Original subtitles

"Below heaven the king alone is lord, not cruel and barbaric men.

If God is with us in our zeal, what cause have we to fear?"

A TRUE STORY

Copy desk. SEPT. 15, 1968 - EARLY MORNING

Long distance call from Puebla.

Ready?

Five employees of the Autonomous University of Puebla...

were lynched tonight

by over 2,000 residents of the town of San Miguel Canoa...

after being mistaken for students.

Four of them died.

The other is seriously wounded.

The five employees had gone on an outing to the town...

and from there intended to climb La Malinche.

La Malinche?

As they were heading out ...

they were attacked by residents

armed with machetes and sticks .

With machetes and sticks.

They'd been mistaken for students

from the University of Puebla.

Lt was rumored...

that they intended to raise

a red-and-black flag in the town church.

A red-and-black flag in the church?

Damn!

The deceased are:

Julián González ...

Roberto Rojano ...

Jesús Carrillo, and Ramón Gutiérrez.

Hang on.

Julián González.

Right.

Roberto Rojano.

Jesús Gutiérrez... I mean Carrillo.

Ramón Gutiérrez.

Perfect.

The wounded individual...

Miguel Flores Cruz ...

is at the Red Cross here in Puebla.

Several of the assailants were injured as well.

At 1 2:40 a.m...

the town was still in turmoil.

The bodies of the employees of the University of Puebla...

were badly mangled...

and it is not yet possible

to identify them individually.

That's all.

Who were these guys who died?

We know their names, but that's all.

- Any pictures? - There's no time.

But if I hear anything, I'll call you. - Thanks.

WE DEMAND JUSTICE

WE ACCUSE THE SENSATIONALIST PRESS OF PUEBLA

La Malinche, or rather, Malintzin ...

a magnificent mountain

1 3,600 feet above sea level.

An inactive volcano

surrounded by dry and eroded land.

Lt is a neighbor to the great volcanoes:

Popocatépetl ...

Iztaccíhuatl ...

and Citlaltépetl, or Pico de Orizaba.

"Malintzin" in Nahuatl

means the new daughter-in-law.

She is "Malintzin" to her father-in-law until she bears her first child.

The mountain has also been called Matlalcueitl,

"the lady of the green skirt."

In Nahuatl, words denoting life and movement are pluralized.

"Malintzin" is plural, for it is not inert.

It lives.

San Miguel Canoa lies at the foot of the mountain,

within the 84,000 acres of the zone belonging to the state of Puebla.

It's one of 14 municipalities.

Fifty thousand people live in the area.

The percentage of erosion is 1 00 percent.

The people drink pulque instead of water

and eat meat just once a week,

some even less often.

Population: 5,945. Many don't speak Spanish.

Most are illiterate or semi-illiterate.

It's just 7.5 miles from Puebla,

the state capital,

and is reached by a paved road.

San Miguel Canoa borders on the mountain.

A road built by local residents with their own hands

extends to the foot of the mountain,

to the nurseries of the Department of Agriculture

and to the encampment of the Department of Conservation.

The people live mostly from agriculture.

Statistics show that crops consist

of corn, beans...

potatoes, wheat, and lima beans.

We're plantin' corn now.

We used to plant beans...

but they don't grow no more.

Lima beans?

Well... sometimes...

here and there.

Good crop here, no good there.

Beans?

For some folks it grow. Others no.

Some years it grows, others no.

Potatoes? No way!

Not potatoes.

A few sometimes.

Wheat?

No, not no more.

Time was people mostly plant wheat.

But no more.

Not no more.

We're always in debt.

Not like we used to live.

There's poverty.

The harvest?

You can't really tell from year to year.

We don't get consistent loads.

It's always different.

Sometimes we get 90...

sometimes at most 1 00.

If there's a bad crop, we only get 80.

Isn't that right? - Yeah.

How much do we make?

No, we don't sell.

We mostly keep it.

That way we have for the whole year.

Sometimes we sell

1 1 0... or 65...

or 1 30 or 220 pounds.

Dependin' on what we need that day.

Sometimes no more'n 20 pounds.

How much money?

No, we don't know.

We don't keep count.

That's right.

The people have to resort to trafficking in wood -

in extreme amounts, clandestinely, yet in plain view of all.

Firewood, charcoal , and wood for construction,

sold in the city in order to survive.

They cut firewood.

They make charcoal.

Wood for beams and walls.

Some are landowners, some of the townsfolk.

Others just take the wood.

They just take it.

We don't say nothin' no more.

We don't stop 'em no more, 'cause they'll kill.

What we grow ain't enough.

So some men work as laborers for others among us.

But they mostly work in Puebla.

As bricklayers...

helpin' load trucks...

in the flour mills...

for the city water company.

Some work in the factory...

but very few.

There are three elementary schools.

One is on communal land,

another is at the high end of town , and the newest is in the center of town,

the Benito Juárez School.

A junior high opened recently as well.

Not everyone goes to school...

but most of 'em do.

Junior high?

Just a few.

Out of ten, maybe two or three.

Sometimes none.

A shitload go to elementary school,

but only a few to junior high.

Those whose parents can pay make it to ninth grade.

It's divided.

Others, the rich ones...

like the children of the people with the buses...

they go to school in Puebla.

We got them to build a prefrab-

prefabricated public school

that's now called Benito Juárez.

There was only the priest's school here in town before.

As in every town, there's a church...

and here too the priest plays an important role in society.

His influence is decisive in the life of the town.

But it might be hard to find a priest

as "unusual" as this one.

He arrived here with his housekeeper eight years ago

from Ahuatempan, Puebla,

where he fled, according to his enemies,

due to complaints by residents about certain...

"abuses."

No, you be in it too.

