Skip to footer

'Bless Me, Ultima' has moments where its magical realism shines

( PG-13 ) ( Monitor Movie Guide )

'Ultima' strains to be a classic, but the film does have lovely sections.

|
Arenas Entertainment/AP
'Bless Me, Ultima' stars Luke Ganalon (l.) and Miriam Colon (r.).
  • By Peter Rainer Film critic

Rudolfo Anaya’s 1972 novel “Bless Me, Ultima” is a classic of Chicano literature and the movie it’s based on strains to be a classic as well. It’s about 6-year-old Antonio (Luke Ganalon), who comes of age in rural New Mexico when his native healer grandmother Ultima (Miriam Colon) comes to live with his family. Antonio witnesses all manner of grace and bloodshed. He tries to reconcile the teachings of his Roman Catholic education with the mysticism all around him as incarnated by Ultima.

Writer-director Carl Franklin offers up a tone of heightened reverence that weighs down the material, but there are small, lovely moments when the magic realism approaches the magical. Grade: B (Rated PG-13 for some violence and sexual references.)

You've read  of  free articles. Subscribe to continue.
Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.
The Christian Science Monitor was founded in 1908 to lift the standard of journalism and uplift humanity. We aim to “speak the truth in love.” Our goal is not to tell you what to think, but to give you the essential knowledge and understanding to come to your own intelligent conclusions. Join us in this mission by subscribing.
Subscribe
QR Code to 'Bless Me, Ultima' has moments where its magical realism shines
Read this article in
https://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Movies/2013/0222/Bless-Me-Ultima-has-moments-where-its-magical-realism-shines
QR Code to Subscription page
Start your subscription today
https://www.csmonitor.com/subscribe