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Crime drama

Chicuarotes (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Chicuarotes (2019) movie poster

Chicuarotes is a 2019 crime drama directed by Gael García Bernal, starring Benny Emmanuel as Cagalera, Gabriel Carbajal and Enoc Leaño. It runs 1 hour 35 minutes and earned $1.2 million worldwide. Its Echo Score is 60/100.

worldwide gross
$1.2M
Echo Score
60
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Chicuarotes (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 35m (95 min)
Genres
Crime , Drama
Original language
Spanish
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Chicuarotes About?

The premise of Chicuarotes without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Two teenagers, Cagalera and Moloteco, living in San Gregorio Atlapulco, dream of escaping their difficult lives. Hearing of a chance to join the electrician’s union, which promises a better future, they find themselves drawn into the criminal underbelly of Mexico City. Their pursuit of this opportunity leads them down a dangerous path as they navigate a world of adults and crime, all in the hope of securing their freedom and a chance at a different life.

Chicuarotes Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • teenage boy
  • gay slur
  • gay
  • gay character
  • male star appears in underwear
  • secretly gay
  • closeted gay
  • effeminate gay man
  • bus
  • clown
  • gun
  • robbery
+38 more
  • theft
  • pushed into water
  • brother sister relationship
  • father son relationship
  • aquarium
  • kidnapping
  • rape
  • axolotl
  • mexico city
  • mariticide
  • one word title
  • teenager
  • teenage protagonist
  • man wears a tank top
  • racial slur
  • busker
  • busking
  • friendship between boys
  • friend
  • best friend
  • pointing a gun at someone
  • teenage criminal
  • criminal
  • stolen wallet
  • criminal as protagonist
  • thief
  • thief as protagonist
  • antihero
  • robber
  • juvenile delinquent
  • juvenile delinquency
  • money
  • stolen money
  • stolen wristwatch
  • loot
  • sitting on a toilet
  • counting money
  • money counting
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Cast & crew

Chicuarotes Cast & Characters

Benny Emmanuel leads the cast as Cagalera, with Gabriel Carbajal as Moloteco and Enoc Leaño as Baturro. Directed by Gael García Bernal; 21 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Chicuarotes

· 17 more
Show all 21 cast members
From the director

More from Gael García Bernal

More films directed by Gael García Bernal: Revolución and 8.

Full filmography
Ratings

Chicuarotes Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 60/100, strongest in character & emotion (75) and weakest in art & craft (45).

60 /100

Chicuarotes Echo Score Breakdown

Chicuarotes presents a polarizing experience that divides critics and audiences alike. While its gritty portrayal of marginal Mexican life resonates strongly with many viewers, technical execution and narrative cohesion receive frequent criticism. The film's raw realism and thematic ambition are acknowledged, yet shortcomings in direction and pacing limit its broader appeal. Consequently, its overall impact settles in the low‑mid range.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 45

    In terms of direction and visual craftsmanship, the film elicits mixed responses. Critics point to uneven tone, clumsy cinematography, and a lack of cohesive editing, whereas a few praise emerging technical maturity and purposeful shot composition. User commentary rarely addresses these elements directly, leaving the artistic execution perceived as inconsistent. Overall, the art and craft score reflects notable weaknesses.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When it comes to character depth and emotional resonance, the consensus leans positive. Viewers highlight the complex dilemmas faced by protagonists, noting compelling performances that evoke empathy despite moral ambiguity. Critics acknowledge the risk of engaging with flawed characters, yet appreciate the effort. The combination of nuanced portrayals and audience connection yields a strong character score.

  • Story & Flow 65

    Storywise, Chicuarotes delivers a raw, unflinching narrative that divides opinion. Critics criticize a disjointed screenplay and tonal inconsistency, describing it as uneven and overly bleak. Conversely, many users commend its authentic depiction of urban hardship and its unsettling realism, even if the plot can feel oppressive. This blend of praise and critique situates the story score in the moderate range.

  • Sensory Experience 55

    Regarding sensory experience, feedback is limited but varied. Some critics note effective shot planning and emerging technical skill, while others remain silent on sound design or musical elements. Audience remarks focus more on thematic impact than auditory or visual style, resulting in an ambiguous perception of the film's sensory qualities. The score reflects this moderate uncertainty.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    The rewatch factor appears ambivalent. Viewers express a strong desire to revisit the film for its realistic portrayal and emotional intensity, yet acknowledge that its bleakness and unresolved ending may deter repeat viewings. Critics are largely dismissive of its lasting appeal, offering few endorsements for re‑engagement. Consequently, the rewatch score occupies a balanced middle ground.

Plot

Chicuarotes Plot Summary

What happens in Chicuarotes from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Two teenagers, Cagalera and Moloteco, live in San Gregorio Atlapulco, a poor neighborhood in Mexico City, and they dream of a better life as they try different paths to escape poverty.

They first appear dressed as clowns on a city bus, cracking jokes and trying to earn money. When the passengers don’t pay, they pull a gun to force them, setting a dangerous tone for what’s to come.

[Cagalera] lives with his mother, younger sister, and a gay brother. His mother is in a relationship with Baturro, an abusive drunk who dominates the household. He longs to leave the town with his girlfriend, Sugehili, who works as a hairdresser and seems to represent a doorway to a different life.

Full summary

The whole story of Chicuarotes, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Chicuarotes Box Office

Chicuarotes grossed $1.2 million worldwide.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$1.2M

International
$1.2M
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Chicuarotes?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
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  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What are the names of the two teenage protagonists?

Details

Chicuarotes Also Known As

3 alternative titles, including “逃离小镇” and “Бунтари”.

Also known as
  • 逃离小镇
  • Бунтари
  • 치쿠아로테스

Seen Chicuarotes?

FAQ

Chicuarotes FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Chicuarotes, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Chicuarotes?

Chicuarotes runs 1 hour 35 minutes (95 minutes).

When was Chicuarotes released?

Chicuarotes was released on May 16, 2019.

Who directed Chicuarotes?

Chicuarotes was directed by Gael García Bernal.

More films by Gael García Bernal

Who is in the cast of Chicuarotes?

Chicuarotes stars Benny Emmanuel as Cagalera, Gabriel Carbajal as Moloteco and Enoc Leaño as Baturro, among 21 credited actors.

How much did Chicuarotes make at the box office?

Chicuarotes grossed $1.2 million worldwide.

Does Chicuarotes have a post-credit scene?

No. Chicuarotes has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Chicuarotes in?

The original language of Chicuarotes is Spanish.

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