#issalopez

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4823434/

A dark fairy tale about a gang of five children trying to survive the horrific violence of the cartels and the ghosts created every day by the drug war

Where to Stream:  Shudder

  Tigers Are Not Afraid is an incredibly unique story, and one that very much has it’s feet dipped in reality. The film is a touching, heart pounding story that pulls you in quickly & keeps it’s grasp throughout the film. I can’t recall a moment where I felt like the story was “dragging” or like anything I witnessed was less than important. The main characters are a group of children, in one way or another, orphaned by the cruel world that surrounds them. Director/Writer, Issa López, took a unique chance at her film through the casting and the filming style. She took child actors who were not yet professionals and then filmed in a way that brought out genuine reactions from her cast. The chance she took paid off in a large way, because as you watch the film you are feeling the same things the kids felt & it’s noticeable. It creates a realism that immerses you into the film, and you can’t look away. 

  While the film has supernatural elements to it, the core reality of Tigers Are Not Afraid is the world of those living with the dangers & violence of the drug war. The things the children fear are real things that we know real children are facing every day. So as these fears are closing in on these kids, we truly feel our hearts racing and a wonder of what will happen to them. The supernatural elements feel like a child’s dark and twisted daydream of accepting help from anything that would help them. The childish fantasy edges of the ghosts and scares is definitely intentional, and creates a vibe of both whimsical and frightening. 

  The film is definitely one you want to pay attention to, and even calls for repeated viewings to see what you may have missed. The monkey paw concept of wishes is not a radically new one, but it’s definitely being given to us in a beautiful package with this movie. The realism to the world around the kids & the trials they face together are ones that help this film reach out beyond just horror audiences.  Tigers Are Not Afraid is an absolute must watch, for all movie fans. 

¿Qué es aquello que le podría provocar más miedo a un niño? Sentirse desamparado por la ausencia de su madre. ¿Qué podría hacerle sentir miedo a un adulto? El salir un día de casa y no regresar a ésta. Pensemos un poco, realmente ambas preguntas y respuestas son reales, y aunque podría haber algunos otros miedos, el dejar de percibir seguridad es un tema constante, y más en estos días.

Vuelven, película dirigida por Issa López y protagonizada por un grupo de niños, destacando el par integrado por Paola Lara y Juan Ramón López. y acompañada del talentoso Tenoch Huerta, es una cinta que justo pone en la pantalla esta historia de terror que, a través de la fantasía infantil y de elementos mágicos, es la de los desaparecidos en México por el crimen organizado.

Issa hace un interesante planteamiento que no requiere mayor explicación, pero que refleja la angustia, el desazón y la impotencia al enfrentarse a la desaparición de un ser querido y de reflexionar qué pasa con los que no desaparecen y deben mantenerse vigilantes ante la amenaza constante.