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Victims of Sin: The Criterion Collection
[Blu-ray]
Blu-ray A - America - Criterion Collection Review written by and copyright: Noor Razzak (17th July 2024). |
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The Film
 "Victims of Sin" (1951), directed by Emilio Fernández, stands as a testament to the Golden Age of Mexican cinema, renowned for its dramatic intensity and social commentary. Set against the backdrop of post-revolutionary Mexico, the film delves deep into the lives of its characters, exploring themes of poverty, exploitation, and societal injustices. The narrative unfolds with Carmen, played by the captivating Ninón Sevilla, a nightclub dancer whose life is a labyrinth of struggles. Carmen’s character is compellingly portrayed as she navigates a world where men wield power and women are often relegated to roles of subservience and objectification. Sevilla’s performance is a tour-de-force, embodying both vulnerability and resilience, making Carmen a sympathetic yet complex figure. Fernández’s direction is masterful in capturing the gritty realism of urban Mexico City, juxtaposing the glamour of the nightclub scenes with the harsh realities faced by Carmen and those around her. The cinematography by Gabriel Figueroa is striking, using chiaroscuro lighting to heighten the emotional intensity of pivotal scenes. Thematically, "Victims of Sin" critiques the exploitation of women in a patriarchal society, highlighting issues of gender inequality and economic disparity. Carmen’s journey from vulnerability to empowerment is a central motif, illustrating the resilience of the human spirit against formidable odds. The supporting cast, including Tito Junco as the manipulative and menacing Don Carlos, complements Sevilla’s performance with strong portrayals that enrich the narrative tapestry. Their interactions unfold in a series of twists and turns, revealing the darker underbelly of post-revolutionary Mexican society. The film’s impact extends beyond its narrative, as it serves as a cultural artifact of its time, reflecting the socio-political climate of 1950's Mexico. The use of music, particularly the infectious rhythms of Afro-Cuban jazz, underscores the film’s exploration of nightlife and escapism amidst harsh realities. While "Victims of Sin" is celebrated for its artistic merits and thematic depth, it is not without its critics. Some may find the melodramatic elements and occasional narrative contrivances as indicative of its era, yet these elements also contribute to its enduring charm and significance within Mexican cinema. "Victims of Sin" remains a poignant exploration of human resilience and societal injustice, anchored by Ninón Sevilla’s powerhouse performance and Emilio Fernández’s adept direction. As a classic of Mexican cinema, it continues to resonate with audiences for its stark portrayal of the struggles faced by marginalized individuals in a rapidly changing world.
Video
Presented in 1.37:1 Criterion has delivered a new 4K digital restoration restored in 2022 from the Original 35mm Nitrate Camera Negative and Optical Track. The standard definition image is presented in 1080p 24/fps and using MPEG-4 compression. The resulting image quality is rather fantastic, accurately presenting Gabriel Figueroa's fantastic photography, balancing the black levels with solid whites, the grey tones look good, film grain is evident throughout the picture without appearing too noisy. Overall it's a fantastic image.
Audio
A single Spanish LPCM 1.0 mono track is included, much like the image this audio track was also restored presenting the film with its original audio and its pristine. I found no instances of hiss, crackle, pops, drop-outs, which are sadly common with films from this era and from time to time neglect often creates many problems. Not here, the audio us clean and clear, while lacking in depth due to its mono limitation the audio is still striking with a score that comes alive! Optional subtitles are also include in English only.
Extras
Criterion has released this film with a handful of extras that include: A brand new 2024 interview with filmmaker and archivist Viviana Garcia Besné (16:47), here she comments on the golden age of Mexican cinema and on the cultural legacy of this film. Next up is a new 2024 interview with cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto on the work of Gabriel Figueroa (16:27), Preito known for his work on "Brokeback Mountain" (2005), "Babel" (2006), "Argo" (2012), and "The Wolf of Wall Street" (2013) among others comments on Figueroa's style and on what makes him one of the greatest to come from Mexico. There is also an archival documentary on cine de rumberas, featuring interviews with actor Ninón Sevilla (28:26) about this film. The film's original theatrical trailer (1:50) rounds out the video supplements. Included in the package is an essay by scholar Jacqueline Avila.
Overall
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