The Mighty Victoria (Spanish: El Poderoso Victoria) is a 2021 Mexican adventure comedy-drama film written and directed by Raúl Ramón in his directorial debut. Starring Damián Alcázar, Gerardo Oñate, Joaquín Cosío, Roberto Sosa, Edgar Vivar, Lorena de la Torre and Luis Felipe Tovar.

Synopsis

In the middle of the Mexican desert in 1936, is the town La Esperanza where they are informed of the closure of the mine, their main source of income, and with it the suspension of the railway route, their only means of communication with the rest of civilization. The young mechanic Durán must choose between giving up his roots by crossing the northern border, or helping a group of residents build their own steam train.

Cast

The actors participating in this film are:

  • Gerardo Oñate as Durán
  • Damián Alcázar as Don Federico
  • Roberto Sosa as The Wixárrika Indian
  • Edgar Vivar as Don Edgar
  • Eduardo España as Telegraphist
  • Luis Felipe Tovar as The one-eyed
  • Said Sandoval as "El Cheque"
  • Rogeiro Martín del Campo as "El Sinaloa"
  • Alberto Trujillo as "The Donkey"
  • Joaquín Cosío as Jacinto the Machinist
  • Lorena de la Torre as Victoria
  • Adal Ramones as Raúl Martínez
  • Daniel Martínez as Lic. Daniel Martínez
  • Alonso Echánove as Tata Julio
  • Ana Monterrubio as Fabiola
  • Paulino Partida as Epigmenio
  • Iñaki Ramón as Antonio
  • Belén Rodríguez as Dona Carmelita
  • José Sefami as Don Julián
  • Andy Chavez de Moore as María Luisa
  • Cornelio García as Male Octogenarian
  • Martha Morales as Female Octogenarian
  • Sonia Sánchez as Nun 1
  • Karen Flores as Nun 2
  • Helena Corona as Brunette woman
  • Javier Lacroix as Priest
  • Nena Aceves as "La Güera"

Production

Principal photography began on May 9, 2019, at Mapimí and Ojuela Bridge in Durango, Mexico. It was also filmed in Jalisco, Puebla & Aguascalientes.

Release

It initially premiered in Mexico on November 4, 2021, at the Guadalajara International Film Festival. It was commercially released on November 24, 2022, in Mexican theaters.

Reception

Critical reception

Irving Torres Yllán from Cine NT called the film a candid effort to tell a story suitable for the whole family, as well as possessing good special effects. However, it also highlights the rhythm that fails at times, the unbelievable situations and the lack of emotion in its soundtrack. Loretta Chnattiri from Código Spaghetti highlights the fidelity of the tape in recreating the atmosphere of the thirties, in addition to calling the film more of a visual spectacle because the script and the direction of the actors are described as poor.

Accolades

YearAward / FestivalCategoryRecipientResultRef.
2021Guadalajara International Film FestivalBest Feature Film - Audience AwardThe Mighty VictoriaWon
Prague Film FestivalBest FilmWon
2022Ferrara Film FestivalBest DirectorRaúl RamónWon
San Diego Latino Film FestivalBest Narrative Feature - Audience AwardThe Mighty VictoriaWon
Canacine AwardsBest Newcomer - MaleGerardo OñateNominated
Industry DevelopmentThe Mighty VictoriaWon
2023Diosas de PlataBest FilmRaúl Ramón & Fabiola VelázquezNominated
Best First WorkRaúl RamónNominated
Best DirectionNominated
Best ScreenplayNominated
Best ActorDamián AlcázarNominated
Best Supporting ActorJoaquín CosíoWon
Best Newcomer - MaleGerardo OñateNominated
Best Actor in a Minor RoleLuis Felipe TovarNominated
Best Actress in a Minor RoleLorena de la TorreNominated
Best CinematographyRaúl RamónWon
Best MusicFernando VelázquezNominated
Best Original SongBelén Rodríguez ("El Poderoso Victoria")Nominated
Ariel AwardsBest Costume DesignMayra JuárezNominated
Best Special EffectsElliot Rebollar FeregrinoNominated

External links