Watch The Forgotten Village

The Forgotten Village is a thought-provoking and fascinating documentary-style movie that explores life in a remote, indigenous Mexican village. Directed by Herbert Kline and Alexander Hammid, the film is a poignant commentary on the clash between modernity and traditional ways of life. The movie revolves around Carlos Chávez, a renowned Mexican composer, who travels to the remote village of San Miguel Allende to document the lives of its residents. He is accompanied by a young anthropologist, Robert Flaherty Jr., who is eager to study the village's culture and traditions.

Upon their arrival, the two men are greeted by the villagers, who are initially wary of their presence. However, as they spend more time in the village, they begin to develop relationships with the residents, learning about their daily routines, customs, and beliefs.

The Forgotten Village is a compelling character study, showing the villagers as unique individuals with hopes, fears, and dreams. Their daily struggles with poverty, illness, and superstition are juxtaposed with scenes of joy and celebration, such as weddings and religious festivals.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its use of non-professional actors. The villagers themselves play the roles of their own characters, adding an authentic and raw quality to the movie. This technique also blurs the line between documentary and fiction, as the filmmakers incorporate elements of both to tell their story.

The movie is shot in a stunning black and white, with sweeping panoramic shots of the village and its surrounding landscapes. The cinematography is breathtaking, evoking a romantic and idealized image of rural life.

However, the film is not without its controversies. Some critics have accused The Forgotten Village of perpetuating stereotypes and exoticizing the Mexican culture. The movie's depiction of the villagers as simple, superstitious people living in squalor has been criticized as condescending and insensitive.

Despite these criticisms, The Forgotten Village remains an important cultural artifact, offering a window into a way of life that has since disappeared. It is a film that challenges the viewer to think deeply about the relationship between tradition and progress, and the implications of globalization on indigenous cultures.

Throughout the movie, Carlos and Robert struggle with their own biases and preconceived notions about the villagers. They grapple with the dilemma of how to respect their way of life while also introducing modern innovations that could improve their living conditions.

The Forgotten Village is an impactful and thought-provoking movie that raises questions about the cultural, social, and economic dynamics that shape our world. It is a must-see for anyone interested in anthropology, Latin American studies, or documentary filmmaking.

The Forgotten Village is a 1941 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 5 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.