Tigers Are Not Afraid
Tigers Are Not Afraid

Movie spotlight

Tigers Are Not Afraid

2017
Movie
83 min
Spanish

When her mother suddenly disappears with no one to care for her, young Estrella ends up on the street and joins a gang of children, triggering a dangerous and tragic chain of events.

Insights

IMDb6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes97%
Metacritic79/100
Google Users86%
Director: Issa LópezGenres: Horror, Fantasy, Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

In a town ravaged by cartel violence, a group of orphaned children are given three magical wishes. Estrella, a young girl haunted by her mother's disappearance, finds herself entangled with a gang of street kids who are trying to survive. As they navigate the brutal reality of their world, the children discover that the wishes come with a terrible price, blurring the lines between fantasy and the horrific truths of their lives.

Critical Reception

Tigers Are Not Afraid was met with widespread critical acclaim, lauded for its unique blend of dark fantasy, social commentary, and visceral horror. Critics praised director Issa López for her masterful storytelling and the film's powerful performances, particularly from its young cast. It is widely regarded as one of the most original and impactful horror films of its decade, resonating with audiences for its poignant exploration of childhood trauma amidst extreme violence.

What Reviewers Say

  • A hauntingly beautiful and terrifying fairy tale that blends horror with social commentary.

  • Praised for its strong direction, imaginative storytelling, and the raw performances of its young actors.

  • An unflinching look at the impact of violence on children, imbued with a sense of dark magic and resilience.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's emotional impact, with many finding it both scary and profoundly moving. Viewers appreciated its originality and the way it tackles difficult themes with a unique blend of fantasy and realism. Some noted the film's darkness but overwhelmingly praised its artistry and storytelling.

Awards & Accolades

Won multiple awards at film festivals including Fantasia International Film Festival (Best Director, Best Actress for Paola Lara) and Sitges Film Festival (Best Director). Nominated for numerous international awards.

Fun Fact

Director Issa López initially envisioned the film as a more traditional fairy tale, but the escalating reality of violence in Mexico compelled her to incorporate darker, more grounded elements to reflect the true experiences of children in such environments.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
Sheldon Nylander

Sheldon Nylander

“Tigers Are Not Afraid” is at once heartbreaking, horrifying, and brilliant. The movie follows Estrella, a young girl caught in the middle of the Mexican drug war who, after being taught about fairy tales in school, is given three wishes. B...