
Ixcanul (2015) is a Guatemalan film that tells the story of a young Mayan woman, Maria, who is living in a rural village near an active volcano. The film follows Maria as she navigates the complex social and cultural expectations of her community, as well as her own desires.
One of the most powerful aspects of Ixcanul is its frank and honest portrayal of sexuality. Maria is a young woman coming of age in a society that is deeply conservative and traditional. Her parents are determined to arrange a marriage for her, but Maria is determined to make her own decisions about her life.
The film does not shy away from depicting the sexual moments in Maria's life. We see her sneaking away to meet her lover, a young man from the city. We also see her exploring her own sexuality, as she discovers her own body and pleasure. These moments are portrayed with a frankness and honesty that is rarely seen in films.
The film also explores the power dynamics between Maria and her lover. We see her struggle to assert her own desires, while also trying to navigate the expectations of her family and community. This struggle is a powerful reminder of the challenges that young women face in many societies.
Ixcanul is a powerful and moving film that offers an honest and frank portrayal of sexuality. It is a reminder of the importance of allowing young women to make their own decisions about their lives, and to explore their own sexuality without fear or shame.
One sex scene shown. No nudity, both are shown waist up fully clothed.
Two bath scenes with mother and daughter bathing together naked. Most nudity obscured. In first scene daughter's breasts shown very briefly. In second scene mother's shown briefly.