Get closer together.

Since his arrival he's formed several congregations

whose members have become his unconditional followers.

Through them he began to control the town.

Those who oppose him claim

that he completely dominates most of the town.

He's the political boss,

appointing mayors, councilmen, and judges.

He controls the power.

He's also treasurer of the Development Committee,

the Drinking Water Committee, the Electricity Committee, etc.

Let us adore the Lord.

He asks for money for everythin'.

Some of us call him "Cacalote."

From the Nahuatl cacalotl.

Crow.

BALLAD OF AN IMPIOUS PRIEST

Property seizures, abuses.

Ln 1 963 he brought water down from the mountain.

He collected 1 70 pesos from every head of household

and built a fountain, the one by the church,

so that people could fill their jugs.

But those he calls his enemies can't have any.

Then 1 00 pesos again for negotiations

to keep Canoa from being annexed by Puebla.

But it was! And the money?

Vanished into thin air!

But he says since he's friends with governors and politicians,

he got the highway built

and telephones installed.

He appoints the local authorities!

A BALLAD OF INSIDIOUS DIVISION AND HATRED

He charges for electricity.

The bridge he had built over the second ravine - 50 centavos!

Our comrades from the CCI came to hold a rally.

He summoned his people,

locked them in church, and gave them lots to drink.

He told them the communists were here

and that they wanted to turn the townspeople

into atheists and enemies of God.

The deputy mayor,

the judge, and the chief of police

came and told the CCI people they couldn't hold their rally.

Then all the people came out of the church,

and our comrades had to run off.

A month later they came back, and this time we were prepared.

So he called for the police.

He has spies.

They ask anyone who's not from around here...

"Who are you? What are you doin' here?"

He's a real bastard.

Doesn't want anyone taking his town away.

At the last elections two years ago,

at five o'clock Mass he says...

"Today you must vote for our candidates

because they stand up for our faith and our church."

At 8:00, another Mass.

He wouldn't let 'em leave.

He counted 'em, lined 'em up, and took 'em to vote.

They had sticks and dirt to throw in his opponents' eyes.

He's a real bastard.

I’m not givin' no 1 00 pesos!

Let him work to learn the value of a peso!

But other townspeople consider their priest a good man,

self-sacrificing, enterprising,

dynamic, and altruistic,

who wants what's best and does a lot for the town.

We have electricity in town thanks to Father.

He worked with the Department of Agriculture

to prevent erosion of the land.

He helped acquire the land for the manufacturing facility.

He helps the government in collecting fees

for the bridge, electricity, and highway.

What about the communal lands?

The town can't stand him anymore.

A letter was sent last year to church authorities

by registered mail - to the pope himself -

asking for his dis-dis- his dismissal.

What have his accusers done for the town?

They're a bunch of misguided troublemakers.

Whereas Father has brought electricity,

water, the highway, and telephones.

Yeah, sure.

For the water he charged 1 00 pesos each.

For electricity, fuckin' 1 75.

And everythin' else he charges for?

All he ever does is charge.

The highway, sure.

They say he's friends with the top fuckers in the government.

Look what we're building.

Father's helping us.

His attackers oppose progress in this town.

If you like.

But not right now, 'cause we're goin' to work.

But later on I can take you to La Malinche.

I know the trails real good.

With me you'll be safe and happy.

Some people are scared, but not with me.

I wanna tell you real clear...

and you can trust me like your personal friend.

Some bad shit is gonna happen in this town.

There's a lot of bad shit here.

I swear to God.

The whole town's been jumpy for a while now.

They go around sayin' people are comin' to kill us...

and rob us.

PUEBLA - THE VICTIMS

So Moi, you wanna go? Don't be chicken.

I’m not a mountain climber like you.

That's what we go for - to practice!

Make the most of the long weekend!

I’m too lazy to be climbing mountains.

- You going to Popo? - No, La Malinche.

It's easier. Wanna come?

No, I’m going to Puebla. Who's going?

So far Amado Pérez, "Flintstone," "Tweety"...

Ramón, Hilario, Miguelito...

Rojal and his friends, and "Moroccan."

Even my brother. - No, thanks.

They're pretty hot-headed in those parts.

So they say, but I’ve been there twice.

The first time, we stopped at the basketball court in Canoa

and played some blackjack.

Some locals came by and joined in.

On our way out, with all the exertion and heat,

we bought some local hootch. Forty centavos!

And the people were nice and friendly.

The second time, six of us went.

There's Ramón. Right, man? He can't wait.

- What's this? - The outing on the 1 5th.

Absolutely! But if Bombo goes, I’m not helping him.

The six of us split into two groups.

I got the fat ones.

My friend here and Francisco.

Pedro, "Necktie," and "Moroccan" teamed up,

and at the quarry, people went off in different directions.

"It's this way." "No, it's that way."

I actually chose the hardest route.

And since they were so fat - It's true!

I’d walk ten yards, pull on the rope, and they'd climb up.

That's how I led them along.

Fat but strong.

The Olympics basketball team wants me!

Yeah, right!

You, the big expert, took us the hardest way!

You only made it to the sandpits!

Because Bombo started throwing up!

He got vertigo. He was vomiting and fainting.

I went back for the others. You went down to the shelter, right?

I’m no expert, but I found my way

and I helped Bombo. He was really fucked up.

ls there somewhere to sleep if it gets dark?

Right against the wall of the quarry

there's a little thatched hut, but it's really run down.

We took shelter under the rocks, right?

Man, was it cold!

I took a machete along,

and as we set out, a farmer says...

"Where are you going?"

"Up to the top."

Probably thought we meant to hack the mountain to pieces!

The people there make these charcoal balls.

It's a local industry.

They make charcoal balls in these ovens.

