Rosaneli Loza

Movie Review

WMST 410: Women, Health, and Aging

September 12, 2006

Y Tu Mama Tambien

“Y Tu Mama Tambien” (“Your Mama Too”) directed by Alfonso Cuaron has been one of the most daring films ever made in Mexico, perhaps because of the vivid and explicit sexual performance two young teen age boys (Julio and Tenoch) display through out the movie. Moreover, their shameless and boldly sexual lifestyles is what gave them meaning and purpose in life. Even though their lifestyles were of upper and middle class and overprotective parents they seemed to lack family unity and were often bored. Unfortunately, Julio and Tenoch created enjoyment and self-empowering through heavy use of drugs and sex.

In one of Tenoch’s father’s political and sophisticated parties the two boys met Luisa a young and beautiful Spanish lady married to Tenoch’s cousin. Luisa who spends most of her time caring for a sick relative and then quickly married was persuaded by Tenoch and Julio to come with them on a trip to an imaginary beach “voca del cielo” (“Heaven’s Mouth”). Luisa convinced to join the boys after receiving a phone call from her spouse letting her know of his marriage betrayal.

After many hours and days of road traveling it became evident that all three had no clear direction of their destination which was symbolic of their lives. All three had no clear future goals and/or direction in life. Moments of silence while driving re-emphasize their lack of direction.

However, after accidentally landing in a beautiful beach their journey and life fulfillment had begun. Their lives had changed. For Julia she was no longer a caregiver but instead, demanded to be cared for by the boys. She controlled men and was free to educate the boys about sexuality without being afraid. She was “living true life”.

Julio and Tenoch became more mature and were no longer living an existential lifestyle. They both were enrolled in academic programs. Unfortunately, they had to pay a big embarrassing prize. Tenoch and Julio were too ashamed of their past love life between each other that they had ended their friendship.