Search - Cowboy Del Amor (Ws) on DVD

Charming, funny, and life affirming

John A. Aragon | Santa Fe NM USA | 06/30/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Cowboy del Amor" is a documentary about an old cowboy out of Columbus, NM, who used to take Gringos into Mexico to find Mexican wives. The Gringos thought that U.S. women had bad attitudes, that Mexican women were more appreciative. The Mexican women thought that U.S. men were more attentive to their women. They say Mexican guys treat women badly, just use them.

So we get to see three courtships and two marriages. And we learn of the deterioration of Ivan Thompson's (The Cowboy del Amor's) marriage to a Mexican woman.

The film is really charming, funny, and life affirming. We see these people's hopes and dreams, the awkwardness of courtship, the shy inter- family introductions, the fragile beauty and happiness of human love. The wedding ceremonies made me cry. But I'm a softy.

It's an "Indy" film and supposedly there is a Cowboy del Amor web site. I enjoyed it so much I watched it twice in one sitting!
"

Whimsical documentary about a Matchmaker

Margaret E. Sondey | Ohio | 04/12/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Off-beat documentary about an aging US rancher who discovers his real professional passion -- playing matchmaker between lovelorn US men and willing Mexican women. Approach this with an open mind and you'll enjoy this genteel story -- approach it with pre-conceived notions of gender equality, border issues, etc., and you'll head into emotional upsets."

Insightful And Hilarious Look At Intercultural Relationships

Chris Luallen | Nashville, Tennessee | 10/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ivan Thompson is an aging cowboy from Columbus, New Mexico who attempts to make a living by setting up American men with Mexican women. Ivan is a higly eccentric character still living in the past. But it's his unintentionally funny personality and odd perspective on life that gives this documentary much of it's charm and humor.

The movie features three couples. The first is Rick and Frances. Rick is a simple but apparently sincere Texas truckdriver seeking a "traditonal" wife. While Frances is a good hearted Mexican woman seeking a better life. These two hit it off right away and, shortly thereafter, Frances moves to Texas and they begin what appears to be a happy marriage.

The second pair is a very intelligent, young and attractive Mexican doctor and some old, fat, ugly used car dealer that Ivan is attempting to set her up with. This guy is totally devoid of personality and so clearly below the level of the Mexican woman that watching them together is hilarious. She begs Ivan not to leave her alone with this man. Ivan thinks it's because she likes him instead. But the truth is that the woman can't believe she is in this ridiculous situation and is looking for a way to escape. Very funny stuff!

The third story is even more funny. It involves a 76 year war vet who clearly doesn't have much going on up upstairs (or anywhere else) and a Mexican woman seeking to escape from a bad relationship. These two, and their entire wedding party, wander around some small Mexican town seeking to find someone, anyone, who will marry them. Unfortunately, it's a holiday and they have to wait until tomorrow to tie the matrimonial knot.

Those reviewers judging this doc based on their personal feelings about the "mail order bride" business are really missing the point. This film isn't out to make value judgements. But is instead a subtle, insightful and often hilarious look at the human condition. Subjects such as loneliness, desire and gender expectations are touched on as these people go about trying to find love, companionship and/or financial security. These folks are depicted as real human beings, warts and all. The situtions they put themselves are often difficult and hilarious. But still they keep on striving.

I'm in a white/Latina intercultural marriage myself. But the circumstances of how we met were totally different. For example, my wife, who is originally from Ecuador, had already been living in the United States for many years. She was economically independent and had her permanent resident card so there were no "ulterior motives" in our meeting. In fact, she had purposedly avoided dating non Latinos, considering the language and cultural barriers too high. But apparently my charms were irresistible (ha,ha) and she finally agreed to date me. We went out for 2 years and have now been married for 3 years. Being in an intercultural marriage can be difficult at times. But we love each other, have compatiable personalites and are, for the most part, happily married. We both thoroughly enjoyed waching this doc, often laughing at the odd circumstances but still wishing these people the best. Highly recommended!"

SEDATELY CHARMING AND ENTERTAINING

Michael W. Kennedy | Dallas, TX United States | 05/25/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"COWBOY DEL AMOR is a documentary film which disarms the viewer immediately with the cowboy charm of Ivan Thompson who, in his boots and hat, serves as a matchmaker between Mexican women and American men. The camera follows Mr. Thompson and two American clients as they take a bus deep into Mexico to interview Mexican women. The dramatic tension in DEL AMOR is in wondering if the interviewers will like each other and, if they do, will a match work? Almost as fascinating are the shots of Mexican towns and countryside, the scenes of Mexican family life, the comparatively stiff family scene of one of the American suitors, and the back story of Mr. Thompson himself who also married a Mexican woman. A sedate night at the movies, COWBOY DEL AMOR is nevertheless charming and entertaining."