Following the guidelines provided in class, write a brief synopsis/plot

Question

(approximately 50 words) for each of the following films. You may and
can use the synopses you used in your previous assignments. Your
synopses must include the name of the film, the director’s name, the
country of origin, the film’s genre and a brief summary of the story.
a) Wild Tales
b) Pan’s Labyrinth
c) Desierto
d) Real Women Have Curves
e) Stand and Deliver
2. (Choose and answer THREE of the following 4 questions) and answer
them in about 40 to 50 words.
A) Write a brief essay (40 to 50 words) of your least favorite movie
or your most favorite movie we have watched and explain why.
Be sure to comment on the film by analyzing at least one of the
following: acting, storyline, directing, set design, background
music, photography, editing, or costume design.
B) The films Real Women Have Curves and Pan’s Labyrinth take
place 50 years apart, the first in the 2000’s and the second in the
1940’s. Compare and contracts the woman characters in these
two films. (Approximately 50 word)
C) The film Wild Tales includes mostly universal themes. In about
50 words, describe one or two of the themes in the film and
include an example.
D) Describe how the issue of discriminations manifests itself in the
film Stand and Deliver. Use at least one example to support your
point.
E) The film Desierto incorporates numerous violent and graphic
scenes. Are these depictions essential for advancing the
storyline? Explain. (Approximately 50 words).

Answer 1

Synopses

a) Wild Tales
Directed by Damián Szifron, Argentina, this dark comedy anthology film explores human vengefulness through six interconnected stories. Each tale presents a unique and unsettling situation, revealing the chaos that arises from ordinary people pushed to their limits, leading to absurdly humorous yet poignant conclusions.

b) Pan’s Labyrinth
Directed by Guillermo del Toro, Mexico/Spain, this dark fantasy film follows a young girl named Ofelia, who escapes into a mythical labyrinth during the Spanish Civil War. There, she encounters a faun who reveals her true identity, leading to a horrific struggle between innocence and brutality in a war-torn world.

c) Desierto
Directed by Jonás Cuarón, Mexico, this thriller portrays a group of migrants attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border and the deadly chase that ensues when they are pursued by a vigilante. The film highlights themes of survival, fear, and the harsh realities faced by those seeking a better life.

d) Real Women Have Curves
Directed by Patricia Cardoso, USA, this coming-of-age film centers on Ana, a young Mexican-American woman struggling with body image and family expectations. Set in East Los Angeles, she navigates her desire for independence and acceptance, ultimately embracing her identity while pursuing her dreams against societal norms.

e) Stand and Deliver
Directed by Ramón Menéndez, USA, this biographical drama tells the true story of Jaime Escalante, a math teacher who inspires his at-risk students to excel academically. With the odds stacked against them, Escalante’s passion and dedication challenge racial and economic stereotypes, ultimately showcasing the power of education.

---

Questions

A) Most Favorite Movie
My favorite film from our class is Pan’s Labyrinth. Guillermo del Toro’s direction merges enchanting visuals with haunting storytelling. The meticulous set design creates a striking contrast between the grotesque labyrinth and the grim realities of war, enhancing the film’s emotional impact and illustrating innocence lost amid brutality.

B) Comparison of Female Characters
In Real Women Have Curves, Ana exhibits resilience and challenges societal beauty standards as a contemporary Latina. In contrast, Ofelia in Pan’s Labyrinth embodies innocence and escapism during a tumultuous era, navigating a cruel world through fantasy. Both characters face societal pressures but in vastly different contexts.

C) Themes in Wild Tales
A central theme in Wild Tales is revenge. In the segment "The Proposal," a woman seeks retribution against betrayal in a comically exaggerated manner. This theme resonates universally, showcasing how ordinary individuals can be driven to unexpected extremes when faced with injustice or humiliation.

D) Discrimination in Stand and Deliver
In Stand and Deliver, discrimination is evident through the students’ experiences of prejudice in the educational system. Jaime Escalante confronts stereotypes about Hispanic students’ abilities, as seen when school administrators doubt their potential, showcasing societal bias against their academic success and the importance of perseverance.

E) Violence in Desierto
The graphic violence in Desierto serves to underscore the brutal realities of border crossings and the dehumanization faced by migrants. Each violent encounter enhances the tension and stakes of the characters' journey, emphasizing the desperate circumstances that drive individuals to risk everything for survival.