Y Tu Mama Tambien

It's difficult to know where to begin or what to say about the film, Y Tu Mama Tambien. Definitely not a film I care to see again. Personally, I would think there are other Hispanic films out there that depict Hispanic culture that would be more appropriate for this cultural diversity class. Not that the situations depicted in this film don't exist, I just don't see any value in this film being part of this curriculum. Just my opinion.

Considering socio-cultural aspects, the Hispanic culture seems more aligned with the American culture in this film. The characters of Tenoch and Julio could have been American teens just as easily as Mexican. Tenoch, coming from a more affluent background, and Julio, less affluent, have a high school, teenage friendship. They are looking forward to a summer of drinking, drug use, and sexual conquests. Both appear to have little parental guidance and involvement in their lives. The strong family bond of Hispanic culture is not evident in this film with these families. The existence of their relationships with their girlfriends in the beginning and the relationship between the two boys throughout this film is the core of their being at this point in their lives. They live for the moment and for whatever pleasure they can create or partake in, thanks to their raging hormones. Their emotional immaturity is demonstrated throughout the film as they continuously look for a "good time" and fight over the attention of Luisa, saying hurtful things to one another that threatens the bond of their friendship.

Throughout the film, there is stark contrast between the "haves" and "have nots" in the Mexican culture. The elaborate wedding reception of Tenoch's sister, the country club membership, Tenoch's family's huge house and hired help contrasts with the working class surroundings of Julio and the impoverishment seen as the boys and Luisa travel to the beach. The family they encounter when the car breaks down and the family that they meet on the beach are all just trying to get by and provide for themselves, they seem pretty satisfied with their situations, making the best of what they have.

There are also some political overtones in this film. Tenoch's father is a government official and Julio's sister participates in demonstrations in the city. References are made through the narrator to political reform going on in the country. These situations and influences do not seem to impact Tenoch and Julio at this stage of their lives, doesn't seem to be on their radar screen at all.

As a coming-of-age film of these two teenage boys, it's sad to think of the frequency that this probably does happen, how rushed teens are to "grow up" and have all the rights and privileges of adulthood and the toll life takes in getting there.