A film by Luis Estrada.
POLITICAL CONSTITUTION
OF THE UNITED STATES OF MEXICO
HEROD'S LAW
My God, they lynched a mayor just when the president...
...is talking about modernity and social peace.
Don't fuck this up, Lopez.
Don't worry, Mr. Governor.
We've taken the necessary steps to deal with it.
I'm talking about the presidency of Mexico, no less.
If I'm not careful, that asshole Ruiz Cortinez will beat me to it.
I want to get through this clean.
If I don't get at least a ministry, I'm out of the game.
Don't worry, general.
I assure you that you are valuable to the party.
I'm going to be clear about this, Lopez.
If you want to be governor, everything must be resolved.
If people mention our state, they must speak well of it.
You know better than anyone who elects who around here.
If you want my job, don't give me problems like San Pedro.
Lynching a mayor when president Aleman...
...speaks of modernity and social justice.
Don't fuck this up, Ramirez.
Don't worry, licenciado. We'll find someone soon.
This has to be solved today.
I need to arrange things with the governor.
He clearly said that I've been chosen.
Do get looking.
Find me someone not too bright.
He will hold the post for three or four months.
What do you think of him?
Who's he?
The least bad, but he's straight.
He threatened to quit the party.
No, No!
- And this? - That's "Sticky Fingers".
I doubt he'd accept a shitty job like mayor of San Pedro.
And this one that looks like Tin Tan. Vargas?
He's been in the party for years. He joined when I did.
He's a good man. He'll probably accept.
What do you mean "good man"?
I mean he's stupid.
He's the one. Go and get him.
Institutional Revolutionary Party - Juan Vargas.
CLEANING DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR
Hey!
Good morning.
Ramirez?
Ramirez!
Fucking Vargas, you have to call me licenciado now. Okay?
It's been a long time. Is that car yours?
Yes.
Licenciado Lopez sent me. He wants a word with you.
The governor's secretary?
What about?
You're in a fine mess.
Hurry up. He's waiting for us.
Go in.
Wait for me here.
And behave asshole.
Well, tell him I'll call him.
Good afternoon, Vargas.
- It's an honor, licenciado. - Sit down.
I'll be straight with you, Vargas.
As you know, modernity...
...has at last come to our country.
We must embody the ideals of the Revolution...
...make president Aleman's words a reality.
Help the country advance, stamp out corruption...
...especially the mess caused by those who don't agree.
Certain government workers don't understand this.
They took advantage to make business...
...and grow rich at the nation's cost.
This country needs true patriots.
- People like you. - Thanks, licenciado.
I'm going to need your help.
Just tell me who I have to kill.
No, no, Vargas. Times have changed.
You heard what happened in San Pedro de los Saguaros?
The people rioted, there was some kind of problem...
...and there's nobody in charge. We have to appoint...
...a temporary mayor who will keep order until the elections.
Right.
And how can I help, licenciado?
You came short, Ramirez. Don't be a fool, Vargas.
The party has noticed you and I'm informing you...
...that you are to be temporary mayor...
...of San Pedro de los Saguaros.
Mayor? Me?
So you see how the Revolution is fair with people like you.
I trust you totally, Vargas.
I trust you totally.
This is a real opportunity, maybe even the start...
...of a great political career. - That's right, isn't it?
Go to San Pedro and fulfill president Aleman's...
...and governor Sanchez's promises...
Modernity and social justice.
But listen, I don't want any problems.
If they mention San Pedro de los Saguaros...
...in the capital, they'd better say nice things.
No messing things up. Understood?
Don't worry, licenciado. How can I thank you?
Thank the party. Remember:
"We owe everything to the party".
Even better.
Here, take this.
Governor Sanchez himself gave it me...
...so it's sure to bring you good luck. There.
Thank you, licenciado.
Now all you have to do is going to work.
Yes, sir.
Ramirez, brother, thank you.
- Thank you - Licenciado!
Thank you, licenciado. Excuse me, licenciado.
Here you go, Ramirez.
President Aleman gave me this as a gift.
Now it's yours for finding me that fool.
Nothing more and nothing less than mayor, honey.
Finally, after so many years in that party.
It was about time something good happened to us.
Are you happy, sweetheart?
And this is just the start. You'll see.