Some don't even speak Spanish.

But "Moroccan" talked with them and understood them.

Well, I’ve got a basketball game.

Let's go.

I have to drop off some papers.

Remember: Everything is possible in peace.

I feel fuckin' lazy.

EMOTIONS RUN HIGH AT DEMONSTRATION

What kind of language is that, shorty?

- What are you doing? - Keeping up on current events.

You go to the student demonstrations?

It's not what they pay me for!

I think you're one of those troublemaking criminals

and "anti-Mexican elements."

Like it says here, "Sociologists and psychologists

who in all their naïveté and pedantry..." - jeez! -

"...have invented philosophies and alibis,

excuses and palliatives.

What do our young hoodlums know

of current political, economic, and social structures

that they can replace them with others they deem

more equitable and effective?

What do they know of Mr. Marx and Mr. Marcuse?

What do they know of grammar and spelling?"

I bet you don't know any grammar,

and you run around spouting "palliatives."

No, I don't get involved.

You don't give a shit, right?

Have you seen Rojano?

He was going to the church to see about the sound.

Well, I’m off.

It's back to work. - See ya.

With 1 0 yards of material we can make a tent.

Or something like it.

Good. There's nothing up there.

I got a camera. You bringing your guitar?

My guitar!

We have to travel light. Just the basics.

- You going to the staff meeting? - No.

I’m gonna see some friends who teach drawing.

Are you any good?

I drew a Christ for my brother.

You ready?

See ya later.

Hold this.

Things are gonna get rough.

Well, I don't know one group from the other

or what they're fighting over.

- I’m with the students. - Me too.

Not me.

I know they're a little reckless,

but their goals are good for the people.

Right. Problem is, they're battling a giant.

- But we're workers. - So?

Workers haven't mixed with the students.

Sure they have.

Workers are one thing, students are another.

We respect each other, but we're separate.

All we know is what the damn papers say,

and you know what they're like,

with all their talk of "apologies"!

You're on the Board.

But hoisting a flag in the main square in Mexico City!

Stop it, Flintstone!

I was watching closely

when they raised that strikers flag in Mexico City.

- So? - People took it for a communist flag.

Students have come here to explain what they oppose.

- Which is? - Government repression.

That's what matters.

I think the students are right.

Roberto's right. We're different.

Why?

We live and work in the same place.

It's not the same.

I don't think we should belong to student groups,

considering how they go about things.

Sure, it's a tough situation,

and the papers keep attacking them.

But I know nothing about politics.

Maybe we should all learn.

- And maybe we should pay up. - Are we leaving?

Now comes the reckoning.

A 1 ,000-peso bill again?

Santiago Arce lovingly dedicates this song

to Miss Josefina Luna Coyotl

of the fourth section.

Twenty-five centavos.

I recognize, my Lord

That I am guilty

I know I've been an unforgivable sinner

I ask you, Lord

To make me good

For I have a love

That is pure and serene

I think they took to the streets again last night

and maybe even raised their flag in front of the cathedral.

The soccer announcer on TV said so.

Communists! Children of the devil!

Atheists!

Enemies of God and of our Holy Mother Church.

I’ll be going, Father.

God be with you, son.

We must be on the alert.

As I’ve said all along, they'll be coming to get me.

All their slander and defamation!

Their letters to the bishop and to the pope himself!

His enemies writing to discredit one of his most faithful servants!

Don't get angry.

You know it's bad for you.

They know that with me gone, the town will be theirs.

Lt all started when those CCI people came.

They stirred up trouble and divided the town.

They provoke the others into not paying.

They've grown bolder and bolder, of course.

They don't even fear facing their sins on their deathbeds without me.

We should have been more forceful the day we ran them off.

God gives us the right to stand up to his enemies.

But Martín was scared.

We have to be more forceful so they never come back,

to end all the slander.

You must calm down.

The ingrates!

After all I’ve done for this town.

They're heretics, enemies of God and his church,

but also enemies of this town and its progress...

of everything we've accomplished all these years.

This song goes out to Pablo Arce

to remind him to pay what he owes.

If right before my very eyes

You were flirting, my love

What do you do behind my back

While I'm dying for you

Could Nicolás Sánchez's wife come get him?

He's lying naked in the dirt.

Bring a sack to cover him

and a wagon to carry him away.

He's fallen down unconscious.

Where is my life headed?

CHRISTIANITY YES! COMMUNISM NO!

COMMUNIST GUERRILLAS IN OUR CATHEDRAL!

THEY'LL PAY FOR INSULTING THE CHURCH AND THE POPE!

They say they'll take our religion away.

But how? They can't take that from us.

But they can take our money.

And they take the children. - Really?

Haven't you heard Father or read the papers?

Or seen what they do? It's even on TV.

- Where you going? - Puebla.

Give me some cigarettes.

To fix a microphone and get some medicine.

I wanted to go make a few announcements,

but you're taking the microphone. We have to be ready.

The other microphone's there.

Are you sick? Why the medicine?

It's for my wife. She's bleeding down there.

Down where they're virgins.

Come with me. We won't be long.

What would I do in Puebla? No, I better stay.

We'll be ready to attack.

We could be killed this time.

Haven't you read the paper?

Go have Father read it to you.

They ain't got no sense no more.

Why do they listen to the priest?

What can they take from us?

We ain't got nothin'.

But I told you:

The town's been jumpy for a while now.

It's real ugly.

Hello?

He's not here mornings. Call back this afternoon.

Around 3:00.

The attitude adopted at the scene

by the rebellious college and university students

that has caused so much damage within and beyond our borders

has been clearly identified

as an attempt to usurp authority.

According to their latest rally in Tlatelolco,

they continue in their attempt to seize power from the government.

