Cast
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Gina Rodriguez
as Gloria
Ismael Cruz Cordova
as Lino
Aislinn Derbez
as Isabel
Matt Lauria
as Brian
Damián Alcázar
as Chief Saucedo
Ricardo Abarca
as Pollo
Cristina Rodlo
as Suzu
Anthony Mackie
as Jimmy
Thomas Dekker
as Makeup Supervisor
Barbarella Pardo
as MX Customs Officer
Sebastián Cano
as Chava
Erick Delgadillo
as Tucán
Mikhail Plata
as Chivo
Jorge Humberto Millan Mardueño
as Ortiz
Job Sarmiento
as Officer at Club
Crew
Director
- Catherine Hardwicke
Writer
- Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer
Producer
- Kevin Misher
- Pablo Cruz
Reviews
JPV852
Okay female driven action-thriller that does feature a fine performance from Gina Rodriguez. Action scenes were pretty good and at least kept my attention until the end. Nothing special and does seem like they were setting up for a sequel that likely won't ever happen given its lackluster box office numbers. **3.0/5**
Apr 2, 2022
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Miss Bala distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Catherine Hardwicke brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Miss Bala took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $15.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 104 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 159 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Miss Bala shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Darkman, which focuses more on action than character development, Miss Bala offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like On Deadly Ground and The Negotiator explore similar territory, Miss Bala stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 25, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 44m
- Budget: $15,000,000
- Revenue: $15,200,000
Where to Watch
