As far as directing goes, I guess Babenco did a fairly good job. The cinematography nor the soundtrack evokes any real emotional reaction from the viewer.The acting is decent and no one really stands out. If you look at the other comments posted, you may see a few that make reference to the number of sex scenes.This is good.If this movie didn't have sex scenes, you'd fall asleep.This is a drama that was probably adopted from a really good book. The script wasn't written well and in the end, you'll feel like you wasted a significant deal of your time.I'm not sure this needs to be added to your Netflix list.

I saw this movie last night, I think this was a good movie and a horrible story, being haunted and trapped by your own past is not always good, at some point the guy (Bernal) seems to have the same tastes,way of thinking as his previuos partner (after 12 years together you figure it out)....once he is over that he find himself lost....making some very bad decisions and not facing them correctly are part of his life, he sabotage his own success after steeping up to his past...interesting movie..leave a bad taste in my mouth...I am not saying that the movie was bad, I am saying that the movie accomplished its target on me...creating an emotion..it was not a nice feeling.

I really liked the movie though it isn't easy stuff to watch, u have to be alert all the time but at the same time it may be kind of "slow", but that's 'cause the plot's like that. It's a movie that makes u think and it sure isn't a simple one 'cause it's about love, emotions, people, madness... all of them "non-simple stuff"; but really interesting and with great actors!! I think that the plot itself it's original, it's the first movie I've seen about "what happens with the love after a break up"... I'll say that it's the perfect film for someone who likes to analyze the characters, their actions, their feelings... it's going to keep u thinking for a while after it's over!(Sorry if any mistakes, I'm from Argentina and my English may not be perfect!)

I just saw this film at the Toronto Film Festival. The director and Gael Garcia Bernal were both there (which was quite a thrill).I don't want to give too much away about the plot, but essentially this film looks at the different ways men and women react to a breakup. It was very interesting, well acted and profound and I enjoyed it thoroughly until about halfway through. Unfortunately, the last part really bothered me and took me from rating it at an 8 or 9 to a 6. As a woman, I did see myself - to a point- in the first part. I also gained a better understanding on why some men react to a relationship's end as they do. Unfortunately, the final half of the film made some deeply disturbing generalizations about women and their emotional stability, and I was left perturbed. It's one thing to give certain attributes to a character; It's another when an entire gender is implicated.Nonetheless, the performances are all marvelous. See it - but prepare to have a conversation about it after wards!