Why Mexicans

Culture TV

Why Mexicans don’t like the Emilia Perez Movie

It must be considered that not all Mexicans dislike the movie Emilia Perez. However, there has been a stir about it, suggesting that there are several Mexicans who dislike the film. Among the most common reasons are:

  • The film presents a stereotypical and caricatured view of Mexico.
  • The main cast is not composed of Mexican actors, which raises doubts about the depth and understanding of Mexican culture by the filmmakers.
  • The theme of transsexuality, although central to the plot, is addressed superficially and exploitively, reducing the complexity of gender identity to a mere plot device.

The most cited criticism: The glorification of drug trafficking.

Many critics and viewers have pointed out that the plot, which revolves around a powerful drug lord seeking redemption through a gender transition, romanticizes and trivializes the figure of the drug lord. Some of the most common arguments are:

  • Lack of consequences: The main character, despite having committed numerous crimes, seems to face minimal consequences and achieves a kind of redemption without truly taking responsibility for his actions.
  • Glamorous aesthetics: The film presents a visually attractive and sophisticated aesthetic, which, according to some, contributes to glamorizing the world of drug trafficking and making it seem more attractive than it really is.
  • Lack of depth: The exploration of themes such as violence, corruption, and forced disappearances is perceived as superficial and lacking in a true reflection on the social consequences of these problems.
  • Insensitivity towards victims: By focusing on the story of a drug lord, the film seems to forget the victims of violence and organized crime, which has been seen as a lack of sensitivity and empathy.

Other controversies surrounding Emilia Perez

Eugenio Derbez and Selena Gomez

Eugenio Derbez generated a great deal of controversy by expressing his opinion about Selena Gomez’s performance in the film “Emilia Perez”. The Mexican comedian harshly criticized the American actress’s performance, especially her Spanish pronunciation.

What were Derbez’s main criticisms?

  • Pronunciation: Derbez pointed out that Gomez’s Spanish pronunciation was “indefensible”, which generated an intense debate about the importance of authenticity in the representation of different cultures.
  • Acting: In addition to pronunciation, the comedian also questioned the overall quality of Gomez’s acting, arguing that she was not up to expectations since, not knowing the language, she was not able to convey with her acting what she was saying.

Derbez’s criticism opened a debate about the importance of authentically representing different cultures in film. Many argued that, when playing a Mexican character, Gomez should have mastered Spanish.

Although Derbez was forced to publicly apologize for his comments, acknowledging that he had been too critical and that he should not have made negative comments about a colleague’s work, the controversy quickly went viral on social media, and, later, when the movie was seen by more people, several Mexican users expressed that despite having apologized, Derbez was right.

“So, they made Eugenio Derbez apologize for saying that this shit was shit?”

Eugenio Derbez was too mild in his criticism of this.

Karla Sofía Gascón

The protagonist of “Emilia Pérez”, Karla Sofía Gascón, has responded to the criticisms in various ways. In general, she has defended the film and her performance, but she has also shown some frustration with the magnitude of the negative criticism, which led her to make unfortunate statements that earned her the dislike of many Mexicans.

“I want to thank all of Mexico and Mexicans. I know perfectly well that all this unjustified hate doesn’t come from you. It’s just a few people* with many and varied interests at stake. In fact, you’ll have proof of it on opening day with full theaters and…”

*NOTE: Literal translation is “Four cats”. In Mexico, using the word “Gato” (cat) is a demeaning term for a servant. While the expression “4 Gatos” can be interpreted as “A few people” (as it is used in Spain, the place in which Karla was born), for some Mexicans, it is uncertain what Karla’s true intention was when using this expression since she has been living and working in Mexico for years, and knows the meaning in Mexico. She previously has used other Class-based language, such as the distinction between ‘good Mexicans’. Remember that ‘good Mexicans’ is an expression used to divide the rich from the poor.

Karla Sofía Gascón says she dressed in Buddhist colors. Girl, that wasn’t very Buddhist of you to call Mexicans ‘cats,’ and transphobes, plus you blocked everyone who gave you constructive criticism of your movie.

Golden Globes

The victory of “Emilia Pérez” at the Golden Globes generated a great deal of controversy in Mexico and Latin America. The film was accused of perpetuating stereotypes, trivializing violence, and failing to authentically represent Mexican reality. Although the film received awards, the majority of the public’s reactions were negative and the film was seen as a superficial and offensive representation of Mexico and its problems.

Related Post

Culture

Why Mexicans Have Two Last Names

Culture Language

Why Mexicans speak spanish

Culture Food

Why Mexicans Eat Spicy Food

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

You Missed

Food

Why Do Mexicans Eat Tamales?

Uncategorized

Why do Mexicans wear ponchos?

Language Race

Why do Mexicans call Americans “gringo”?

Race

Why Mexican and Indian look similar