Amores Perros

Just like Denmark has Lars Von Trier and Sweden has Lasse Hallström, Mexican cinema also has its number one: Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu. He has maintained his directorial style even in Hollywood, and that was the key to his success. But here it bothered me with an excessive running time. The technical execution, on the other hand, it's a blast again. (2005-01-07)

I consider the first story to be an example of perfect filmmaking craftsmanship and Inarritu, to me, was a genius while watching it, someone to whom I would confidently entrust any subject because his visual ideas or the alternation of contrasts are absolutely flawless. My enthusiasm faded after the remaining two stories, which are not bad, just not as disturbing or captivating for the viewer's senses as the first one, and rather focus on the gradual psychological development of the characters. Unfortunately, most of the time it is a bit too gradual and almost tedious. (2006-08-03)

Iñárritu has directing down to a science again, interweaving a trio of intricate stories with such dexterity as if he's been doing nothing but running with a camera through the urban jungle since birth. I can only point out to two big weaknesses in this outing, namely that he plays too much for effect in some places, giving up his captivating authenticity as a result, and then things get quite boring at the end and, due to the exorbitant runtime, there’s nothing that would break the viewer out of their lethargy. I liked the first two stories and generally enjoyed how beautifully everything was working out for Alejandro, but on the other hand I was very disappointed that the most interesting passage about the hitman went completely to waste, as did the attempt at emotional softening at the end. It's a very good film no doubt, probably worth the 150 minutes, but nothing groundbreaking or outright unusual. At least it showed what an untouchable ruler Pulp Fiction is in this circle of films. 75% (2013-06-25)

A nasty, dirty, violent and depressive film, just as I like them. The plot is not as complex as the director’s second film (21 Grams), but it’s a lot more effective nonetheless. Amores Perros consists of three intertwined stories, each with a completely different atmosphere, which together deliver a holistic and very intense emotional load. Very recommended. (2009-02-27)

I’ve grown suspiciously fond of the type of films where various individual storylines intersect at one point. I enjoyed the film even twenty years after its creation, not even noticing its terrifyingly long runtime. I wasn't bored at all, only my original excitement was replaced by a much more sober approach (well, technically, I was sober even the first time I saw it). (2020-10-30)