If I do well, next stop is state deputy.
Then congressman, my golden dream.
Imagine your name on a plaque in the National Congress.
Maybe something else.
Imagine this: Senator and Mrs. Vargas.
That doesn't sound bad.
Not bad at all, Mrs. Senator.
Not bad at all.
Excuse me. How far is it to San Pedro de los Saguaros?
Good afternoon.
Excuse me, do you speak Spanish?
I think we're lost.
How far is it to San Pedro de los Saguaros?
It's right here.
You must be the new mayor.
I've been waiting for you since yesterday.
I am Carlos Pek, your secretary.
Juan Vargas, at your service.
President Aleman and governor Sanchez sent me...
...to bring modernity and social justice.
We've arrived.
Welcome madam.
Here?
TOWN HALL
You should go and see your office, Juan.
What for? This is enough for me.
A fucking little backwater.
We're better off in the garbage dump.
No, don't say that.
You were nobody at the dump, here you are the chief.
You are the mayor.
Didn't you hear how they even called you licenciado?
He did call me licenciado, didn't he?
Yes!
Do you honestly think we are better off here?
Of course, honey.
Don't you see? Here we're important people.
This is just the start, but we have to be very, very...
...smart.
Good morning.
Pek? Pek?
Word is out that there's a new mayor.
Everyone wants theirs affairs deal with.
Please tell them I'll see them later.
Alright, let's get to work.
What's this, Pek?
Unresolved matters, licenciado.
There are many others, but these are the most urgent.
These are agrarian problems, this is the...
You know something, Pek? We should take a stroll...
...so I can get to know the place. Don't you think so?
The village is very small, licenciado.
We come to less than 100 inhabitants...
...most of us are Indians who...
...have lived here all our lives.
Good morning.
Don't be offended, licenciado.
They are good people...
...but most of them...
...don't even speak Spanish.
Really?
Don't they learn it at school?
Licenciado.
Look.
That was the school.
What happened?
They built in the days of Tata Cardenas.
When the government changed...
...They stopped paying the teacher and one day he left.
The same old story licenciado.
What about the doors, the windows and everything?
That was one of your colleagues.
What did he do?
One day, the bastard sold them along with the blackboard...
...benches and everything of value.
Just like that?
He didn't sell the walls 'cause nobody wanted to buy them.
He'd have sold the whole village given the chance.
This has happened with every mayor we've had, licenciado.
Listen, Pek. What happened to my predecessor?
Why did he quit?
Licenciado.
Didn't they tell you?
They cut his head off with a machete!
What?
They cut it off, and that's not the end of the story...
...of the mayors of San Pedro.
Another was hanged, another almost burned alive.
Three mayors killed in 5 years.
Why would they send me?
I don't know...
...but they must have done something wrong, right?
Who knows? But...
...just in case.
Good morning.
What's this, Pek?
Manslaughter.
Licenciado Vargas. This is Dr. Morales.
- Pleased to meet you, doctor. - Six bullets.
This, like all the problems in San Pedro...
...is due to that brothel. I suppose you know it.
No, No...
Whit this are eight dead men, not counting the diseases...
...half the village is infected with.
Something must be done about that place!
Don't worry, doctor. I'll take the necessary steps to close...
It's your duty!
I've only arrived. I promise...
Look, it's very easy.
Do your job and I assure you everything will be fine.
If not, I promise you'll regret ever coming to San Pedro.
Who's this man, Pek?
Dr. Morales is someone to watch out for, licenciado.
He's been the PAN candidate for mayor four times...
...and always complains about fraud.
Can you believe it?
From now on, he's going to be your worst nightmare.
So it seems.
You can't imagine it.
What shall we do, Pek?
He had no relatives.
I suppose it's up to us.
We don't open until eight.
I want to speak with your boss.
She's sleeping.
Tell her it's the new mayor.
Wait here.
She says you can come in.
Miss, ah, how much are you charging?
What can I do for you?
Good morning. Sorry to wake you up at this hour, dona...
- Doņa Lupe. - Juan Vargas, at your service.
Sit down, licenciado. You get lost.
Sit down.
Fancy a drink?
Not during working hours.
Well, a little shot never did any harm.
So you're the new mayor.
At your service, madam.
