PERFUME DE VIOLETAS
aka PERFUME DE VIOLETAS, NADIE TE OYE
aka VIOLET PERFUME: NO ONE IS LISTENING

Year: 2001
UK: City Screen Ltd
Cast: Ximena Ayala, Nancy Gutierrez, Arcelia Ramirez, Maria Rojo, Luis Fernando Pena, Gabino Rodriguez, Pablo Delgado, Clarisa Malheiros, Solodad Gonzalez
Director: Marysa Sistach
Country: Mexico
Language: Spanish (English subtitles)
UK: 88 mins
UK Certificate: 15 contains strong language and implied sexual abuse
UK Release Date: 10 January 2003

Synopsis

Poignant and deeply moving, PERFUME DE VIOLETAS is a powerful dramatisation of a true story, focusing on the growing problem of sexual assault in Mexico City.

Rebellious tomboy Yessica (Ximena Ayala) causes problems at school and problems at home, where she is largely unwelcome now her mother's (Maria Rojo) new husband and his spoilt son Jorge (Luis Fernando Pena) have moved in.

Jorge strikes a deal with a workmate, helping the man to trap and rape Yessica in exchange for money: she falls apart. Terrified and ashamed, she seeks comfort in her friendship with the more reserved Miriam (Nancy Gutierrez), and the tenderness and trust of the two girls' relationship provides a welcome relief from the harshness of their environment. The indifference and brutality of the adult world is heartbreaking, and the story drifts inexorably into tragedy.

The two young leads give performances of extraordinary conviction in their difficult roles, but the true strength of the film lies in the gritty story, which holds universal truths, told with reserved naturalism by accomplished director Maryse Sistach (LOS PASOS DE ANA, EL COMETA). Winner of numerous awards on the Latin American film festival circuit, this film is yet further proof that contemporary Mexican cinema is some of the most vibrant, fresh and forceful currently being produced.