By rioting in the streets,

this faction of troublemakers is attempting

to influence the country's direction.

This simply proves the foolishness and limited understanding

of those who would come up with such a plan.

The levelheadedness and moderation

shown by authorities the entire time

clash with the students' clearly negative aims:

"Stopping student unrest means peace.

Peace means the Olympics.

Let us hinder peace at all costs."

The aim of these students is to stop the Olympics.

It's unpatriotism in action.

Julián, are we going?

There's a norther blowing in.

And no one's paid yet. If they pay, we'll go.

You're getting anxious!

Meet here at 4:00. I know that mountain.

If it rains, the winds get really strong.

We gotta get there before dark. I’ll go see about Jesús.

We're going shopping for stuff, like material for a tent.

And I want to take my .22 to shoot rabbits.

And a radio for music.

Nothing too heavy. See you here at 4:00.

And don't forget the ropes. - I won't.

I can't afford it.

Can you pitch in at all?

Let's just take my .22.

Hello, ma'am. ls Jesús here?

Yes, Julián. He's lying down. Come in.

Jesús, Julián's here.

Come in. What's up?

Are you sick? I didn't see you at work.

I’m lying low. I told her to say I wasn't here.

You see...

I was invited to a party, but I don't want to go.

Some American chicks are going,

but you know I don't like to drink.

I came to invite you on our outing.

I mentioned it before, and you seemed interested.

To La Malinche?

You're on!

Let's go. What do I need?

A blanket and warm clothes.

You got a backpack? Better for carrying things.

I have an extra.

I have a flashlight. Just needs batteries.

Miguel's taking his .22. You like to shoot.

Great! When do we leave?

We meet at 4:00. Shall I come by for you?

Sure.

See you.

What? ls it just us?

You three. We have to work.

The rest will be here soon.

What's with the stupid helmet?

Some law against it? The Martian doesn't get it.

Don't they use these for expeditions on your planet?

- You going to the top? - If we leave soon.

It's easy. Not like Popo or Pico.

- Like you've climbed Pico! - No, that's for grownups.

The easiest part is the north face, Sweetheart Peak.

There are cracks, and if it snows the night before, it's real hard.

The snow hasn't set,

and it creates deceptive bridges that are real dangerous.

You have to test the snow.

Best to go with someone with experience,

and use 20 yards of rope.

- Yeah, right. - Really!

A group from here went a few years back.

Real experienced climbers.

Lt snowed the night before,

but they were experienced, so they kept going.

At the third crack, down they went!

- Where are the others? - Let me finish.

Three were buried.

They got one out then, and another six months later.

They never found the third.

Mr. Ávila lent me this.

Maybe the same thing will happen to us.

And a knife.

You look like a Christmas tree!

- Where's your rifle? - Too heavy.

I couldn't carry it.

My mom saw me and said, "You can't carry that thing!

It'll get you in trouble.

Leave it behind."

You're like a little kid. Whatever Mommy says.

Let's forget it. No one else showed up.

And it's no fun without the rifle.

- But I brought the radio. - What for?

You don't need noise up there.

It's a beautiful place...

quiet and peaceful as can be.

It's really wonderful. Not a sound.

It's as if you're between life and death.

Next you're gonna say it's heaven, right?

Everyone's been on my case.

Even my girlfriend said the weather's bad.

Let's just go home.

No one showed up, and there's no rifle.

There are five of us. Who needs more?

We're all set.

Either way. But if we're going, let's go.

It's 4:30. We gotta leave by 5:00

to get there by 5:30.

Let's go!

Your brother wanted to see you. He's at the church.

If others show up, they can meet us at the bus.

- I’m leaving. - Where are you going?

La Malinche, with some friends.

Why the hell go out there?

I said I would. And like they say, just for fun.

I’ll pray you make it back.

Thanks.

Everyone pays for his own.

It's going to rain.

No, it's not.

It's six pesos each. Mine is the pork and ham.

Suede moccasins!

Why'd you wear those? They'll get ruined.

You know me: always the fashion plate.

Let's get us a bottle. Lt gets freezing up there.

We need something to keep us warm.

We'll chip in five pesos each.

I got two pints. One rum, one tequila.

Let's just go to Mr. Maldonado's house.

It's always fun there.

We're going to La Malinche, even if it's just a few of us.

This one leaves in 1 0 minutes, but it's full.

The next one leaves in 30 minutes.

Let's just stand. It's only 20 minutes.

Look at the sky. The storm's coming.

Shall we?

A cheer for the university!

One, two, three..

Where to?

Five to San Miguel. Pay up, guys.

Ramón, sing like Pedro Infante.

Like when you won the gold record on the radio.

Lt was aluminum!

How about this one?

My dearest sweetheart

I’ll sting you with my dart!

Can't get no respect!

Sing like José Alfredo! I’ll sing backup.

I grew tired of begging

I grew tired of telling her

That without her

I'd die of a broken heart

She wouldn’t listen

Chucho wants to impress the locals with his stupid helmet!

Looks really dumb.

I’m just teasing.

- Sing another one. - Yeah, come on.

Okay, okay.

I'm so far from the land where I was born

A great nostalgia fills my thoughts

Would you shut up!

You're only botherin' folks! - What's wrong with him?

What are we doing, sir? - Calm down.

These people have no manners.

Calm down, Roberto. It's okay.

Hold on! This thing's falling off.

It's raining!

We'll never make it to the top.

Sure we will.

Maybe it'll blow over.

Let's duck into that store.

Are those cans of sardines?

Give me one, please.

And a can of chiles.

The big one. Thanks.

I’ll have some peanuts, the ones with chile.

A bag of cookies, ma'am.

How much? - 1 .50.