And the thing is.
How can I say?
Seems that a few people aren't happy about your business.
Ah, licenciado, you're just like the others...
...coming here for your bribe, right?
No, madam, nothing of the kind.
- It's just that people... - People or Dr. Morales?
That old son of a bitch won't leave me alone.
He turns the Indians and everyone against me.
It's not just the doctor. There's a corpse outside.
Someone who was shot here yesterday.
A corpse?
No, licenciado, someone's pulling your leg.
- Nothing happened here. - The thing is...
No, licenciado, everything is in order.
Don Alfredo Garcia who was mayor before you...
...gave me all the permits.
Are you going to take this or not?
No, madam. There are things which one can't do.
Why the hell not? You're all the same, licenciado.
You're not telling me you're different.
No, dona Lupe, how can you say that?
I must shut this place down for the good of the village.
Look, you fucking idiot.
Let's stop this right now. If you have anything else to say...
...tell it to the priest. He calls the shots here.
- The priest? - Yes, the priest, you heard me.
- Get out of here! - Excuse me for bothering you.
- Get out. - Excuse me.
- Get going. - Goodbye.
And you, idiots. Get inside. What are you doing there?
Excuse me, madam.
Dona Lupe, what about the corpse?
Stick it up your ass!
Let's see, pal.
There you go.
You said so yourself, father.
The flesh is weak and there is much temptation.
Yes, but you get carried away.
- But, father, you know. - What does your husband say?
Nothing. He doesn't pay me any attention.
Ego te absolvum.
For penitence say 3 Holy Fathers and 3 Hall Marys.
Oh, and give me a peso for everyone of your sins.
- Good morning. - Good morning.
Chencha.
May I help you?
Good morning, Father.
I'm Juan Vargas, at your service. The new mayor.
I know that. I was going to come and see you, but...
...I've had a lot of work. What can I do for you?
I've got a lot of problems, father.
- Spiritual ones? - I wish they were.
I've got a corpse outside. I just saw dona Lupe.
- She told me to talk to you. Not in here.
We better go outside.
Hey, my son...
...how much does a Packard like this go for?
I really don't know, father.
But what shall we do about the corpse? He's starting to stink.
That's the authorities' problem. I just do the blessing.
What about the brothel, father?
Dona Lupe said you'd given her permission.
Ah, dona Lupe!
Did you two work something out?
What?
Did you come to an agreement?
Father, I'm not like that.
- Ah, come on. - I swear it, father.
Don't swear!
You think this shepherd doesn't know his flock?
Well, she did make me an offer, but that's not why I came...
...to San Pedro de los Saguaros.
You should've taken the money.
San Pedro lacks many things...
...and dona Lupe performs an important social function.
That's five pesos for the blessings.
Thanks, father.
Being mayor is exhausting, Pek.
I never imagined it would be so difficult.
It's been a bad day, licenciado.
But don't give up. It's a matter of solving the problems...
...bit by bit.
You know what? Just before I came here, I heard a speech...
...by the president that gave me someone ideas, it could work.
Tell me what you think.
First...
...we'd have to fix the school.
Then pave the streets, install drainage.
People just shit in...
If you'll allow me a few words, licenciado.
Wait. Don't distract me, I'll loose the ideas.
Something grand so that people will remember us.
A dam or a highway linking San Pedro de los Saguaros...
...to the capital. What do you think?
They're great ideas, licenciado...
...but there's a problem.
What?
Seven pesos.
It's all that's left of the budget.
The last mayor...
...he spent it.
And since then, they haven't given us anything.
I thought maybe they'd sent something with you.
I'm not hungry.
You're not going to solve anything this way, Juan.
We have to think something.
You can't go back to the garbage dump.
Without money I can't do anything.
Go and see licenciado Lopez first thing tomorrow.
Tell him about the problems...
...and ask him for a larger budget.
But he told me he didn't want any problems.
But he didn't tell you where he was sending us either.
Go see him, play the martyr.
Take him a present, that always works.
I know just what to give him.
In conclusion, president Miguel Aleman declared...
...to the workers and peasant's sectors that this devaluation...
...was painful but necessary, and insisted that by facing...
...our problems, we guarantee a bright future for everyone.
No doubt there are people who knows how to do things well.
