. Just listening to the music made me happy, and ready to move.

There is an elegant simplicity to the male-female arrangement in salsa dancing. Gender roles are extremely traditional in salsa dance; males lead, females follow. No complications or uncertainties about who does what. However, each and every dance holds the air of mystery. After all, every time I said yes to a dance, I never quite knew what I was getting myself into. Partners vary in their level of skill; some are obvious beginners, while others are incredibly graceful and advanced... which only became obvious after the first few measures of music. But the not knowing kept things interesting.

Salsa dance offered a whole new insight into relationships, which was fascinating. Some partners had delightful attitudes and were a pleasure to dance with. Others were oddly vacant or completely full of themselves. Dancing with such a vast assortment of partners made me realize that the way a man behaved on the dance floor gave a pretty clear indication of how he might behave in an intimate partnership. There were those who made every effort to be fantastic partners ... and those who didn't.

Following my heart and acting on the impulse to dive into salsa dancing paid off in many ways. A whole world opened up for me: new music, new places to explore, and new friends. Over time, I got more and more comfortable with putting myself out in the world and interacting with all sorts of people. Getting in great shape was an added bonus. It all added up to confidence. It was exactly what I needed to learn how to stand on my own two feet again ... and dance with a new partner.

Source GRIER COOPER

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Posted in dance sa , hispanic market , latin music , salsa dance , salsa dancing

Penelope’s Black Dress for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Premieres is Fashion Faux Pas?

Penelope Cruz is a certified black dress aficionada as this was her favorite color whenever she attended red carpet events. She was always looking lovely whenever she donned a black dress that really accentuates her admirable figure.

But this time around, it seems that her favorite black dress that she wore during her latest movie with best friend co-star Jonny Dep to the premiere of  Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides didn’t get the solid 100% applause from the web commentators and from the fashion enthusiasts.

Both positive and negative comments were thrown against the dress she rocked during the premiere night of the movie held at Disneyland, California. She was wearing a off the shoulder feathery fishtail black Marchesa gown that perfectly curves her hour glass figure.

 Some said that the dress was lovely and really glamorous.
“I love how Penelope looks – she brings classiness to whatever she does. This dress shows off her stunning figure and looks really glamorous too. Penelope has finished off her look with a great updo hairstyle, dangling silver earrings and pretty natural, subtle makeup. Another triumphant ensemble that unlike a POTC film, doesn’t get boring after looking at it for 5 minutes,” 

It was indeed a show stopping gown as one major site commented “It's an unusually dramatic piece for a movie premiere—plus, a style that the new mamacita just can't quit—but there's no doubting Pen looks gorgeous (if we don't count the ponytail fail)”

A huge fan of hers,  admires her look by saying, “Her low-neck black dress which hugged her curves perfectly and gave no indication that she had recently given birth to baby boy Leo”

But another said that this is just a same old style of dress the actress dons every red carpet event.

“She basically wears the same style of black dress with just a different texture!” as per one commentator.

 Others commented that she was overly dressed while her co-stars are just in their plain casual dresses especially the lead character Johnny Depp who wore a very relaxed casual attire.

More so, this particular dress that she wore at the Moscow premiere of the movie gained double criticism throughout the blogosphere. Some really commented very negatively like this

“Yikes! Penélope transforms from hot young mom to sad old maid in this high-neck velvet Emilio Pucci dress at the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides premiere in Moscow”

Someone posted, “Penelope Cruz looked like she wearing one of the Pirates costumes at a photocall It's not a very spring-like dress, but we get the reference to Russia.”

“It’s going to be a very long and boring promo tour if Penelope doesn’t start mixing things up. She looks awful! That huge bow distracts me from a dress that could have been nice. It looks better on the model. It looks so heavy on Penelope. And black. For God’s sake does she know that there are other colours out there?” a blogger named Lil said.

Elle says: I don’t understand why Penelope insists on wearing black! She looks a lot older in this photo too… She’s such a beauty who looked absolutely gorgeous wearing pinks and reds in “Woman on Top”, I wish she would go back to colour soon! (Plus, I really don’t think those bangs suit her that much either)..ok rant over haha.

 Ok, it’s your turn to judge her look? Is it a Yay or a Nay?