Make it two.

Anyone want a soda?

The storm has started.

I knew it. There's a norther in Veracruz.

Maybe it'll blow over.

Will it last long? - Who knows?

ls there a hotel or somewhere to stay?

No, not here.

This ain't the city.

Go ask at the church or the town hall.

Ln any case we'll need the flashlights.

We have five, but one has no bulb or batteries.

You sell flashlight batteries? - No.

You know where we can buy some?

Up the street.

- Ramón, let's go see! - Okay.

Hey, let's go ask for shelter at the church.

Okay.

Excuse me. We'd like to talk to the priest.

What for?

We're going to La Malinche, but we can't make it tonight.

They said we might stay here just for tonight.

What's going on?

We can't get to La Malinche in this rain.

We hoped we could stay here tonight and leave early.

- How many are there? - Five.

The others are back at the store.

- From Puebla? - Yes.

See what the priest says.

The clay figures aren't ornaments.

You're wrong.

This confirms my theory.

It's the precise spot. I'm sure of it!

We'll use dynamite to dig deep.

- No. - Right now!

We must proceed carefully from here on.

While they get batteries, let's go to the church

and see if we can stay there.

Let's go.

The rain's let up a bit.

What do you want here?

We want to see the priest.

He's not here. What do you want with him?

We were wondering if we could spend the night.

They can even lock us inside. It's just to keep dry.

No, not here.

You better leave now or it's gonna go bad for you.

Get going. We don't want no trouble.

What did we do?

We just asked for shelter. ls that so wrong?

Beat it.

What is it?

Father, we hoped we might stay here overnight.

We came to climb La Malinche, but with the weather and all,

we can't go tonight.

We'll be off first thing in the morning.

Who are you? You have any ID?

How many are there? - There are five of us.

We don't have ID,

but we're from Puebla, from the university.

I can't take in complete strangers.

I can't open my church to people

without knowing who they are or where they come from.

We're with the university. You can check.

Perhaps. But you can't stay here.

Talk to the police chief here.

Let them stay in the town hall.

There or in jail. You decide.

Anywhere. It's just for the night.

- Are you students? - No, we work for the university.

Please help us out. It's just for one night.

And this is a small town. The jail's real bad.

As for the town hall, the mayor isn't here.

He went to Puebla, and I can't let you stay.

They have a room at the store.

Ask if they'll rent it to you.

Thank you.

As soon as they get back, let's go.

Maybe they found something.

Damn this rain!

We'd be up there by now.

What happened?

Jeez, these people are so suspicious!

Even the damned priest wanted to see ID!

The police chief was there.

He was about to let us stay in the town hall,

but then he suddenly changed his mind.

Let's just leave. At the church we almost got shot at.

That's just how they are here.

They said the woman in the store rents out a room.

Ma'am, we were told you have a room.

Could we rent it for the night? We'll pay.

Let me ask my husband.

We’ll see what the king of the jungle says ...

We were asking your wife if we could rent a room.

We were headed for La Malinche, but...

We have nothing to sleep under. That's why we ask.

I only have a small room.

Go see the priest.

We have no choice but to go back to Puebla.

Are there still buses? - No.

The last bus left ten minutes ago.

But you can go to the road and a taxi will take you.

They bring people from Puebla and go back empty.

Right?

Go see!

What do we do now? Where do we go?

Damn it, Julián. Let's just go back.

- Do taxis headed for Puebla come here? - Sometimes.

- There are no more buses, right? - No.

That guy Cruz who worked in administration

had a farm around here.

I know his family. It's not far out of our way.

Or "Moroccan"! His grandmother lives around here.

Enough of your ideas. It's raining.

Well, if a taxi comes, we'll go.

Or we could walk. It's only six miles.

We came all this way. We should make the climb.

Let's flip a coin.

Let's have some sandwiches and sodas!

Two Pepsis, two apple sodas, and a tropical punch.

Coming up.

Miguel, go see.

It's a private car.

Let's have a little rum!

No way! Not with the way things stand.

Go, man!

Are you... engineer?

You come for the priest's gold?

Well, let's have some beers.

- A soda for me. - A soda and three beers.

How about that rain?

It's not letting up. We're stuck here.

- Where are you from? - Puebla.

We came to climb La Malinche, but no luck.

There's nowhere to spend the night.

We've been to the church and the town hall.

You know anywhere we could stay?

Well, I’m from here, though I live in Mexico City.

I came to see my brother about some money,

and we're staying for the holiday.

Josefina, come here.

This is a friend. - Nice to meet you.

They came to climb and need a place to stay.

Could they stay at your grandfather's house?

He has lots of room. - I don't know.

Let's go see.

We may have a place to stay.

This guy's taking us to a relative's house.

Let's just leave.

We'll start walking as soon as it lets up.

Yeah, it's no use.

We came to climb. We're not going back just like that.

If we have a place to stay, what's the problem?

I hesitated due to how it gets when it rains.

But we're here now, so let's do it. - Right.

It's three against two, but we can flip for it.

Tails we stay, heads we go.

I’ll flip.

Oh well. - Come on!

Miguel, Jesús, Roberto, Ramón.

Nice to meet you. My nieces. Her boyfriend.

We'll stop by my brother's first.

It's like my own house. I’ve brought friends there before.

- It's letting up. - Then let's go.

Josefina, look. It's Delfino.

That jerk!

- Her ex. How much is it? - Five pesos.

- We already got it. - Shall we?

Let's go!

Time to pay up. Nine pesos.

Miguel, the short one was flirting with you!

I saw her too! Don't be shy.

Yeah, she was...

I like to shoot rabbits,

but maybe I’ll go with you tomorrow.

Seems in Mexico City they like to shoot students.

