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Poster for Macario

Macario

Seen it?

1960 | 91 min | Drama, Fantasy

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for fantasy fans. If you loved The Green Mile or Nineteen Eighty-Four, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 31 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in Spanish, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1960: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Poor, hungry peasant Macario longs for just one good meal on the Day of the Dead. After his wife cooks a turkey for him, he meets three apparitions, the Devil, God, and Death. Each asks him to share his turkey, but he refuses all except Death. In return, Death gives him a bottle of water which will heal any illness. Soon, Macario is more wealthy than the village doctor, which draws the attention of the feared Inquisition.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    8.7 out of 10

  • AwardsBelow par

    Nominated for 1 Oscar.

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 22K people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by Roberto Gavaldón

  • Ignacio López TarsoMacario
  • Pina PellicerEsposa de Macario
  • Enrique LuceroLa muerte
  • Mario Alberto RodríguezDon Ramiro
  • José GálvezEl Demonio
  • Eduardo FajardoVirrey
  • Consuelo FrankVirreina
  • José Dupeyrón
  • Celia TejedaChona
  • Luis Aceves CastañedaVerdugo infartado (uncredited)