Museo (2018)

Museo Poster

Mexico, 1985. Juan and Wilson, two perennial Veterinary students, perpetrate an audacious heist in the National Museum of Anthropology, running away with a loot of more than hundred invaluable pieces of Mayan art, unaware of the consequences of their outrageous act.

Introduction to "Museo"
"Museo" is a 2018 Mexican drama film directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios. It stars Gael García Bernal as the lead character and Leonardo Ortizgris as his sidekick. Influenced by true occasions, the movie tells the story of a huge heist in the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City during the Christmas season of 1985. Defying typical heist film tropes, "Museo" looks into the mental and emotional landscapes of its characters, supplying insight into their individual lives and the cultural context of Mexico during the age.

Plot and Setting
The movie is set versus the background of the 1980s in Mexico, a period of financial turmoil and social modification. The narrative centers around Juan Nuñez (Gael García Bernal) and Benjamín Wilson (Leonardo Ortizgris), two veterinary students and buddies who live in the satellite city of Satélite. Annoyed with their average lives and looking for adventure and recognition, they concoct a plan to rob the National Museum of Anthropology on Christmas Eve, assuming that security will be lax.

The Heist
Juan, the mastermind, draws inspiration from his deep love and understanding of Mayan and Mexican culture. He persuades the passive Benjamín to join him, and together they execute the heist. To their own surprise, they handle to take 140 valuable pieces of Mayan, Aztec, and Zapotec artifacts without triggering the museum's alarms. Their heist succeeds, however it triggers a nationwide outrage, as these artifacts are not just important but also of great cultural and historic significance to the country.

The Aftermath and Character Development
After the heist, the narrative looks into the consequences of their actions. Juan and Benjamín battle to deal with the consequences, as they find that dumping the taken artifacts is far more complicated than they at first thought. This part of the movie offers insight into the art world's dark underbelly, including the unlawful trade of historical artifacts.

The taken pieces are too popular to sell, and the friends deal with the risk of betrayal and direct exposure. The once-confident Juan starts to decipher emotionally, as does Benjamín, who suffers under the weight of guilt and fear of getting captured. Their friendship is evaluated, and Juan's relationship with his disapproving dad even more intensifies his internal dispute.

Themes and Cultural Commentary
Possibly the most compelling aspect of "Museo" is its cultural commentary and the exploration of styles such as identity, belonging, and heritage. The lead characters' actions reflect a form of cultural rebellion versus the perceived indifference of their society towards Mexico's rich history. The film doesn't simply concentrate on the break-in, however weaves a narrative reviewing the characters' individual growth, Mexico's cultural richness, and the ironies of how these priceless art work are valued in society.

Ruizpalacios utilizes the heist as a car to check out broader problems such as the worth of cultural artifacts, the concept of ownership, and the struggle for recognition in a society where the protagonists feel unnoticeable. The motion picture triggers viewers to consider the true significance of cultural heritage and its implications for nationwide identity.

Conclusion
"Museo" sticks out in its category for its in-depth evaluation of the human psyche, the attention to historical information, and its poignant commentary on Mexico's cultural tradition. It navigates the complexity of the protagonists' inspirations, the societal impact of their criminal activity, and the nuances of their moral canvas. Instead of a simple heist film, "Museo" is a reflective and socially resonant piece that invites reflection on the real value of cultural treasures and the lengths to which individuals will go to claim a piece of history.

Top Cast

  • Gael García Bernal (small)
    Gael García Bernal
    Juan Núñez
  • Leonardo Ortizgris (small)
    Leonardo Ortizgris
    Benjamín Wilson
  • Alfredo Castro (small)
    Alfredo Castro
    Dr. Núñez
  • Lisa Owen (small)
    Lisa Owen
    Mrs. Núñez
  • Leticia Brédice (small)
    Leticia Brédice
    Sherezada Ríos
  • Ilse Salas (small)
    Ilse Salas
    Silvia Núñez
  • Simon Russell Beale (small)
    Simon Russell Beale
    Frank Graves
  • Maite Suárez Diez
    Jimena
  • Bernardo Velasco (small)
    Bernardo Velasco
    Bosco Huerta