Week 7
This week we were instructed to watch the film, “Instructions not Included.” No one warned me not to watch this late at night. As a result, I ended up crying until one thirty in the morning Sunday night….thank you Doctora. All jokes aside, I actually really enjoyed the film. The story follows the relationship of a dad and daughter who were brought together unexpectedly. The child, Maggie’s mother left her at her Father, Valentin’s door. Once Valentin realized that the mother had taken off in a taxi he begins to consider the pros and cons of the situation. In an effort to avoid the responsibilities of parenthood, Valentine attempts to return Maggie to her mother in the United States. Valentin falls in love with this magnetic little girl. Throughout the movie, several people question the quality of Valentin’s parenting style. It isn’t until the end of the film that we realized that Maggie is terminally ill. Other than being a tear jerker, this movie is also a thoughtful reflection of many issues that can be found in society. Topics such as “nature vs nurture” are very relevant in the movie. Also stereotypes about Latin American and American people is shown in the movie. In class we discussed the subject of “mother” vs “father” states and how this topic was shown in the film too.
I read a review of the film by Joe Leydon posted on “Variety”. (link below) The review states, “Derbez and Peralta develop a sweetly effective chemistry in their scenes together, and the relationship between their characters is even more affecting after some beans are spilled in the final scenes” which is so true. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this film and thought it shed light on issues of custody, race, and how we should live everyday to the fullest.
I was also saddened by the ending 😭. The actors truly do have an amazing chemistry together. I agree that the film sheds light on issues such as nature vs nurture , stereotypes and parenting. Overall, the film really changed my outlook on life.
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