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Maria
Full of Grace, 2004, 101 minutes, Rated R
By Ramona Prioleau
One
constant in a coming-of-age tale is the existence of personal trials
the overcoming of which compel personal growth. The films in this
genre are as much about the stories as they are about the characters.
Maria Full of Grace, Joshua Marston's debut feature in this category,
distinguishes itself from others that have come before because of the
title character Maria Alvarez (Catalina Sandino Moreno in an
engrossing performance). Maria initially grabs attention with her
strong will, daring and selfishness. These characteristics which can
heighten adolescent drama, lead Maria on a journey of self-discovery
and development. In many respects an unlikable self-centered brat,
Maria nevertheless benefits from providence.
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Maria
labors daily at a rose factory under the watchful eye of an
overbearing supervisor with whom she fearlessly locks horns. Outside
of work Maria finds even more displeasure. At home, she is expected to
contribute financially beyond a level that she deems fair. In romance,
she is coupled with a young man lacking the emotional strength,
independence and gumption that she requires.
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But Maria does not
allow her current condition to define her future and she boldly
attempts to steer her life in a more profitable direction. In this
regard, Maria defies convention, ignores her upbringing and succumbs
to the lure of the narcotics business instead of accepting the
inconveniences of her dead end job, committing to her simpleton mate
and donning the cloak of self-sacrifice at home, toiling for the
benefit of a family member not doing her share.
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Maria's decision to
follow the fast, but hopeless path to financial gain is fraught with
mishap. She is rudely introduced to the seedy side of drug trafficking
where mules are fungible and only the package has worth. To prevail in
these circumstances, Maria discovers reserves of self-preservation and
selflessness that lead to her spiritual birth and blessings aplenty.
M
September 2004
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