 Joanna Rossi, www.salsacircuit.com

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Posted in 2011 famous latina , fashion latinas , fashionista , hispanic market , Penelope Cruz , Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Girlfriend of J Lo.'s 'I'm Into You' video heartthrob announces separation

William Levy is one of the Hispanic world's men of the moment. There's not a telenovela, series or television show in the Hispanic market that doesn't want the actor and Cuban model. In fact, Jennifer Lopez even invited him to shoot her latest video, 'I'm Into You,' from Mexico, where the actor has gained a huge foothold in his acting career.

But as much as Hispanic media loves William Levy, his reputation has plagued him as a womanizer. For years, his partner, Mexican actress Elizabeth Gutierrez, who is also mother to Levy's two kids, has had to endure and confront rumors and reports of alleged infidelities, even a scandal in which he was accused of having sex with a minor.

Gutierrez, who rose to fame alongside Levy on a reality TV show on Telemundo, where the show searched for actors for telenovelas, made the surprise announcement in a news release, sent only hours ago to AOL Latino, that the relationship between her and Levy is over.

Just days ago, the couple seemed happy during People en Espanol's '50 Most Beautiful People' broadcast on Univision, in which both actors ranked on the list. In spite of appearances and always beside her man, never giving opinions or interviews, saying in her statement, "I owe myself above all else respect as a person, woman and mother," Elizabeth decided to put a firm and decisive end to the relationship and break her silence.

"Through this release, I would like the public to be aware that I've made the decision to end the relationship I've maintained for eight years with William Levy. I always stood firmly next to William, in spite of incessant rumors, to which I gave little importance and had not reason to doubt the strength of our union.

"I made the decision to end this relationship for my childten's and my own well-being. I confess the decision was not at all an easy one, but I owe myself above anything respect as a person, woman and mother.

"I am writing personally to the public to avoid speculation and misunderstandings, with the sole purpose of protecting the emotional health of my two children. I thank the media for maintaining the respect, distance and consideration they have always shown toward my family. Elizabeth Gutierrez."

What is most striking about the news is that the pair was seen together and seemingly enamored this Saturday among friends and family. However, things changed for the worse on Monday.

Source Rafael Abreu

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Posted in 2011 latin , elizabeth gutierrez , hispanic market , latin telenovela , telemundo , William Levy , william levy separation 2011

Lady Gaga Slammed by Latino Groups Over Upcoming Portrayal of Mary Magdalene, Catholicism

gettyimages

Lady Gaga and controversy? Say it ain't so.

This time, the convention-flouting pop diva has drawn the ire of three Arizona Latino groups for her upcoming video, "Judas," in which Gaga portrays Mary Magdalene, saying that it is an affront to Catholicism.

The groups are "Chicanos Unidos Arizona," "Take Back Aztlán" and "Nuestros Reconquistos."

“Why can’t Lady Gaga pretend to be Muhammad?" said Cecilia Maldonado of Chicanos Unidos Arizona, according to Examiner.com. "Now, that would be very brave!

"It’s so easy to knock Catholicism and Christianity these days, especially if you have absolutely no musical talent whatsoever," Maldonado said. "Lady Gaga is Lady Caca.”

The lyrics for "Judas" have been leaked online, which give insight into what the song will be about.

"Oh, oh, oh, oh, I'm in love with Judas," the song begins over a 'sledgehammering dance beat.'

"Judas! Judas Judas! Judas! Judas! Judas Judas! GAGA!" the chorus concludes.

“Her song "Express Yourself" already referred to Latina women as ‘cholas.’ She has already shown what a bigot she is. Now, she is going after Catholics?" said Manual Longoria of Nuestros Reconquistos.

And its not just Latino groups who are upset with the outrage-courting performer.

“People have real talent, and then there is Lady Gaga,” said Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, according to HollywoodLife.com.

“I find Gaga to be increasingly irrelevant,” Donohue added. “Is this the only way to jet up her performance? This isn’t random, we are getting closer to Holy Week and Easter.”

But despite the uproar, Gaga will most likely get the last laugh because of all the attention "Judas" has garnered. One of the song's lyrics could even be directed at her detractors.

"I’m just a Holy Fool. Oh, baby, he’s so cruel. But I’m still in love with Judas, baby."

