“Do not drink milk when eating citrus fruit” and “Eat raisins to prevent the growth of cysts” are some of the old sayings I heard growing up. I have no idea where I even heard them; I just remember thinking they were such odd tales to be handed down from generation to generation. In story telling I know when a story is repeated from person to person it can take on a whole new definition. I only trust something that is solid and concrete like my great, great grandfather’s silver wine cup. It is the oldest family heirloom I have in my possession. Like an oversized thimble with filigree style etching across its tarnished finish, I can only imagine what type of man he was since I never met him. That cup is my connection to the country where he was born. My fascination with family history was stoked by this mystical drama, set in New Mexico during the 1940’s. Before I knew this film was the screen adaptation of author Rudolfo Anaya’s novel of the same name, I remember the movie made me feel as if I was being read an old folk tale. The story concerned a young boy who would learn about good and evil forces in the world, when an old medicine woman came to live with his family. Luke Ganalon (The Man Who Shook the Hand of Vincente Fernandez) played the inquisitive boy. The brilliant choice of Miriam Colon (Scarface, Gun Hill Road) as the medicine woman Ultima made this film extra special. The mix of magic, folk lore, family traditions made for an enchanting movie watching experience; despite having a few heavy-handed scenes. Because I find religion to be a personal and private matter, I felt the religious aspects to the story were being foisted on me. As the narrator finished the telling of his story, I found myself wishing I had more living relatives who could tell me about our family history. Part Spanish with English subtitles.

2 3/4 stars