How can I tell licenciado Lopez I can't do the job?
I'm sticking out my neck.
I'd rather be in your shoes.
Eat and sleep, sleep and eat. Eat and sleep.
That's life.
Fuck it.
- What? - What happened to your car?
That junk heap broke down.
Let's see if I can help you.
Get in.
Start it up.
Stop, stop.
I think the engine's fucked.
Don't tell me.
It can be fixed, but...
...it won't be cheap.
Go ahead. I'll pay anything.
Again, carefully.
He who knows, knows.
What do you say?
How much do I owe you?
Hey, for a Mexican friend, just 100 dollars.
One hundred dollars?
Shit, shit. But I don't have that kind of money.
- Look, this is all I have. - And the pig?
- No, It belongs to my boss. - Well, give me that.
But you'll leave me broke. Look, this is what we'll do.
Go to San Juan de los Camotes, and wait for me there.
I'm the mayor, see?
Emilio Gabriel Fernandez. Figueroa, at your service.
I'll pay you there, okay?
- What? - I said it's okay, pal.
Don't worry. We Mexicans are people of our word.
I'll pay you on time.
Thanks a lot.
Have a good trip.
Fucking gringo, same as the rest.
He wanted to trick us.
But... they don't know that we Mexicans are better fuckers.
What's this, Vargas?
A present from San Pedro de los Saguaros.
Get that swine out of here?
So, what's new?
Well, licenciado, I don't know where to begin.
I'd like to see if it's possible for you...
...to give me a bigger budget.
No, no, Varguitas, no. The elections are coming up...
...and all the funds must go to the party...
...to that there are no surprises.
Ask me for anything. Anything at all, except that. Not now.
Well, since you're giving me the chance.
How about moving me to another town?
Fucking hell, you really turned out to be a wise guy.
No way. It's Herod's Law here.
Either you fuck them or you get fucked.
But there's no money left. This makes it very difficult.
We need so many things.
Imagine if everyone asked me the same as you.
It'd never be enough. When it runs out, it runs out.
To be honest, licenciado, I planned to do as you told me...
...that modernity and social justice stuff, but...
...the truth is, it's difficult.
I'll give you some advice. Sit down.
Here you go.
Those are the federal and state laws.
- Do I have to read it all? - No, no, Vargas.
This will earn you your money.
If you know how to use it, you can get money out of all.
You've got fines, taxes, license fees.
Use the law to your benefit, and you're made.
Remember: In this country, honesty gets you nowhere.
You'll get me into deeper trouble.
They don't respect authority in San Pedro.
Authority?
Come here. I'll show you authority.
Stand here.
Hit me here.
No, no, licenciado.
Go on, man, don't be afraid. Hit me here.
Come here, Vargas.
Did you understand?
I'm your boss. Your superior. Get it?
Anyone who breaks the law is messing with authority.
They'll be punished. I'm the authority.
Got it?
But the people in San Pedro are wild, licenciado.
Did you know they cut the last mayor's head off?
They cut his head off?
That's easily solved.
Take it.
Go on, take it.
If they threaten you with a machete, show them the gun...
...and see if they still give you a hard time.
Keep it, man, keep it. Put it away.
Don't kill anyone.
Remember, everything in this book that says...
...Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Powers... that's you.
The maximum authority of San Pedro of whatever?
De los Saguaros.
San Pedro de los Aguados, you got it.
Go on, and put the gun away.
- Thank you, licenciado. - There you go.
Take this little book and this gun and enforce authority.
Thank you very much.
- Excuse me. - Go ahead.
Gloria!
Sweetheart, I'm back!
- How did it go, my love? - Very well.
Are we moving to another village?
No...
Then they raised your budget?
No, sweetheart, look.
- What's that for? - Lopez gave it to me.
You're going to bring us problems.
No, my love. On the contrary, we'll solve them with this.
I know how, I study the law and learn to use the gun.
Fine, but put it down. It's making me nervous.
My pistol makes you nervous?
"This are crimes against public order: moral offences...
...prostitution...
...endocinity...
...and white slavery".
Sweetheart!
Sweetheart, do you know what "en-do-ci-ni-ty" means?
No, I don't. Let me sleep.
You think I'm stupid?
