The three burials of Melquiades Estrada

Two weeks ago, in the International Film Festival of Rotterdam, I saw The three burials of Melquiades Estrada; directed by Tommy Lee Jones and written by Guillermo Arriaga Jordán (who wrote Amores Perros and Traffic, two great films too).

A will talk a bit about it. Don't worry, no spoilers.

In this film, Melquiades Estrada, a Mexican cowboy, crosses the Mexican-US border looking for work. He is hired in a ranch where he later befriends one of the workers (played by Tommy Lee Jones). Some time after his arrival, Melquiades is shot to death and then abandonned in the desert. The authorities do not move a finger to clarify the circumstances of his murder; they merely bury him unceremoniously, given his illegal immigrant status. His friend does the impossible to find the truth and carry out Melquiades' last wish.

I hope that this short description does not make you think of an action film where revenge and shooting scenes are main attraction. No, this film explores the deep feelings and interactions of each of the characters. It has very emotionally powerful moments but it is not a "feel good" movie. Nor it is a moralistic one. I hope you can get a chance to see it.