Miss Bala

Saw a trailer for this movie and it made me think of Maria Full of Grace, which was a really great film (both about beautiful young women who get caught up in the smuggling trade).  In comparison, if you only watch one I would have to say that Maria was better than Bala, but in essence although they have similar subject matter they are actually very different films.  The reasons behind the girls' choices and the morality is approached from opposite ends of the spectrum, from volunteer to forced participation.

For me this movie was missing something, but I cannot put my finger on exactly what that something is.  I think the problem was the main character, I didn't feel a strong attachment or caring towards Bala.  The film started off strong, and Bala did try to resist getting sucked in, but it always seemed to stop short when it could have pushed further.  But that being said, while the middle may have floundered around a bit the end was quite unexpected, in a good way!