Source Adrian Carrasquillo

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Posted in banned lady gaga , hispanic market , holy week , lady gaga , Lady gaga anti catholic , Lady Gaga Slammed by Latino , latino , Latino Groups , mexico , salascircuit

Antonio Banderas funds college scholarships

Malaga –  Antonio Banderas's Lagrimas y Favores (Tears and Favors) Foundation has donated 130,000 euros ($188,000) for college scholarships, aid for cancer victims, and to help people currently down and out from the economic crisis.

The actor endowed Monday his native Malaga with 75,000 euros ($108,000) in scholarships to enable students to take postgraduate courses at universities in the United States and Canada.

Accompanied by his wife, actress Melanie Griffith, he has also gave 25,000 euros ($36,000) to the Cancer Care Association, or Cudeca, and 30,000 euros ($43,000) to the Catholic charity Caritas.

"Too many people are calling on churches these days needing help, they need some kind of support because the situation is maybe a lot worse than we think," Banderas said.

"The whole world," he said, is in "a very tough, very deep crisis that is causing suffering to lot of people."

"We're not going to fix the problems of the whole world, but we have a great belief in the work the foundation is doing," the actor said.

Banderas said that these funds have been collected over a year through such events as the "Starlite" benefit gala held last summer in the nearby city of Marbella, with which the foundation of U.S. actress Eva Longoria also collaborated.

Banderas' Lagrimas y Favores Foundation is named after an Andalusian devotion to the Virgin Mary known as Our Lady of Tears and Favors.

Souce Fox News Latinos

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Posted in antonio banderas , celia cruz salsa latino , hispanic market , Lagrimas y Favores Foundation , latino , salsacircuit , toronto hispano

Too many Latinos?

redneckliberals

I’m sure you’ve heard the news that Hispanics now make up a record percentage of the American population. The U.S. Census says that one out of every six residents is Latino. Furthermore, in a “surprising show of growth, Hispanics accounted for more than half of the US population increase over the last decade.”

Yes, Latinos are the chief reason that America has avoided a population decline. However, not everyone is grateful, or particularly thrilled, about this fact. In fact, quite a few Americans are angry, anxious, or just plain freaked out over the ascendancy of Hispanics in the United States.

For example, a Texas demographer recently made headlines when he analyzed his state’s ethnic makeup and announced, “It’s basically over for Anglos.” Steve Murdock went on to imply that whites would be practically extinct in Texas within a few decades, adding, “It’s a terrible situation that you [Texas] are in. I am worried.”

Murdock later insisted that he was not pushing for ethnic cleansing. He explained that he was concerned about Latinos’ lower income levels, and in fact, he was advocating for improving the state of Hispanic education.

Even if we give Murdock the benefit of the doubt, his words certainly struck a chord with many Americans who don’t know the identity of their original immigrant ancestor. For such individuals, more Latinos is bad news indeed.

Now, some right-wing groups have been very clever about hiding their racial animosity. Being Latino recently ran an article about a network of organizations that have tried to connect rates of immigration (legal or otherwise) with environmental deterioration. And we know which ethnicity is most closely associated with immigration in America.

The message is clear: Americans who care about Mother Earth — and their own quality of life — have to keep the U.S. population as unchanged as possible. In addition to being xenophobic, however, this approach sidesteps reality. According to the Rand Corporation, it is countries that have the strictest immigration and naturalization policies (such as Japan) that may be in the most economic trouble in the future. Even if America magically stopped all immigration today, Hispanics would still drive population growth, by virtue of the fact that Hispanics tend to be younger and have more children than other groups.

Still, that has not stopped many Americans for advocating for taller fences, as if that will keep the Latino population low. These strategies often backfire. Witness the problems in Brownsville, Texas, where a Department of Homeland Security barrier is so twisty and arbitrary that it has left the homes of many US citizens “stranded on the other side of the fence.” Some Americans have seen their property cut off, and several complain that they “have to find a gap” in the fence to access their land.

We see now why it’s going to be over white people in Texas. Their state keeps fencing them out of the country and forcing them to hop a wall to get in.

Source Daniel Cubias

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Posted in hispanic market , hispano , Latin America , latin artists , Mexican billionaire , salsacircuit

Our 10 Most Metrosexual Latinos!

