original Mexican title: J-OK'EL LA LLORONA
[Weeping (or Crying) J-ok'el]
director:
Roberto Carlos Morales Vergara (as Benjamin Williams)
starring: Tom Parker · Ana Patricia Rojo · Anguelique Boyer · Pablo Bracho
· Dee Wallace
Mexico's
legend of the Weeping Woman has been the subject for numerous motion
pictures, including the original LA
MALDICION DE LA LLORONA
[Curse of the Crying Woman] by legendary Rafael Baledon. Wrestling
icon Santo also did a version in 1974, SANTO
IN THE VENGEANCE OF THE CRYING WOMAN. Hollywood released its own
interpretation, Curse of La Llorona, as part of the Conjuring
Franchise in early 2019. A decade before, Mexican filmmaker Roberto
Vergara made this oddly 'Americanized' version - set and shot in
Mexico, featuring a mostly Spanish cast - but with central character George
Christianson (Tom Parker) speaking only English.
The story
deals with a naive American who travels to a small village in Chiapas,
Mexico, when his sister disappears during an epidemic of kidnappings attributed
to the legendary ghost, J-ok'el, the weeping woman. He meets Carmen Romero
(Ana Patricia Rojo) who helps him navigate through the cultural and superstitious
roadblocks.
This
is the only feature film for Roberto Carlos Morales Vergara, but it stars
two show biz veterans. Dee Wallace - probably best remembered for being
Elliot's mom in ET The Extra Terrestrial,but still
adored by genre fans for The Howling and the original THE
HILLS HAVE EYES - appears in a small but important roles as George
Christianson's mom. The other notable star is Mexican actress Ana Patricia
Roja, known today mostly for her television work, originally won awards
as a child for her remarkable performance in Carlos Enrique Taboada's
POISON
FOR FAIRIES in the role of Veronica.
A
Mexican film in [mostly] English language; widescreen uncut (89 min.)
NTSC DVD format, encoded for ALL REGION,
playable on any American DVD machine. Extras include original trailer.