Adventure,Crime,Drama,Mystery,Western
France,United States of America
The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada is a 2005 American neo-Western film directed by Tommy Lee Jones. The film follows the story of Pete Perkins (played by Tommy Lee Jones), a ranch foreman in southwestern Texas who is devastated by the murder of his close friend and ranch hand Melquiades Estrada (played by Julio Cedillo) by a corrupt border patrolman, Mike Norton (played by Barry Pepper).
Feeling a strong sense of duty towards his friend, Perkins decides to give Estrada a proper burial in his hometown in Mexico and seeks out Norton, kidnaps him and forces him to accompany him on the journey to Mexico. Perkins and Norton's journey is an arduous one, as they have to navigate treacherous terrain, shallow rivers, and hostile locals.
Along the way, we learn about the backstory of Estrada and the various connections that he had with those in the story. We are also introduced to the themes of racism, immigration, and injustice that are prevalent in the border regions of the United States.
Throughout the film, there are various flashbacks that help to flesh out the story and give us insight into the characters and their motivations. The film features an outstanding cast, and both Tommy Lee Jones and Barry Pepper deliver standout performances.
The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada is a powerful film that is both a modern-day western and a poignant commentary on social and political issues in America's border regions. The film was critically acclaimed and won several awards, including Best Actor for Tommy Lee Jones at the Cannes Film Festival.
