The Guadalajara Reporter

New movie recreates Mexico’s most famous victory

A major new movie hits cinemas across the nation Friday, documenting Mexico’s unlikely victory over the French invaders in Puebla on May 5, 1862.

Produced at a cost of over 80 million pesos, “Cinco de Mayo: La Batalla” will be released simultaneously in Mexico and the United States on May 3.

“We’re used to cheering heroes from other countries, mainly the United States, but it’s time to cheer for our own,” said director Rafa Lara at the film’s premiere in Puebla earlier this month. “I hope the film works well and make Mexicans feel inspired, proud of our cinema and our country,” he added.

Largely funded by the Puebla state government, the movie was co-produced by Televisa, Churubusco studios and the National Council for Culture and the Arts. It recreates the legendary battle in which 4,000 Mexican soldiers led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin defeated some 8,000 troops  of the well-equipped French army that had not been beaten in battle for almost 50 years.

Although not a major strategic win in the overall war against the French, which would drag on until 1867, the victory was hugely symbolic, bolstering the Mexican forces with a new found sense of pride and unity. The date is still celebrated every year across Mexico and in many parts of the United States – there perhaps more intensely than Independence Day.