Directed by:
Miguel LittinScreenplay:
Miguel LittinCinematography:
Jorge Stahl Jr.Composer:
Mikis TheodorakisCast:
Gian Maria Volonté, Diana Bracho, Ernesto Gómez Cruz, Patricia Reyes Spíndola, Gabriel Retes, Armando Acosta, Alejandro Parodi, Federico González (more)Plots(1)
Miguel Littin looks back at the bloody beginnings of Chile's labour movement in the 1920s. The Marusia Massacre of 1925 was when president Arturo Alessandri ordered the army to slaughter hundreds of workers, ending the saltpetre miners strike. Littin turned this into a drama of groups: it's a film about miners, soldiers and capitalists acting in the interest of big business. The lone individual to stand out is Gregorio, a labour activist played by Gian Maria Volonté. This casting was an obvious point of reference for Littin, Volonté was a communist and the most famous face of Italy's popular political cinema. Another iconic name found among the crew is Mikis Theodorakis who wrote the music for the film – it evokes the Mexican Revolution-sound of Italian Westerns. Actas de Marusia is a film made in the spirit of international solidarity for a world audience. It's a film about Chile then and now, and about all the other countries where the workers were and are, denied even the most basic rights. So be aware, dear cinephiles: this part of history is of the utmost importance for all of you – nitrate is made out of saltpetre. (International Film Festival Rotterdam)
(more)Cast
Salvador Sánchez
Mexico
Best movies:
Salvador (1986)
Hell (2010)
Letters from Marusia (1976)
Max Kerlow
Best movies:
Letters from Marusia (1976)
Cabeza de Vaca (1991)
Frida, naturaleza viva (1983)
Marianne Sauvage
Best movies:
Letters from Marusia (1976)
Guillermo Gil
Mexico
Best movies:
Letters from Marusia (1976)
Herod's Law (1999)
Nadie hablará de nosotras cuando hayamos muerto (1995)
Jorge Santoyo
Best movies:
Letters from Marusia (1976)
Cabeza de Vaca (1991)
Missing (1982)
Manuel 'Flaco' Ibáñez
Best movies:
Letters from Marusia (1976)
Como Caído Del Cielo (2019)
The Infernal Rapist (1988)
Ramiro Ramírez
Best movies:
Letters from Marusia (1976)
Under the Volcano (1984)
Romero (1989)