MonsterVision99 "La Ley De Herodes" it's a 1999 political dark comedy directed by Luis Estrada known for being a filmmaker who's films are filled with social commentary and satire, this was his very first political satire, the filmmakers had a lot of trouble releasing the film, Mexico's government didn't liked the way the film portrayed politicians, but they eventually decided to release the film to avoid troubles with the Mexican people, who would get really angry if they were to find out that their government it's censoring artists. Leaving any controversy aside, "La Ley De Herodes" it's a magnificent film, that condemns the corruption that abounds in México, and it does it in such a beautiful way.The film stars Damián Alcázar, in the role of governor Vargas, a clean man who is promoted to being the mayor of a small town called "San Pedro de los Sahuaros", but he finds out that he's now the mayor of a very poor town, so he decides that he will do everything in his hands to make his town a better place, but his good intentions are overshadowed by greed and corruption.The film its reminiscent of the kind of film that we would see Cantinflas or Tin Tan star in, a honest man who tries to help poor people in a very graceful and comedic way, but it has a darker turn to it, as the film goes on mayor Vargas becomes a despicable character, all the good in him begins to disappear and his greedy and criminal side begins to flourish, by the end, we have a very detestable character who we learn to hate, it also makes us angry, not because hes an unlikable character, but because he reminds us of many real life politicians, who are corrupted by power.A truly marvelous film with great performances, more notably Damián Alcázar, but everyone in the film delivers a really good performance, from the extras to the secondary actors. Luis Estrada's films are among the few films that manage to capture the feeling you get from México, it feels rather sleazy, dirty, filthy, shady, vulgar and uncomfortable. This is as good as political satire gets, the film makes some great commentary in its dialog and characterizations, but it also uses lots of symbolism, like the pigs who are present through most of the of the film. This film has become one of my favorite films, it's dark and comedic approach has been a really important part for my understanding of México, and it opened the door for satire in the Mexican media, now everyone comments on the government, it's easy to make a movie criticizing the government, but this one did it first and it did an amazing job at it, a real masterpiece, from that point on, Luis Estrada would continue to make great movies for the delight of the Mexican people and to the governments despair.Definitely recommended, a great film without a doubt.

Alfredo Herrera This film has a lot of good things: good photography; excellent actors; a good recreation of Mexico in that times (so I've heard); the low-saturated colors are also a pretty detail... Anyway, I think that this topic of corruption could lead to a much better film. I mean, the story could have been a much more real and deep scope on the topic. Actually, the film ends up with a situation where you can easily split things into "good" and "bad" characters "good" and "wrong" actions... However, the intention of the story was another, and it is very well driven. As a comedy, the film is excellent and refined. And also very funny, specially if you speak Spanish.

Au-Cinema With the sardonic tone of a political cartoon, Luis Estrada skillfullypresents government the way you know it works: standing onscandal, bribes, brutality and general treachery. Herod's Law is setat ground zero of political corruption, Mexico's revolutionary party,PRI. Herod's Law is an excellent balance of farce and bite. LuisEstrada frames excellent performances from his cast. DamianAlcazar provides a superb performance as the hapless, dutifulmember of the PRI thrown into a leadership position and is slowlyinfected with power and all the neurosis and paranoia symptomatic of a whetted appetite. The story is excellent, thenarrative arc is well-crafted, and performances outstanding. It istrue, however, that the film fails to introduce anything novel.However these are all considered trademarks in the politicalcartoon business. The film deals solely with establishedarchetypes, it doesn't introduce new concepts or engage with anyunfamiliar issue. It does little beyond reinforcing stereotypes andconfirming preconceived notions. However, the art of the politicalcartoon is the playfulness with which the cartoonist employs thesearch characters. Herod's strength is the playfully exaggeratedtreatment of the subject. The posture is almost vaudevillesque inits rhythm. The tone perfectly describes the whirlwind madnessthat envelopes a man as he descends from idealist to practicingpolitician.For more foreign film news, reviews and interviews check outwww.au-cinema.com

Holitao Politically inspired `Herod's Law' weaves a familiar story of a mousy junkyard operator making his way up to a powerful position and more importantly, corruption that ultimately follow. Director Luis Estrada commands an ensemble of talented actors and masterfully executes this sharp, tough and funny material. Set in 1949, Damián Alcázar plays Juan Vargas, a newly appointed mayor, promising to bring `modernity and social justice' to San Pedro de los Saguaros, a small but troublesome town. Although Juan Vargas initially has good intentions, he is soon forced to `Herod's Law' – a sort of Darwinian way of looking at your peers. D. Alcázar's physical comedy is perfectly pitched and the scenes with Doña Lupe, the brothel madam, are especially funny.When this film was released in Mexico, it cause so much stirred that the ruling party for 70 years, PRI, was voted out. How many times can we say movies have the power to change a political system? This is 8/10.