Pueblerina, a key film from Emilio “el Indio” Fernández, is among his most eloquent variations on the rural melodrama, underpinned by themes of injustice, revenge, and redemption. Gloriously shot on location by Gabriel Figueroa (Take Me in Your Arms, The Unknown Policeman), whose superbly composed frames lend an unassuming grandeur to its landscapes and characters, the film follows Aurelio Rodríguez (Roberto Cañedo), who returns to his town after serving a prison sentence, only to find his fiancée Paloma (the singer and artist Columba Domínguez, and Fernández’s favorite actress) living on the edge of town and pregnant. A forlorn masterpiece of understatement and visual splendor, Pueblerina was a massive success in Mexico and abroad at the time of its release. Fernández would remake it 30 years later as his penultimate work, México Norte.

“This film is pure poetry. The sequences flow by magically, no moments are wasted, and then they fade like a dream. This film is an ode to the land and to the people who come from the land, beautifully illustrating the fundamental roots of Mexican Identity.” Chava آحلام Sanchez, mubi

“This movie is SEXY. I will die on this hill: Columba Domínguez was the most beautiful actress in all of Mexican cinema, and she is absolutely radiant here. The landscape shots are breathtaking, the performances are heartbreaking, and the conviction unbreakable – in short, it’s an EXTREMELY Mexican movie and incredibly deserving of its status as one of the country’s greatest films .” – Barbara Mundial

“A wonderful excercise in mood and atmosphere with absolutely stunning photography from Gabriel Figueroa.” – avirup, letterboxd

“Mans thought about his girl in the slammer whoooole time, no one in this town like a loverboy.” – Mariepet, letterboxd

“so much passion and poetry and longing. where love is doing someone’s laundry and harvesting corn side by side” – Juanita, letterboxd

“I think Criterion should look into making a collection of Fernández’ best work and showcase it; the man should be known internationally.

Pueblerina isn’t the typical romance/drama that has become a staple in Emilio “Indio” Fernandez’ work.

In this story, we have a man who seeks redemption in a life he lost while in prison. While it does center on the rekindling of his relationship with his girlfriend, it feels refreshing in this film. Not that the romance aspects don’t work in his other projects; but at least in this one, the motive is stronger.

This film also has some really amazing photography, especially of men on horseback. Go figure. It’s Figueroa at his prime.” – Sebastian Rivera-Mendoza

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