For anyone wondering why the Mexican government has permitted Mexico City to become the most populous city in the world when it can barely support even one half its population decently, this film and films like it provide the welcome news that the government has been doing what little it can to discourage the emigration of poor rural people to the high-altitude, swampy city that suffers from catastrophic air pollution and the ever-present possibility of even more catastrophic volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. In the story, even a respectably middle-class man and his family can only barely get by in the brutal city. Dr. Antonio Arenas, a widowed doctor, has moved with his family to the crowded city after gaining a position at a large and prestigious hospital. Once there, he discovers that he is supposed to keep his position by turning a blind eye to all sorts of illegal and unscrupulous schemes or -- worse -- becoming actively involved in them. One infuriating and difficult situation after another arises, until he suffers a terrible tragedy.
by Clarke Fountain
synopsis
