Today I had the pleasure to watch this movie and read the novel in Spanish class. I was not too fond of the novel, but it was still good, so if you want to check it out it's called "The Third Guest" by B. Traven. Of course I think you ought to know Spanish, because I'm not too sure there's an English version, but then again with a name like "The Third Guest" it's sure to have an English version.
Macario is a 1960 Mexican supernatural drama film. This movie was the first Mexican film to be nominated for an Academy Award.
Basically, the story is about a woodcutter and his family. They are very poor and have little to eat, so Macario, our protagonist, always ends up giving the food to his children. For as long as he can remember, he has been starving and his one life wish is to eat a grand turkey all by himself without sharing. His wish comes true. His wife steals a turkey and cooks it for him and gives it to him. He takes it with him quickly to the forest where he is encountered by three men (and if you watch the film, each one is an allegory for something else.) I'm not spoiling anything hopefully, but he does not give a piece of the turkey to the first man or the second man. He gives it to the third man (a.k.a the third guest, which would explain the title of the novel). From there, Macario's life changes completely.
Ignacio Lopez Tarso as Macario
It's a great movie! I really do recommend watching it. I'm watching it again soon with my mom, because she decided to check out the movie while I was reading the novel in class. Beautifully told story, great characters and especially great acting by Macario's actor, and I just love the overall theme of the story (except I can't tell you the theme or else I spoil the whole thing).
Again, as I said above I wasn't too fond of the novel. This is really one of those rare cases where I like the movie more than the book. The novel and the book are both completely different and I think that's exactly why I like the movie better. The movie even though it changes a few key factors, still goes more in depth on Macario's life after the third guest. Even though it changes the outcome of his life, it still makes sense and the ending was the same as the novel's which I really liked.
If you like foreign films and old films, I think this would be a great watch. 9/10
Here's one with english subtitlesHere's one without subtitles for anyone who already speaks spanish (just cause subtitles usually almost always take away from the actual meaning lol)
