Watch Pelo Malo

Pelo Malo (Bad Hair) is a feature film from Venezuela, directed by Mariana Rondón, which premiered in 2013. The film tells the story of a young boy named Junior, who just turned nine, and who has an unusual obsession with straightening his curly afro hair. As he prepares for a school photo, Junior becomes increasingly upset by his mother's insistence that he cut his hair, as she sees his hair as unruly and unbecoming for a young boy. Junior, however, sees his hair as an important part of his identity, and he becomes determined to keep it against all odds.

The film is set in Caracas, Venezuela, and takes place against the backdrop of a society struggling with poverty, crime, and political unrest. Junior's mother, Marta, is a struggling single mother, who works long hours as a security guard to provide for her family. She is also concerned about her son's behavior, worrying that his obsession with his hair might be a sign of him being "different" in a society that values masculinity and conformity. Junior, on the other hand, is a sensitive and creative child, who often uses his imagination to escape the harsh reality around him.

The film explores the relationship between Junior and his mother, and how their love for each other is tested by their opposing views on gender and identity. Marta wants Junior to be a "normal" boy, while Junior wants to be himself, despite societal pressure to conform. The film also has a subplot involving Junior's neighbor, a drag queen named Mama Rosa, who becomes a mentor and role model for Junior, teaching him to embrace his differences and follow his dreams.

The acting in the film is excellent, particularly from Samuel Lange Zambrano, who plays Junior with a perfect blend of vulnerability and determination. Zambrano's performance is complemented by Samantha Castillo, who plays Marta with a fierce yet caring demeanor. Beto Benites also gives a memorable performance as Mama Rosa, a character that brings humor and warmth to the film.

Pelo Malo is a powerful film that explores issues of identity, gender, and societal expectations in a thoughtful and nuanced way. The film also tackles issues of poverty, crime, and political instability, which are all relevant to the current Venezuelan context. However, despite its seriousness, the film has moments of humor and tenderness, which make it a pleasure to watch.

The film's cinematography is also excellent, capturing the gritty and colorful environment of Caracas. The film's use of color and light is particularly noteworthy, as it creates a vivid and powerful visual style that enhances the film's emotional impact.

Overall, Pelo Malo is a must-see film for anyone interested in Latin American cinema or in issues of identity and gender. The film offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on a society in crisis, while also telling a moving and inspiring story of a young boy's journey towards self-acceptance.

Pelo Malo is a drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 74.