A recent study by Univision found that Latino men use styling products, moisturizer, and fragrance twice as much as other men. Not to mention the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s recent report that male breast reduction is now one of the 5 most popular cosmetic procedures. But these findings are probably obvious to you: our men have always been into manscaping. Just ask Enrique Ramirez, self-described guy-brow expert and founder of Face to Face NYC. Here are our top 10 most impeccably groomed men:

 

Enrique Iglesias has perfected the optimal amount of facial stubble for that sexy rugged-yet-clean look, clearly knows how to wield the styling gel for a cool, tousled hairstyle, and cared enough to get the mole near his nose removed.

William Levy is the best Cuban thing since mojitos!” Ramirez exclaims. He makes sure to highlight his best assets: clean-shaven, chiseled jawline, soft lips, beautiful brows, and a flashy blue suit to show off his eyes.

"Besides meticulously shaping his moustache and soul patch, Romeo Santos has groomed his brows into perfect, masculine-looking arches," says Ramirez.

Although we’ll never fully forget the mullet Mario Lopez sported in Saved by the Bell, he is now flawless from head to toe. “The dude always has perfect skin, a perfect chin and perfect slicked back hair. He’s the envy of all men,” says Ramirez

Clearly Don Omar has some super thick eyebrows, but he’d never let them get into unibrow territory; the singer keeps them tweezed and smooth. He also keeps his hair juuust right, his skin clear, and his suits spiffy.

Despite being 50, Antonio Banderas hasn’t let up in the grooming department. He’s as clean-shaven as ever, with a full head of hair that’s meticulously gelled back.

Smooth, radiant skin, a sexy haircut and stylish fashion sense (check out that fabulous scarf!) make Rodrigo Santoro a shoe-in for this metrosexual list.

This slugger has all his bases covered. Alex Rodriguez keeps his skin clear and stubble-free (on his face and chest!), his brows groomed, even his nails impeccably manicured.

Yes, his head is shaved and smooth, his eyebrows combed, and his facial hair carefully trimmed, but what really puts him at the top of this list: the man is wearing an ascot. Could Pitbull look more dapper?!

He’s got the skinny tie, the matching pocket square, and a retro hair style. Bruno Mars is definitely high-fashion

Source: Kate Sandoval

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Posted in antonio banderas , bruno mars , Don Omar , Enrique Iglesias , fashionista , hispanic market , hispano , hunks , latino , meterosexual latinos , pitbull , Rodrigo Santoro , salsacircuit , William Levy

In El Salvador, Obama Faces Issues of Immigration and Drug War

The sensitive domestic issues of immigration and drug violence assume center stage as President Barack Obama travels to El Salvador on Tuesday.

The president pivots Tuesday from stops in Brazil and Chile for El Salvador, where he will meet with President Mauricio Funes. Washington is growing increasingly concerned about rising crime south of the U.S. border, and El Salvador is hardly immune. It has seen murder rates rise amid an influx of drugs and displaced traffickers from crackdowns in Colombia and Mexico.

El Salvador also has one of Central America's highest rates of emigration, especially to the United States. About 2.8 million Salvadoran immigrants living in the United States sent home $3.5 billion last year, so laws that crack down on immigrants can significantly affect the Salvadoran economy.

Obama can offer little to fix El Salvador's devastating crime and fragile economy. Fiscal pressures have limited the amount of money the federal government can provide as part of its drug-fighting efforts, and congressional politics have made it difficult to restart talks about overhauling the nation's immigration laws.

Before leaving Chile, Obama will have one more face-to-face session with President Sebastian Piñera.

In a broad-ranging speech that spelled out his policy in Latin America, Obama called on the region's rising economies to take more responsibility and play a larger role both in the region and around the globe.

He also described U.S. initiatives in Latin America to help curb the proliferation of drugs. Congress approved $1.8 billion for the so-called Merida Initiative to fight drugs in Mexico. After complaints that Central America was shortchanged, Congress created a separate Central America Regional Security Initiative with a total of $248 million so far. Central American leaders say that has not been enough.

Obama also prodded the region to fight poverty, lauding countries that have pushed more of their population into the middle class.

"We'll never break the grip of the cartels and the gangs unless we also address the social and economic forces that fuel criminality," he said Monday.

Funes, who despite being elected with support from former Marxist guerillas has charted a moderate course in El Salvador, agrees with Obama that all countries in the region need to contribute to a solution.

