Viff ‘08: Cinema of Our Time: Burn the Bridges

Quemar las Naves is a Mexican coming of age story that is not at all typical, despite the Catholic and upper class setting.

Simply put, Helena has her hands full, with her mother dying before her eyes.  While her increasingly demanding ways keep other helpful hands away, her obsession with her slightly younger brother, Sebastian, often has the opposite effect.

Although the film’s allusions about Sebastian’s homosexuality are a bit too obvious at times, it shows that sexuality is far from simple, no matter what orientation we find ourselves with.  And remember, this is set in predominantly patriarchal Mexico.

Impressively, the film shows two potential paths for young gay men and it ties many aspects of this unique story together, both visually and emotionally.  Freedom, in particular, is a theme that results in a hilarious scene when their cousin tries to make his own way, proving – once again – that money simply can’t buy it.

Note that this film has been rated (unrated films are restricted to 18+), so youth 14 years and older are also able to see this excellent film; for more information and tickets, click here.