Amores Perros [Life’s a Bitch] (2000)

(In theaters, July 2002) One fatal car accident; three stories. The first one is fascinating, a look at life in low-rent Mexico City where crime is an entirely acceptable option to get ahead. It’s brutal and compelling and you almost hope the entire film will be like that. Alas, the second story isn’t as good, dragging us through the domestic disputes of a high-class couple whose stupid dog won’t emerge from under the false floor of their apartment. The third story is good but far too long, a moralistic tale about an assassin on his last mission. Overall, the film is impressively directed and acted, but feels overlong at more than two hours. Your mileage may vary, especially if you can manage to be interested in the last two stories.