Ln Puebla too.

The student situation isn't as bad in Puebla.

Not like in Mexico City, but there's a movement.

- Well, I’m just a painter. - You paint?

Houses. There's always work.

This guy got a great job at the Olympic Village.

Go along and make sure nothing happens to him.

I’m going home to bed.

You gotta excuse me.

I don't got no luxury, but for one night...

Not at all. Thanks and sorry to intrude.

Tomorrow I’ll show you the trail.

La Malinche is a bitch.

She don't let no man she don't like climb on her.

We sort of know her.

Could you wake us about 5:00? - Sure.

There are two trails, right?

Well, you can go by way of the sandpits,

but it's real dangerous.

Or the ameyal. I’ll show you tomorrow.

Ramón, take these cookies and give 'em to the kids.

Sure.

Want a cookie?

Go on!

You folks from Puebla or Mexico City?

Puebla.

Thanks.

They say the third man on a match dies. I hope it doesn't kill you.

Don't worry. I won't die before my time.

Did you fix the bus?

No, it hasn't started in five days.

- Did you hear? - Delfino told me.

My bus driver said some university boys came making trouble.

Alberto, give me a beer.

- They're in Lucas García's house. - That son of a bitch.

Those university guys are gonna get it.

Lucas will pay for the CCI, the seizures, and all the other crap.

We've got him this time.

Dona Andrea, go tell everyone to be ready.

- Did you tell the priest? - Delfino told him.

They dare come even here.

They have no respect. Just like your cousin Lucas.

God will help us.

Let's go on the roof.

You can see the whole town.

Okay.

Come on.

Alert Panfilo and his men. You go to the fifth section.

I’ll go see Manuel. He's got his loudspeakers.

Go after her and we'll make a foursome.

She likes you.

There's going to be a death tomorrow.

Sounds gloomy.

Ln the Americas Unidas neighborhood -

You know Mexico City? - Yeah.

Ln Nativitas, if you go -

Turn that off. The kids are sleeping.

They're celebrating independence.

That's tomorrow.

They moved it up. They do that here, right?

No.

That damn priest is up to no good.

- Are those firecrackers? - More like gunshots.

It's Saturday.

They get a little crazy with the hootch.

I better tell them to come back down.

Gimme a cookie.

Forget it, man.

They're already celebrating.

Know where my buddy here works? Olympic Village!

Wow! Partying with all the athletes!

No, we're almost done.

The athletes arrive in a couple weeks.

I think a few are there already. - You should get a pass!

That's Nahuatl, right? What's she saying?

Who knows? Probably all the priest's bitching.

ls he a troublemaker!

He wasn't very nice when we went to see him.

Hell, he's the boss around here.

- These are the best spots. - We got to 'em first!

Let's have a drink with this guy.

That again? Stop fucking around!

Tomorrow... up there.

The priest's a real bastard.

It's true.

He's in cahoots with the authorities here.

He wanted to screw me over, but hell if I’d let him!

They're here!

St. Michael, the outlaws are here!

The outlaws are here in town!

I got land near the ameyal.

Damn priest tried to take it. "Give it to the town."

I ain't givin' it!

They can have a part, but not all 25 acres!

The fucker wanted them for himself.

I didn't let him screw me over.

But they took the land around the ameyal anyway.

What's the ameyal?

- Near La Malinche. - What's the ameyal?

I don't know. What's the ameyal?

The water. They put tanks up there to pipe the water to the town.

You know the López Mateos School up yonder?

Lt comes down that way.

How many schools are there? Two?

I think three.

...the third and fourth sections.

Tell Andrea to keep it up.

If they try to raise their flags, then it's up to you.

I’d better notify the colonel in Tepeyac.

He's going to be furious.

I can't!

Chief, just lend us the rifles if we need them.

More will be coming.

They've been messing around with our women.

There wasn't no real political party.

They're with the biggest party, the PRI.

I’m with the CCI now.

- Are there many of them? - Not tons, but enough.

But the priest and the authorities are in cahoots.

That Martín fellow who's mayor -

the priest and the bus owners put him in office.

They say we ain't got the money to win.

But the current mayor didn't win. Our guy won.

But he didn't give no money, so the priest didn't want him.

Two years ago they came down hard on the townsfolk.

Some even died.

They even killed a child because our guy won.

They came out of the church.

They started throwin' stones.

They went lookin' for our leader.

They went in his house

and killed his boy sleepin' there.

Even before that...

the commissioner's son.

A dark-skinned boy about 20 years old.

A good fellow.

Lt was the bus owners, with the priest's approval.

Folks even wrote a ballad about them.

I’ll show you.

The outlaws are here!

Heretics!

Neighbors and townspeople!

They're coming!

They're close by!

House by house ...

they're stealing possessions and animals!

Everyone come!

Gather in the main square!

Be on your guard!

Go to the church, men and women!

What's she saying? Are there outlaws here?

Sometimes they come and steal animals.

Let's go see.

No way!

It's another of the priest's schemes.

That lady talkin', Andrea, she's a Carmelite.

A Carmelite!

A Carmelite, that's right. The brotherhood.

On the 1 6th of the month they wear their scapulars and hear Mass.

There are lots of 'em here.

They have their vigils at night.

The Heart of Jesus.

The Brotherhood of St. Michael.

Some are apostles during Holy Week.

Some of those apostles killed that boy.

Yet they take Communion all the time.

You're not Catholic?

Sort of. A little.

But I don't go botherin' nobody,

unlike those who kill and are still Catholics.

I don't believe them. They're jealous of me.

Where can I relieve myself?

Right outside.

People, get up!

The students we've told you about are here.

They're going to raise a red-and-black flag in our church

and take our religion away from us.

