When we refer to the term ‘drug mule’ we mean a person who transports illegal drugs to other countries without trying to get caught by the authorities. It really is dangerous business as the illicit substance is placed inside the ‘mule’s stomach by swallowing contraband-filled condoms so that it cannot be traced at any sort of security check. Most of the people who operate this type of business come from impoverished backgrounds and are in desperate need of money.

‘María, llena eres de gracia’ is one of those remarkable movies dealing with the lives of 3 ‘drug mules’ who transport large amounts of cocaine from Colombia to New York State. It was director Joshua Marston’s first attempt at cinema and truly transformed his script into an extraordinary film.

In the movie, you could see that Marston worked hard and focused on developing the characters and their life stories. The perfect characterization of these 3 women is one of the main strengths of the film. The main protagonist, Maria, leads a miserable life, she is pregnant and in desperate need of money. Blanca agrees to become a ‘drug mule’ after becoming anguished with her monotonous life and also due to a tremendous thirst for money. Lucy is the third major character in the film, and perhaps the most unfortunate. During her trip to New York, she has her own plans to meet her sister (who resides in New York) with her, probably the last chance to do so.

Undoubtedly, the performance of Catalina Sandino Moreno stands out, as María Álvarez, a 17-year-old Colombian girl. Due to adverse circumstances and the need for money to meet the family’s needs, he applies for a ‘job opening’ and begins an unexpected and unwanted journey as a ‘drug mule’ from Colombia to New York along with his good friend and a young lady with a lot of experience in this risky and illegal job. She does a very good portrayal of a young woman who is faced with the responsibility of supporting her family and the tough decision she has to make to earn money, even if it means compromising values ​​and breaking the law. For her sublime performance, she received a Best Actress nomination at the 77th Academy Award (Oscar) and won in the same category at the Berlin Film Award.

The character of María is another role that enhances the impact of the film and emphasizes the relevance of its message. An ordinary Colombian girl with many responsibilities and problems, it is inevitable that the audience will empathize with her and her plight. She is a role played in an impressive way.

The characters and their respective subplots within the main plot highlight the staggering social cost that the illegal drug trade exacts from its victims. Without sounding preachy or self-righteous about a subject as sensitive as the illegal drug trade, the director uses the simple depiction of 3 drug mule stories to make a very strong point on a highly relevant social issue.

Conclusion

‘María, llena eres de gracia’ is a truly good Colombian-American movie and worth watching. It is interesting and very convincing. The excellent characterizations and the simple manner in which the stories are told make for entertaining viewing while also making a strong comment on the ills of the drug trade and giving viewers a unique perspective and insight into the difficult plight of those exploited by these ruthless unions. .

2011 Moira G. Gallaga©