Rudo Y Cursi (2008)

One of the truly great films of the early 2000s was Y Tu Mama Tambien. With its young, gifted duo of Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna leading the audience in a story about reckless abandon through much of the poverty-stricken rural areas of Mexico, the film was bold and groundbreaking. I still watch it frequently a full nine years after its theatrical release. When watching Rudo Y Cursi, it’s hard not to think about that film. Much of the behind-the-camera talent is present again, as well as the two stars re-teaming for another comedy-drama. However, the end result isn’t quite the same.

Rudo Y Cursi is a rags-to-riches story about two brothers, Beto and Tato, who work on a banana field. They’re likeable and colorful, the kind of characters Luna and Bernal’s characters from Y Tu Mama Tambien could have met during their travels. They both yearn for a better life. Beto is always making bets to acquire household appliances, but often loses more than he gains. Tato loves to sing and dreams of being a star.

One day, a scout watches them play soccer and recognizes their talents on the field. He only has room for one, so he takes Tato for tryouts. Beto is beside himself with anger. When the league later expands, the scout encourages Beto to try out for a goalie position. He sneaks out in the middle of the night to audition, leaving his wife and kids to fend for themselves.

Tato is unhappy with his role on the team. He usually rides the bench, but opportunity puts him on the field and he ascends to become an international sensation nicknamed “Cursi.” Beto does the same. Known for his rough play, he is anointed “Rudo.” The film is mainly about how the brothers deal with their newfound fame and the consequences that spring from their actions.

Carlos Cuaron (Alfonso’s little brother) directed this film. It was his first feature, and I thought this was one of the movie’s biggest strengths. Nothing here was too over-the-top, and the performances were all decent, especially from supporting cast members like Guillermo Francella and the gorgeous Jessica Mas. Despite the superstardom the brothers reach, we never feel like they’ve left the banana field. This is due to Cuaron’s steady hand throughout, reminding his actors they’re still the same guys throughout. Bernal and Luna turn in solid performances, and Luna gets an extra portion or two on his acting plate due to Beto kicking their downfall into overdrive.

The major drawback of Rudo Y Cursi also happens to be the greatest strength of the lead characters. Beto and Tato are very simple characters with primal needs and desires. They get happy…they get angry. They love, then they fight. In the end, they come across as flat, and the story should’ve demanded more in the way of emotional range. Even with his marriage in trouble, Beto fails to exhibit much depth of character. The same happens when he gets in trouble with the bookies.

I don’t fault the performer; I fault the limitations of the material. Also, a golden opportunity was missed with Beto’s wife, Tonya (Adriana Paz), who remains underused despite her potential. Her struggle to keep her family together by selling dietary supplements in Beto’s absence makes her the true provider, and it would’ve been nice to follow her character’s arc more closely (especially considering the way things turn out).

Rudo Y Cursi borrowed much of the talent and elements from Y Tu Mama Tambien, but in the end did not have the same kind of impact. While Mama was a celebration of life, this seemed to celebrate the life that could’ve been. Overall, the journey wasn’t as fascinating this time around, but it’s still worth seeing.

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