ortiz-xiomara There are times when a film takes you back to a period where it makes you feel like you were actually at the scene, especially in a historical time that are based on true accounts. Sometimes, that history is one of the grueling time a nation desires to forget, horrors that were created by our own: mankind. "La Otra Conquista" actually brings you there. Salvador Carrasco directed the picture. For creating the lead as a fictional character, surrounded by characters that were based on historical figures, he did his research really well in remaining true to the essence of the Spanish Conquest, giving voice to the Aztecs, who are usually silenced.The actors were tremendous, including Damian Delgado. It was not sure whether Aztec Emperoro Moctezuma had a son in his lineage in history (no one knows), but Delgado was stunning in this story. He embodied Topiltzin/Tomas, the son of Aztec Emperor Moctezuma, with a grace and suspension of disbelief. The fact that he was a dancer in real life (the actor) explains why he retained that fluid physicality of his role, especially doing his own stunt work, which I found him climbing those heights to be jaw dropping. Carrasco did a wonderful job picking his crew members as well. The cinematography by Arturo de la Rosa was breathtaking. Rocio Ramirez kept the costumes were amazing, so he also did a wonderful job.Despite the fact that the film is long (I don't mind, but some people may) the entire film was pieced together with richness. It combines two worlds of religion and blood. I don't wish to spoil anything, so I won't say anything, but if you desire to study another part of history, I would keep an eye on this one.~+~

iwalksmall Salvador Carrasco's "La Otra Conquista" is truly a phenomenal, one-of-a-kind film. From the opening scene, we immediately are confronted with the films underlying message, the loss of identity. Instead of having a flag as the object of worship, Carrasco's choice to have the fully dimensional Virgin Mary allowed me to interpret her as another character. This film accurately addresses the oppression of a culture. I felt that Carrasco did a great job at maintaining an even playing field—a biased film this is not. An incredibly profound and hard-hitting quote occurs when Tomaś says, "I don't adapt. I know who I am." That eight word sentence embodies "The Other Conquest." Tomaś's inner struggle is to hold on to what the people around him are stripping from him. The story of Tomaś is a full-fledged tragedy. It is certainly clear that Carrasco desires to remain invisible as a filmmaker in order to portray the important message that the film has to offer. Another theme that seemed quite prominent was the "loss of mother," both figuratively and literally. In the opening scene, it is discovered that Tomaś's mother has been killed. The historical event refers to May 19, 1520, "The Great Temple Massacre". Tomaś soon after looks to the Virgin Mary as motherly figure as he is being whipped with chains and burnt in the company of his own people. Throughout the movie, as he is molded and converted from an Aztec Prince into a Spanish and Christian way of life, as his conquerors continue to strip away at his beliefs and identity, the one thing that he lives for is that Virgin Mary. He still holds on to it. Overall, the film is direct and very clear in message, and it had a positive effect on me.

oscarjrdominguez Appreciating and preserving your roots and culture is a vital lesson portrayed in this movie. Director and writer Salvador Carrasco does a great job of letting the audience feel and visualize what it was like to be an Aztec native during the Spanish Conquest. While using historical facts and realistic details, Carrasco brings alive the Aztec culture and its true essence of spirituality, values, and traditions. The movie sheds light on a story that has been ignored in Mexico and the world. Carrasco shows that it is a story worthy of not forgetting and important to acknowledge, for it represents the foundation of Mexican culture. Having great success when it was first released, this movie has brought Latin/ Mexican film into the international movie industry. Not only does the movie show an important part of human history, but it has made history itself by breaking box office records and showcasing the potential of Latin film.

Almanac123 "The Other Conquest" is about not giving up on your beliefs. Topiltzin is an Indian with his own religion. However he is forced to give up his religion in the name of Christianity. Even in the face of death, Topiltzin refuses to convert entirely to Christianity. The evil conqueror Hernan Cortes even forces him to change his name to Tomas. But Topiltzin doesn't change his mind even as Cortes puts him under Friar Diego's care and forces his sister into a relationship. This is very encouraging for somebody with doubts and people around them trying to tell them how to act, think and feel. There was no democracy. Society could be a very cruel place and intolerant of other people's views. The film's message is very similar to historical films like "A Man for All Seasons" and "Braveheart". People are willing to die for their freedom and beliefs even when someone more powerful threatens them. It's a very important theme for the poor and under privileged to learn. The Christians use a statue of the Virgin Mary to entice Topiltzin into feeling more inclined to convert. However it shows strength of character that he still does not submit to their demands despite the beauty of Mary. Topiltzin does not forget his mother and brother who are killed by the conquerors. The feelings that Topiltzin expresses transcend color, religion, language, etc. Anyone could relate to Topiltzin and feel what he feels. It's universal to have your beliefs challenged and to be forced to do something you don't want to do. How could the Christians feel moral when they are corrupt by forcing others to convert? It's a brave film that challenges the status quo. Topiltzin's story is educational for the masses. The film is beautifully written and shot while also being very suspenseful. It's epic and intimate at the same time. It's a very powerful combination of styles. It's not a shy film. It has something to say and more films should be made like it.