Beautiful cinematography. The actors playing Antonio and Ultima were fantastic. A few rough spots in the movie, but overall it's well worth seeing. Just be prepared to have your source of the moral order challenged.

Through the eyes and heart of young Antonio Marez, from the very moment he met Ultima to her blessing of Antonio, and her transition, I followed his journey. Ultima's wisdom; her embrace of life, and her reverence and stewardship for the divine majesty of mother earth affirmed the stirrings of my heart. Catholicism is my faith too, but it appeared less important than the cultural of the Chicano people in New Mexico, a mix of Chicano and Catholicism. Antonio grew to understand and appreciate Ultima's wisdom...questioning, learning, observing; watching the examples of his older brothers, parents, the priest, and the healings of Ultima, the good curandero of the people. Amidst, the tensions and conflicts of the time, Antonio grows and becomes so much because of his relationship with Ultima. A powerful film indeed!

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This is very spiritual. So is New Mexico. If you like either of these things, it's well worth the price of admission. I was misty much of the time. There's Family, and community and all the things that tear them apart. And the mysticism! WOW! Ultima is one of the most powerful characters I've seen about a latina 'tia grande'. Perfectly played. Oh, and the guys are all handsome, too.

I really enjoyed the movie, but as always, the book should be read first! I would love to see it in Spanish. The story is an exquisite view of life, through the lense of Mexican culture in the United States.