Watch Dance of the 41

Dance of the 41 is a recently released Mexican drama film directed by David Pablos, which premiered at the Morelia International Film Festival in October 2020. The movie is based on true events that took place in Mexico City in the early 20th century. The story is set in 1901 when Mexico is ruled by President Porfirio Diaz, and the social norms of the upper class are strict and rigid. However, a secret society of wealthy men exists that engages in homosexuality, an act that the society is strict against.

The movie follows the story of Ignacio de la Torre y Mier, the son-in-law of Presidente Díaz, who secretly engages in a homosexual relationship with Evaristo Rivas, a struggling artist. Ignacio is on his way to cement his place in the Congress and cannot risk his secret love affair to come out to light. However, their secret is exposed when Ignacio and Evaristo attend a private gathering, which comes to be known as the "Dance of the 41."

The Dance of the 41 was an event that took place in Mexico City in 1901, where a group of men, including Ignacio and Evaristo, dressed up in women's clothing and held a secret party. The secret was exposed when the police raided the party, arresting and humiliating the attendees. It turned out that 42 men attended the party, but one managed to escape and avoid any consequences.

The movie highlights the moral and social taboos surrounding homosexuality in early 20th-century Mexico. The society was not tolerant of homosexuality, and those found guilty of homosexuality faced severe consequences. The Dance of the 41 reveals the hypocrisy prevalent in the Mexican society of that time where homosexuality was practiced in secret, yet those who engaged in such acts were condemned and punished. It also raised questions on the double standards of the society and its treatment towards the different classes of people.

The film features strong performances by Alfonso Herrera as Ignacio de la Torre y Mier and Emiliano Zurita as Evaristo Rivas. Herrera portrays Ignacio's vulnerability as he struggles to hide his secret love affair while fulfilling his political ambitions. Zurita effectively captures the naïve and idealistic nature of Evaristo, who is unaware of the dangers that surround his relationship with Ignacio.

The music and costumes used in Dance of the 41 were appropriate for the period in which the story is set, adding a layer of authenticity to the film. The set design successfully transports the audience back to Mexico City of the early 20th century.

Dance of the 41 is a beautifully crafted film that highlights a significant moment in Mexican history. The story is well told, and the direction and performances are top-notch. It is a must-watch for those interested in Mexican history and culture or anyone who enjoys a good drama.

In conclusion, for anyone interested in Mexican history, Dance of the 41 is a fascinating film that sheds light on a significant event in the country's past. The story is well told, and the direction and performances are fantastic. The movie not only highlights the social and moral taboos surrounding homosexuality at the time but also raises questions on the double standards of society. Overall, it is an excellent film that is worth watching.

Dance of the 41 is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.