Amor, Letra Por Letra (2008)

Translated into Love Word by Word, this film may seem like the average romantic comedy. Famous telenovela star Silvia Navarro plays Hanna, an engaged woman who is having second thoughts about marrying her loser fiancé who still lives at home with his parents due to her sexual attraction to her Boss, who coincidentally also lives with parents. During a visit to the bank, Hanna messes up on her check deposit form after seeing her boss walking by. As a consequence, she deposits over $8,000 to another loser who lives with his parents. Hanna tracks the man down but falls in love with him just days before her wedding.

Hanna’s best friend has an affair with the loser fiancé and so does the girlfriend of the loser who takes Hanna’s money (yes, it’s a bit confusing… like a soap opera). The film seems to be all over the place, but it is easier to pick up as the film goes on. Set in Mexico City, the multiple storylines give a sense of the hectic lifestyle of the city. Hanna struggles to keep her job as a restaurant evaluator, takes care of her best friend’s son, while she runs around the city, stalking the man who spends her money. Carlos, Hanna’s fiancé, struggles to get his cell phone shop to open, avoids getting kicked out of his parents’ home, and has a secret affair with Hanna’s best friend.

The film is narrated by Hanna’s best friend’s son, Gaspar (played by child-actor Octavio Ocaña). Gaspar seems to be the only stable character in the film and the voice of reason. Unlike all the men in the film, who all live at home with mom and dad, Gaspar is an individual. Throughout the film, he is seen reciting speeches for a speech competition. These scenes symbolize the voice of reason that Gaspar represents. Gaspar is very innocent. Whenever Hanna curses, he is amused at these new words. His innocence becomes a gift in the film, while the rest of the characters suffer the consequences of their lust, sloth and greed before they achieve their happy ending.