Always trying to sneak away, bitch!
What were you thinking?
Fuck! I just look away, and you are trying to leave.
What were you thinking?
You think I'm stupid? Get inside, you bitch!
Ungrateful little tarts!
Nobody else would feed the pigs.
- There you go! - Good morning, dona Lupe.
Good morning.
What do you want, bastard?
With all due respect, I have an order to close this house.
According to the penal code, you're breaking several laws.
Selling alcohol without a license.
Involvement in manslaughter...
...plagiarism, kidnapping, "lenocininity".
Rape, corruption of minors, threats...
...violation of the inhumation laws, white slavery...
...plus, beating your employees like that.
Look, this is my property, right, licenciadito?
In my house I'll beat up anyone I fucking like, how about that?
Look, dona Lupe. Here you can read the laws...
I don't give a shit about your fucking laws!
Please, dona Lupe have some respect.
I represent the nation's authority.
- You don't get it! - Dona Lupe...
- You don't get it. Please, dona Lupe.
Please, dona Lupe!
I want us to communicate like decent people. I...
You think you scare me?
You need balls to use that gun, asshole!
Please!
You coward! Come back here, you son of a fucking bitch!
asshole!
You son of bitch!
What's up licenciado?
If they ask for me, tell them I've gone.
No, that I don't work here anymore.
Are you sure it was in the leg?
I think so, sweetheart. Let's go.
So what? That's what your boss told you to do, right?
Yes. Something like that.
You're the authority, honey.
They have to respect you.
It's just that this lady...
Let's see, here.
Get back to work.
- Is your idiot boss in? - It's dona Lupe.
Come in, come in.
Good morning, dona Lupe.
Come in.
How have you been?
Pek, please leave us.
You too, get out.
Go and see if it's raining.
Please, madam.
You're looking very well.
- I wanted to apologize. - Cut the crap, Vargas.
Let's get to the point.
How much do you want to leave me alone?
No, dona Lupe, the law must be obeyed.
Then just look the other way. Here.
Your business is very crooked, dona Lupe.
Only you know that, because you read that huge book.
Here's more money.
You promise nobody will know, dona Lupe? You promise?
Nobody will find out.
So now we understand each other, licenciado.
You're a tougher cookie than I expected.
Let me help you, dona Lupe.
Get off, I can manage.
And you show you I don't bear a grudge, come to the brothel.
I'll invite you one of my girls.
Thank you, dona Lupe, I'll come by.
Nosy little tarts! Look at you!
Afternoon.
"Entry forbidden to Women, Minors, Soldiers in Uniform...
...Animals and Indians".
Fifty?
But how?
I don't make that much.
Well, how much can you manage?
Well...
Maybe twenty, once in a while.
Good.
We'll discuss your takes later, eh?
Thank you.
That sign by the door. It's hard to understand, confusing.
Take it down.
Just look at that.
Pek...
...fine this asshole.
What for, licenciado?
Let me think.
Look him up and we'll decide later.
Don't let him out until he pays a fine of five pesos... no, six.
Juan, come to bed!
What's that?
Nothing.
Where did you get all the money?
It's not mine, don't get me wrong.
It's money from contributions, taxes, fines.
They're saying something else in town.
Especially Dr. Morales.
He's going around saying you're the worst one yet.
Be careful, dear.
That old bastard could ruin everything.
I must tell him that this is for the good of the people.
I got it. Why don't we organize a dinner party...
...and invite all the important people of San Pedro?
We have money now.
That's what all politicians do, right?
Okay.
Whatever you want, dear.
Good evening, friend.
I looked for you everywhere. Where's my money?
How are you doing, Sam?
My name isn't Sam. It's Robert...
Robert Smith. Nice to meet you, madam.
What's this, Juan?
Gloria, this is my friend, Robert.
- He almost saved my life. Hey, I want my money.
You owe me, remember? I want you to pay me now.
It's late and I don't want to be on the road.
No, no way. You stay here with us.
Gloria, fix us some dinner.
They won't say Mexicans are bad hosts.
Alright, I'll stay. And the money?
Look, friend. The country is having economic problems.
We'll talk about it tomorrow. Go and get your things.
Okay.
Where is he going to sleep?
Look, I've got a good proposal for you.
