The inspirational drama Bless Me, Ultima has opened in South Florida delving into spiritual healing and Chicano lore.  The film has a lot of heart, excellent acting and fine direction by Carl Franklin.  As a bonus, there’s some awesome cinematography showing America’s stunning southwest that adds to the realism of the storyline.

Taken from a book by Rudolfo Anaya, director Carl Franklin makes the film touching, insightful, compelling and dramatic. He moves his characters into the story like he’s painting a canvas of a spiritual experience setting you up for a finale that grabs your heartstrings.  Anaya personalizes his story with his Chicano culture, inherent beliefs and understanding of the people who believe in a religious afterlife.

The film takes you on an adventure through the eyes of Antonio Márez (Luke Ganalon) a young boy coming of age and questioning his faith, yet knowing he has purpose for his life. One day his uncle Lucas (Reko Moreno) is looking for a lost horse and stumbles upon three women practicing witchcraft who put a spell on him.  Gabriel (Benito Martinez), Antonio’s father contacts his mother Ultima (Miriam Colon), a curandero (healer), to release the spell on his brother.  Ultima works her healing powers with herbs and helps to release the spell.  Called a witch by the town’s saloon keeper Tenorio (Castulo Guerra) he warns that if his daughters are harmed by Ultima he will kill her.  So sets up a feud that challenges the fate of Antonio, Ultima, friends and family.

Luke Ganalon as Antonio and Miriam Colon as Ultima

The acting by Ganalon is extremely good under the direction of Carl Franklin who keeps the boy focused so he never falls out of character.  As Antonio, he’s the thread that makes the story work as he interacts with all the other characters.  Even in the most stirring scenes like when he witnesses a killing in the beginning of the film and later when he has to face the despicable Tenorio, Ganalon holds his composure and makes the scene realistic.

Another good performance comes from Miriam Colon an outstanding actress noted for her work in Scarface and over a hundred other titles. Here she embodies Ultima and provides the pivotal role of the healer.  Her portrayal mystifies and amazes as she plays out her role saving her family from those who would destroy it.  Her relationship with Antonio makes him understand that he does have a future and should always keep his faith.

Bless Me, Ultima has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for some violence and sexual references.  While the violence does fit into the structure of the movie, it’s not too intense that with parental guidance most mature children should be able to see the film.

FINAL ANALYSIS: A very good insight into the world of a young boy coming of age in turbulent times. (B)

Additional Film Information:

• Cast: Luke Ganalon, Miriam Colon, Castulo Guerra, Benito Martinez and Reko Moreno
• Directed by: Carl Franklin
• Written by: Rudolfo Anaya
• Genre: Drama, Adaptation
• MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some violence and sexual references
• Running Time: 1 hr 46 min
• Opening Date: February 22, 2013
• Distributed by: Arenas Entertainment