La Casa Mas Grande nel Mundo
La Casa Mas Grande nel Mundo is a story of growth, of giant responsibility thrust upon the small shoulders of a young girl and her struggle to meet its mammoth demands. Our protagonist is Rocío, a young Mayan Mam Indian girl, who lives with her mother and grandmother in the inhospitable mountain Sierra de los Cuchumantanes. The triad of women survive from the money they earn from a flock of sheep.
It is an unforgiving life, which has mother and daughter scaling mountainous terrain to maintain their livestock. Rocío’s mother is heavily pregnant; after returning from a gruelling day of herding the sheep, she falls into an early labour. Rocío is thrust into the adult sphere as she finds herself in charge of her family’s livelihood. She must drive the sheep across the mountain pasture on her own. Her mother warns her that “this is not a game”, but Rocío is young and as of yet unaware of the harsh reality that she occupies.
La Casa Mas Grande nel Mundo is a beautiful film, its mountainous setting lending itself to an abundance of breathtaking wide-angle shots. The nakedness of the landscape and its unforgiving nature stands in contrast to the softness and life of Rocío.
This is a film that exposes the sad truth of children in such circumstances: that they must grow up much quicker than they would like. Rocío must divest herself of childishness and set herself upon the task with all the seriousness it demands. The wonder of childish ignorance is stolen from her; when she returns home she is wiser and, as her mother notes, “all grown up”. The film ends with the birth of another girl. As the women sit, looking upon the new life, one can’t help but note that La Casa Mas Grande nel Mundo was at one time the story of them all.
Naomi Joseph
La Casa Mas Grande nel Mundo does not yet have a UK release date.
Read more of our reviews and interviews from the festival here.
For further information about Berlin Film Festival 2015 visit here.
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