Chicuarotes (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
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.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 35m (95 min)
- Director
- Gael García Bernal
- Original language
-
Spanish
- Studio
- La Corriente del Golfo
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
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 Show fewer
- 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
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.
-
Director Gael García Bernal
- Benny Emmanuel as Cagalera
- Gabriel Carbajal as Moloteco
-
Enoc Leaño as Baturro - Leidi Gutiérrez as Sugehili
Also Starring in Chicuarotes
· 17 more- Ricardo Abarca Planchado
- Daniel Giménez Cacho Chillamil
- Dolores Heredia Tonchi
- Mayra Sérbulo Cuácuaro's Mother
- Pedro Peirano 31 minutos characters (voice) (archive) (uncredited)
- Rodrigo Salinas 31 minutos characters (voice) (archive) (uncredited)
- Daniel Castro 31 minutos characters (voice) (archive) (uncredited)
- Jani Dueñas 31 minutos character (voice) (archive) (uncredited)
- Álvaro Díaz González 31 minutos characters (voice) (archive) (uncredited)
- Alejandro de la Rosa Carnicero
- Pedro Joaquín Víctor
- Kaarlo Isaacs Barria Carnicero' Son
- Jessica Perez Dulce
- Esmeralda Ortiz Güily
- Luis Enrique Basurto Churrizo
- Leobardo Vargas Zaid
Show all 21 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Saúl Mercado Karina
More from Gael García Bernal
More films directed by Gael García Bernal: Revolución and 8.
Chicuarotes Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 60/100, strongest in character & emotion (75) and weakest in art & craft (45).
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.
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
Chicuarotes Box Office
Chicuarotes grossed $1.2 million worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$1.2M
- International
- $1.2M
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What are the names of the two teenage protagonists?
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?
Movies Like Chicuarotes
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Guacho, Matinée and Clandestinos.
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.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
