Manual de principiantes para ser presidente

Manual de principiantes para ser presidente is a 2016 Spanish-Mexican political-comedy film that provides a humorous, sharp, and satirical look at politics and power. The film is directed by Salim Nayar and showcases exceptional performances from a versatile cast including Melissa Barrera, Amaia Salamanca, and Unax Ugalde.

The movie unfolds in the turbulent environment of Mexican politics, where corruption, deception, and power games are the order of the day. The narrative centers around a young and idealistic political science professor (Unax Ugalde) who finds himself thrown unexpectedly into the gritty world of politics when he's hired by a charismatic and cunning presidential candidate (Amaia Salamanca) as her campaign strategist.

The protagonist, a seemingly naïve academic is, at first, amazed and thrilled by his sudden ascent into the world of political power. Ugalde’s character is charmingly idealistic, and his inexperience and innocence provide a sharp contrast to the cutthroat world of politics he finds himself in. His passionate belief in the power of democracy and the necessity for clean politics initially blinds him from the murky realities of Mexico's political landscape.

On the other hand, Salamanca’s character – the sharp, charismatic, and ambitious presidential candidate – embodies the grim characteristics of realpolitik. Her desire to secure power and her willingness to go to any lengths to achieve it highlights the all-too-real compromises and moral dilemmas that can often accompany political campaigns. Salamanca delivers a powerful performance, presenting a character that is at once charming and alarming.

In juxtaposition, we see Melissa Barrera in a supporting role as a strong, principled journalist determined to fight the system and expose the truth. She lends a resilient spirit to the plot, serving as both an external challenge and a moral compass for Ugalde’s wayward character.

As the campaign advances, the film uncovers the dark side of politics, revealing a world teeming with betrayal, manipulation, and backroom deals. The idealistic academician is faced with decisions that force him to question his core beliefs and values. Ugalde’s transformation from a wide-eyed idealist to a cynical player forms the engaging arc of the narrative.

The film captures the harsh reality of politics where ethics are often compromised for power. The storyline rolls out in a way that keeps the viewers hooked as they grapple with questions of morality, ethics, and principles. The dynamic character relationships and the internal ethical struggles of the protagonists make for an engaging watch.

The background score and the cinematography also play a crucial role in carrying forward the narrative of the film. The cinematography captures the stark contrast between the professor's clean academic world and the dirty and gritty world of political power. The suspense in the background score amplifies the tension and tone of the film.

Aside from its dramatic elements, ‘Manual de principiantes para ser presidente’ is also full of dark humor and biting satire that wonderfully critique the political system. The plot highlights the stark contrast between the romanticized notion of democracy and its sordid reality, while attempting to spark a decent on what it truly means to be a leader.

In summation, 'Manual de principiantes para ser presidente' crafts a compelling narrative that cleverly juxtaposes idealism and cynicism, ethics and power, and truth and deception. The sterling performances, engaging plot twists, and incisive commentary on the political system make it a must-watch.

Besides being a political satire, it does not shy away from delving deep into the philosophical dilemma of choosing between ambition and morality, presenting viewers with thought-provoking insight into the human condition. It is indeed a refreshing detour from traditional Mexican Cinema that provides entertainment along with raising awareness of contemporary political issues.