The Crime of Padre Amaro

This "modern" adaptation from the classic novel written by Portuguese writer Eça de Queiroz in 1875 is very disappointing. The daring and exquisite novel was turned into a Mexican melodrama. Gael García Bernal ("Amores Perros", "Y Tu Mamá También", "La Mala Educación", "The Motorcycle Diaries") is a talented actor, but even his charisma couldn't conceal the flaws of the movie.

Eça de Queiroz is a very esteemed writer at Brazilian schools, and his importance for Portuguese Literature is incontestable; he deserved more respect. I just can't understand why this "El Crimen del Padre Amaro" was so praised by most critics. Anyway, it's sad to see that such a strong book was so poorly adapted. It isn't horrible, but could have been too much better. 4 out of 10.

"One of the most controversial films ever made"? NO WAY!