The Short and Incredible Life of Pedro Infante
Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 05/26/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In Televisa's last episode of their Mexico Siglo Veinte series, they presented "No Parezco a Nadie," a documentary produced, directed and edited by Jaime Kuri, with narration by Pedro Armendariz. For the TV production, there is an added introduction that explains Mexico's Epoca de Oro in their film industry, and Infante's prominent place in that golden age of cinema. The documentary itself is a wonderful overview of a life that was to go from rags to riches and great fame with many trials and much determination. The film has excellent archival footage, and some amazing photos, and starts with the family house in his birthplace Mazatlan, then on to Guamuchil where he grew up, and the carpinteria where he worked and made his own first guitar. There is a chapter on his passion for flying (he would say "Yo naci para ser aviador"), and also shows rare photos of the head wound he suffered in his 1949 plane accident, with a scar that ran almost around the entire top of his head (he was forced to wear a toupee for his films after this).
The documentary shows choice film clips, many with his most influential director Ismael Rodriguez, and the incredible popularity of their "Nosotros los Pobres" collaboration, as well as some with his 2nd best director Rogelio Gonzalez, and much more. With photos of the 3 major loves in his life it tries to untangle a little of his private life, as well as showing his home, where he kept up his carpentry, as well as giving his friends haircuts, having also been a peluquero in the lean years. The film also details his fatal crash in 1957 and the funeral that put the nation in mourning. In his short but fascinating life, Infante made some of the best films ever made; whether drama, comedy or musical, they touch the heart, and make you laugh and cry. He was one of a kind, and spoke the truth when he said "No Parezco a Nadie" ("I'm Not Like Anyone"), and his star will always shine brightly. Approximately 60 minutes long, no subtitles available."