We won't let them!

They have lots of flags! We won't allow it!

They're going to take away

God and St. Michael!

St. Michael protects us!

Listen... I don't like this shit.

It's not about us.

We'll be gone first thing tomorrow.

The town's worked up.

That sound system is bad for the town.

That's what we call it.

They insult people and make fun of them.

If someone's jealous, he insults the other guy.

Then the other guy does the same.

Older women yell at each other.

They send children.

They dedicate songs to mock people.

I was the target last week.

They didn't say my name, but I knew.

Real ugly. Three trumpets on a pole.

They're all over the place.

You'll see 'em.

You remember, right?

There was an unmarried girl with a baby,

and they played a song for her,

the one where the baby cries, and the real baby started crying!

I know that one. It's like a guaracha.

Why's your baby crying, Mother

Father says you should call the police in Puebla.

Some students are going to raise a communist flag in the church

and kill people.

Well, if Father says so, I’ll call... but later.

He says you should come too.

No.

I don't want to get involved.

Have you forgotten that Father helped you build your second floor

and get a phone installed?

Wake up, brothers! Don't sleep!

The moment has arrived!

The communists are here!

No one must sleep!

God and St. Michael need us!

They're worked up out there. Lots of people in the streets.

Close the door.

How can the priest control the sound system?

That damn priest!

They yell insults and make fun of those who don't pay.

They're all in cahoots.

The priest has the town by the balls. They're all scared.

The loudspeakers say that if we haven't paid,

we should sell our donkeys and pigs.

Pay what?

Tithes, "first fruits," Sunday collections.

Thirty pesos for "first fruits," 1 2 for Sunday collections.

They demand it just like that.

And since he's in cahoots with the authorities...

It's true.

They take our plows and animals.

Then they yell over the speakers that we're goin' to hell with Juárez.

Damn!

And we gotta give a part of our crops too.

He keeps askin'!

Out of 1 00, he wants 1 0.

Almost no one gives him that. Maybe one.

Then to buy candlesticks and paint the church.

Folks have to bring hay for his horses.

He plants in the town's communal lands,

and he shows the Sunday movies.

How can this be? Do you pay?

Of course!

Not with my land, but sure I pay.

They give us receipts. That's how it works.

You see, commissioners go door to door.

If you don't pay, no receipt.

What are the receipts for?

If you need a Mass...

or a baptism...

or a funeral...

or a wedding.

He says, "Show me your receipts."

No receipts? I can't help you!"

That's awful. You should complain to the government!

Our people sent a letter to the government...

but like I said...

they're all in cahoots.

Lots of people don't even set foot inside the church.

Like those who wrote the ballads and sent the letter.

Why don't we go in?

If we do, they just stare at us.

Better to just stay away.

Take away their propaganda!

Make 'em say when the rest are coming!

Some students from Puebla were here

about two weeks ago.

The priest's people say they stole stuff.

It's all just gossip.

They talked to folks, gave them advice.

Probably law students. Did they come by bus?

Yeah, by bus.

They want to write about the priest

and lots of stuff against the university.

- I told you, damn it! - Lt was all gossip.

They talked to me and even gave me an ashtray.

I swear.

I don't like this shit.

Here it is.

What did you do?

We didn't do a thing.

Shit!

Pedro, take them up where the pipes are!

- Come on! They won't find us there. - Our stuff!

Leave it!

They're everywhere! Lots of them!

You're students! You're those communists!

No, we're employees! We work for the university!

Open the door, Lucas!

Why get involved?

I want to see.

What stealing? What communists?

These bastards are gonna do something stupid.

I told you, asshole!

When I heard the church bells...

I woke up and went to the window.

The church lights were on.

I saw lots of people running through the streets,

shouting that some students from Puebla had arrived

and that they were going to lynch them.

They were shouting a lot of swear words.

They were very worked up.

There was nothing I could do.

Since I suffer from an embolism, I decided to go back to sleep.

There were two bodies on the ground.

I told the farmers to call the police in Puebla.

Ln the neighboring streets, among all the shouting...

Yes, the excursionists went to the church

to ask if they could stay there overnight,

but the cook turned them away

because, as I said, I'm ill.

Perhaps their mistake was saying they were with the university.

It's a tense time, and people feel vulnerable,

because recently some people - I’m not sure from where -

had tried to distribute anti-Catholic propaganda

among the people.

The Catholic faith runs very deep among the people here.

It's deeply entrenched.

Last night?

Sure.

Two Sundays ago he gave a sermon.

"Come two weeks, get ready."

He said it in Mass and at night.

He invited all the people.

He says...

"They're comin' in two weeks.

It's gonna happen.

Be ready.

The university is comin'.

They're comin' to kill me

and St. Michael."

So people believed him.

A week later he said it again.

That's why the Lord wants to warn

his humblest and most beloved followers.

He wants to guide you.

The devil is loose.

We can see him every day.

We can read about him in the papers.

He's everywhere...

even among those who serve the Lord,

the priests who have written a document

dictated by the devil's hand!

Even in Rome!

They're the new Judases,

who betray our Lord

and are pleased to see how the communists have risen up,

the ones who burn buses...

destroy stores...

and insult people!

They've raised up a flag...

red like hell...

and black like sin.

They raised it up in front of the authorities.

It's ill-mannered mockery!

They raised it up right in front of the cathedral.

But they're not just in Mexico City.

They're in Puebla, and they'll soon be here too.

A few days ago...

some of you came to complain...

that some students had arrived.

They were welcomed by some of our brothers.

Like I said, the devil is everywhere...

in all those who live in sin...

in those who don't come to Mass...

in those united with those enemies of God.

They came to see if the land was fertile...

to sow their seed.

From now on they won't be coming just to see.