Some Central American leaders have expressed annoyance that Obama chose to meet with Funes instead of a broader group of Central American leaders. But Latin America policy experts said it was important for Obama to endorse Funes' pragmatic approach despite the leftist inclinations of his party.

Funes said he would raise the issue of security with Obama in regional terms. "Security cannot be seen as exclusively an issue in El Salvador, or Guatemala or Nicaragua," he said recently. "Central American countries all suffer from the same problem."

Obama conceded Monday that the United States also bears a burden when it comes to gun trafficking.

"Every gun or gunrunner that we take off the streets is one less threat to the families and communities of the Americas," he said.

But Obama, in calling for a new discussion on guns, recently declined to endorse the very gun control measures he had supported in the past.

Source: Associated Press

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Posted in drug trafficking , El Salvador , hispanic market , immigration , Latin America , latino , President Barack Obama , President Mauricio Funes , President Sebastian Piñera

10 Best Mexican Movies

The 10 best Mexican movies of all time span a broad range of styles, from comedies to thrillers. Many of the best Mexican movies have found critical and commercial success in the United States and elsewhere in recent years, winning major awards and expanding the reach of the audience for Mexican movies. In many cases, these movies find subtle and overt ways to shine a light on political corruption and class struggles in modern-day Mexico.

1. “Y Tu Mama Tambien”: A stark, funny and sometimes haunting look at personal and sexual politics, “Y Tu Mama Tambien” earned director Alfonso Cuaron and his brother Carlos nominations for Best Original Screenplay at the 2002 Academy Awards. One of the best Mexican movies of the 2000s, it also helped launch the careers of stars Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna.




2. “Like Water for Chocolate”: Based on a story by Laura Esquivel and directed by her then-husband Alfonso Arau, “Like Water for Chocolate” became the highest-grossing Spanish-language film of all time in Mexico after its release in 1992. The erotic story focuses on forbidden love and the sensual nature of cooking.




3. “Amores Perros”: The first of three films revolving around the random nature of death from Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, “Amores Perros” focuses on how one tragic car accident impacted three unrelated groups of people. Considered one of the most innovative Mexican movies in recent times, “Amores Perros” has been compared to Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction.”



4. “Pan’s Labyrinth”: Along with Alfonso Cuaron and Inarritu, “Pan’s Labyrinth” director Guillermo del Toro is considered to be one of the best Mexican movie directors and one of the “Tres Amigos” of Mexican cinema. A dark fairy tale set in post-Civil War Spain, “Pan’s Labyrinth” earned a Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award nomination and won three other awards.




5. “El Mariachi”: Made for a shoestring budget of $7,000 and intended for the Mexican home movie market, Robert Rodriguez’s tale of a guitar player turned vigilante launched his career. He would return to the story for the big-budget remake “Desperado” starring Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek.


6. “Rudo y Cursi”: Reuniting “Y Tu Mama Tambien” stars Bernal and Luna with Carlos Cuaron, “Rudi y Cursi” tells the story of a pair of lower-class brothers attempting to become professional soccer players. While broader and more slapstick than “Y Tu Mama Tambien,” “Rudo Y Cursi” mixes humor with political messages about class structures to become one of the best Mexican movies in recent years.


7. “Nosotros los Pobres”: Directed by Ismael Rodriguez, “Nosotros los Pobres” became the biggest film of the Mexican Golden Age of cinema when it was released in 1948. Unlike most Mexican movies of the time, “Nosotros los Pobres” avoids clichés, cheap laughs or overt melodrama to present a portrait of the poor in Mexico that stands up today.


8. “Cronos”: The first of del Toro’s movies to receive a theatrical release in the United States, “Cronos” is a psychological thriller which owes a strong debt to the works of David Cronenberg.


9. “Babel”: Released in 2006 as the final part of Inarritu’s trilogy of death, “Babel” was nominated for seven Oscars including Best Picture. It uses three stories to show how language can unite or isolate individuals.


10. “Lucia, Lucia”: The 2003 release by Antonio Serrano follows the journey of a children’s book writer dealing with the apparent kidnapping of her husband. Cecila Roth shines in one of the best Mexican films of the 2000s, giving fullness to the title character.


Source: Breakstudios

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Posted in babel , best mexican movies , cronos , hispanic market , latin artists , latin dance , salsacircuit