Aurora Guerro's debut is a one of those rare indie gems where the chemistry and beauty override the low budget. The film is about Yolanda, a nerdy good girl with immigrant parents who burden her with the weight of their expectations that the sacrifices they make will pay off for their daughter. Into her life trips the titular Mari. Mari is Yolanda's neighbour who is also the same age as her. Instead of two protective parents she has a single mom desperate to make ends meet. Yolanda is seen as a burn out by those around her. But Yolanda (dubbed Mosquita by Mari because of the way she hovers around watching Mari) sees something different. The two quickly strike up an innocent friendship with Mari becoming more academically inclined while Yolanda cuts loose a little. Under it all though begins to flirt the feeling that this could turn into a little something more...It is a beautiful touching film and writer/director Guerrero gets so much right. It's especially rare to see a story about Chicana girls that doesn't devolve into stereotype and lets them be quiet, contemplative and dreamy. The only thing slightly holding Guerrero back is the lack of budget which does make the film feel a little cheap and student-filmish in places. Still a great movie and I eagerly anticipate whatever she does next.

Mari is a tough kid who moves into town. Yolanda, a sweet kid and good student with a happy home life, befriends this petty thief and all around grouch. A beautiful friendship blossoms around a backdrop of teenage drama, parental expectation, academic pressures, boys, immigrant communities, financial instability and our protagonists hopes and fears for the future. The director allows the friendship to grown in an organic and quite realistic way.The movie is slow and the director does not spoon-feed the viewer. We are left to read between the lines, something which is facilitated by great (bilingual) performances all around.

After observing low ratings and bad reviews it turned out to be an unexpected surprise. I don't know why this movie was largely ignored. To me it looked more than a fine movie. The director exploited to tell the confusion between friendship and homosexual in the early age of puberty.The cast was very good, it was one of the main reasons for movie to appeal. This lesbian movie had some of great emotional scenes over the struggle of daily life. Especially about the immigrants who find hard to fit in new and rich society. It is not your regular homosexual theme where a girl meets another. Like I said, it briefs some of social problems as well the theme of youngster's first ever relationship when they begin to gain sexual maturity.It is a coming-of-age tale that centers on a relationship between two Latin teenagers Yolanda and Mari. Mari is a new neighbor to YolandaYolanda, who actually becomes her classmate. When they are assigned to be a study partner, their relationship grows stronger and become a thick friends. At a certain point the bond between them confuses over sexuality. After knowing each other's different family background and problems behind that they decide to be friends forever but affection won't stop haunting them.There are many movies with a similar theme I have seen. Movies like 'Water Lilies' and 'Jack and Diane' are very close to it, but takes place at different circumstances. This movie is more outspread on its sub-plot than what lesbian theme usual would offer. What I mean is the movie is not all about sex, in fact, there were none sex scenes. It actually speaks about surrounding of the lesbian concept like family, friends, jobs, struggleness, studies etc. Probably everyone won't enjoy it, but still a decent one though. Hoping the director who debuted with this would make more great movies in the near future, wish her a good luck.

This film perfectly depicted the confusion and desire of two teenage lesbians. The way it begins and flows is so real and subtle. The acting, particularly of the two young girls is really well done. I enjoyed this film and am very glad I stumbled upon it.With all the talk in political circles about immigration it was very pleasant to see a portrayal of some very good solid loving Mexican families. Films like this are important to expand peoples at times stereotypical views.The use of music is very effective and pleasurable throughout the film.It was also not a typical portrayal of young lesbian love. The girls seem to not really understand what is happening to them and the film does a lovely job at keeping their characters devoted friends and not just objects of lust. In fact it keeps you wondering if this love will remain unrequited?