Help me and I swear I'll pay you everything. Plus interest.
What is it?
You play engineer and help me modernize this village.
These people have money under their mattresses.
Yeah, sure, but I want my money.
I'm not talking about 100 dollars...
You could be making a grand of more.
Maybe. But I want 50% of everything that you get.
Fuck!
- I'll give you 20%. Fifty or nothing.
Okay.
As you know, we Mexicans are men of our word.
Here, distrustful paleface. Here it is on paper.
Is it clear about the interest?
Yes, It's all there.
Okay.
Okay, friend.
To our partnership.
What?
Partners. Cheers!
Cheers, partner.
- Tell me, Mr. Gringo. - Yes?
Is it true your countrymen are still very angry about...
...the expropriation of the oil business?
Well, yes, a bit. But they know that in time we'll get it back.
And more. Much more.
What did he said?
He says that in the US they think we're a dictatorship.
- And I agree with him. - The perfect dictatorship!
No, no. Forgive me, but that's why we had a revolution.
In Mexico the vote is respected.
It's not out fault that people always vote for my party.
If there was real democracy in Mexico...
...the president would be a priest.
Don't exaggerate doctor...
...or father Perez here would be governor.
Good idea, my son. Good idea.
And you, you were involved. What do you think, Pek?
To be honest, the Revolution brought many changes.
But we didn't fight it to suit a few politicians.
Unfortunately, the poorest are still just as poor.
Yes, yes, Pek. You're quite right.
Fortunately, we made of the Revolution...
...the basis for our Institutions.
And the country's future has never been brighter.
Please, licenciado, what future are you talking about?
The government is in the hands of a bunch of crooks.
Your boss is the worst of them all.
You are a fine example of the scalawags that govern us.
Tell us, what have you done for the good of San Pedro?
Doctor, let me pour you another drink.
No honey. Sit down.
Ladies...
...gentlemen...
...that is why I've invited you here.
As you know, I went to the capital a few days ago...
...to meet with the secretary of government.
...and discuss the serious problems of the village.
And I would like to inform you that...
...modernity will at last come to San Pedro de los Saguaros.
We'll make the promises of our president Aleman come true.
And how are you going to do this?
I have specific instructions to start right away by bringing...
...electricity to San Pedro.
And here, straight from the US is engineer Robert Smith.
And that's nothing. Once these works are done...
...president Aleman himself will inaugurate them.
Cheers, friends!
How thrilling. Why didn't you tell me before?
Sit down, honey. Cheers!
- Cheers! - Cheers!
- Hey, dear? What?
Didn't you get a bit carried away?
About what?
What you said about electricity and the president.
No, honey. It's all true, I spoke to the governor's secretary.
Tell them to pull harder, Mr. Pek.
As you see, doctor, my party always delivers.
You should have closed that brothel first.
And in good time. First things first.
And the first thing, my friends, is progress.
The future of our nation!
- There's your great work. - Fucking gringo!
Sorry, Mr. Mayor. It was these Indians.
This never happens with American workers.
- Go on! Help them! - Let's try again!
Pull it.
Afternoon, dona Lupe.
You know what day is today?
And where is Esmeralda?
That son of a bitch!
Fucking shameless dwarf!
How does that asshole manage to be so brazen?
You don't have money for taxes. But what about this?
Pay me.
- To you too, idiot! - Take a hike!
What?
Listen, who the hell is going to pay me?
Show me some respect, dona Lupe.
That is one thing, but this is something else.
I'm here for taxes.
How can I pay you, asshole?
Since you came here I've lost all my clients.
Do what you want. I have nothing to pay you with.
Well, dona Lupe, maybe we can work something out.
I'm feeling very romantic.
- Alright, let's go. - No dona Lupe.
Son of a fucking bitch!
You've got no idea how everyone has changed.
The only thing anyone talks about is the president's visit?
What are they saying?
They're very excited about the electricity.
Everyone speaks well about you, love.
They say you're the first mayor...
...who's going to fulfill his promises.
I'm excited too.
Juan, I'm preparing you a surprise...
...so you make a good impression on the president.
What is it?
No, I told you it's a surprise.
I'll show you when It's finished.
Oh, Juan...
...if you keep on like this, you won't be just congressman.
You'll be much more.