They'll be coming to kill me...

so they can raise their flag.

They're coming to burn St. Michael the Archangel,

and when there's no one left to protect you,

they'll take your animals.

They'll take your children to turn them into devil worshippers.

Beasts of lust...

and of sin!

We must be prepared! We must be ready!

We must be on God's side,

and he will be with us!

Not just the sermon at Sunday Mass.

He had meetings at 9:00 at night

with certain people he chose.

The members of the brotherhoods believed.

Others went along 'cause it served their purposes.

Alone in his room?

He was scared? No way!

He was pleased to see it.

He'd been expectin' it for days.

At the celebration on the 29th...

people were crying at St. Michael's statue over what happened.

But the priest says...

"What happened? Nothing!

Back in the time of Cortez,

Cortez dominated and mistreated the people,

and they put up with it.

So put up with it now too."

You've been lied to!

They're employees, workers!

You defend them because you're just like them!

Outlaws!

They're leaving!

They're not what you say! Bring the authorities!

They're workers!

You've been lied to!

We came to climb La Malinche!

You're not leaving here!

Better start praying, 'cause we're screwed.

Bastard! You came to steal from us!

Son of a bitch! We'll kill you!

What's going on here?

Quiet!

Why are you here? Who are you?

We're workers! We came to climb La Malinche!

You see?

You already killed the owner here. I’ll take them to jail.

Quiet!

I’ll take them to jail!

Please call the police!

Take us to jail!

- They mean to shoot us! - Take us to jail!

Why are you here?

I’ll take them to jail. They won't escape.

I’ll make sure they're punished!

Bastards!

Listen to me, because if you kill them...

Don't defend the bastards!

Communist!

The bastard came here to steal!

Son of a bitch!

They piled rocks in the road so the Red Cross can't get through.

Let's go!

Die once and for all, son of a bitch!

Who sent you, damn it! The communists?

Where are your guns and flags and propaganda?

Ln Lucas's house, right?

When are the others coming?

You want St. Michael! You want to burn him, don't you?

What the fuck's going on?

Are you hurt?

Have someone go get Nicolás.

Tell him I said to come.

Dial the Red Cross in Puebla. I want to talk to them.

They came earlier, but rocks were blocking the way,

so they turned back.

Get rid of those damn rocks now!

And get Nicolás here!

Communist bastards!

Christianity, yes! Communism, no!

Please, for God's sake!

Now you cry out to God? Communist bastard!

Please, we didn't do anything! I’m not with the university.

I work in a factory.

Where's the propaganda? Where are the flags?

Please don't kill me!

I have four children and my mother!

I just work in a factory!

Where's the propaganda?

Where's your van?

When are the other communists coming?

You came to take our animals!

I went out to see what all the shouting was about.

I was told some people were hurt

and to call Puebla for an ambulance and the police.

As I crossed my patio, I heard gunshots

and realized I’d been hit.

Did you see who did it?

No.

When they're all dead, take 'em to the ravine!

We have to burn the bodies and bury 'em

so the authorities don't find out!

Go home and write up your report!

They're hurt! The communists beat them!

Let the Red Cross through,

but don't let any more communists through!

They ate and drank without paying. Now they shot someone.

I told you.

The bastards! God help us!

Well, well! Now he's wounded.

Just him.

Why just him?

I swear by St. MichaeI

that he shot himself puttin' his .45 in his belt.

How've you been?

How are the animals?

Okay. I lost two pigs. How's the cornfield?

Fine.

Communists!

Did you kill 'em? Satisfied now?

Shut up!

ARMY OCCUPIES THE UNIVERSITY

I don't want to make a statement.

These are lies.

We weren't there to raise a flag...

or loot from a store.

My colleagues wrote what they were told in the town.

The version we published is a synthesis

of statements from you, from the townsfolk,

and from the authorities.

Can you tell us: Do they not reflect the truth?

He said no!

I remember everything perfectly, minute by minute,

but we all had different experiences and points of view.

Roberto says there was a window in Lucas's house.

I say there wasn't.

Yes, in the back near the little altar.

I remember the shouting in the house.

Then it was all a nightmare until the ambulance.

Shut up, all of you!

You'll be punished!

We know who's responsible!

Let them go!

What are you doing here?

We work for the university.

The university again!

Where are the local authorities?

- Here! - Let 'em through!

Ask him how many there are, their names, and where they live.

How many are there?

Five, and the people in the house.

- How many died? - The owner of the house.

I can't take it anymore!

Take him to the ambulance.

Load your guns!

Shoot anyone who interferes! Let's go to the ambulance.

Quiet down and listen to me!

If this man dies, you'll be responsible!

Take it up with the authorities!

I’m finally going home.

You're the authorities here. Where were you?

There was nothing we could do.

You're the mayor of the town.

Just look at you.

Completely plastered!

What do you have to say for yourself?

I was in Puebla

on some business.

The convention.

Right?

Calm down. We're almost there. Hang on.

They chopped off my fingers...

We're going to help you. Calm down.

I can't take it!

Call Dr. González.

Just look at you!

And still alive!

What do you eat that makes you so strong?

They're goin' door to door askin' for money

to settle with the government

over the dead folks from the university.

Whether folks were involved or not.

Some people got everyone worked up...

and now the whole town's on trial.

Now it's in trouble with the government.

Lt used to be bad here.

Now it's worse.

Blessed, blessed, blessed be God

The angels sing and praise God

Seventeen arrest warrants were issued.

Five people were tried.

Two went free when their role in the events

could not be proven.

A third was sentenced to eight years

but was released two years later when the sentence was revoked.

The other two were given eight and eleven years in prison

and are currently serving their sentences.

None of the principal agitators were put on trial.