The boys uphold a macho façade that is synonymous with their masculinity and image. They value their masculinity; they are afraid to tarnish it with simple acts of affections. They have no problem with sleeping with each other’s girlfriends, or masturbating together at at their local clubhouse. The young boys have become so close that they perform actions most people attempt behind closed doors. But once they both sleep with Luisa, they cannot escape that they have tarnished their masculinity, and leave their destined journey. They can not overcome the idea of sleeping together because an ideal machismo would never involve any other men, only women. Machismo is engrained with Mexican culture because many stories of the past display a man’s dominance and bravery. The societal idea of manhood is challenged when they share an intimate moment, and the boys retract because of their fear of society’s judgments. They fear they may exude feminine qualities among a society that values heterosexuality. Their friendship deteriorates because of young and reckless act. The surrounding aspects of society depict to the audience a different side of Mexico. The side where they celebrate their sexual conquests with women and distaste of homosexuality. Julio and Tenoch come from comfortable lifestyles of leisure and pleasure. In the beginning when the young boys say good-bye to their …show more content…
Luisa begins off as a naïve, passive woman with her cheating husband and happy façade. She attempts to be picturesque and perfect for the world. Through the film, she alters to a sensitive, yet brave woman. She begins to display her emotions when she cries about her marriage, but is able to move on to better aspects of life. She is aware of her terminal illness, but continues to travel and enjoy life to the fullest. She becomes a woman no longer trapped in the shadows of a convential wife. She is sexually free, emotionally free and reckless. Tenoch and Juno realize they must face reality and the affects of their actions. They are no longer able to be friends because they can not surpass that they both performed sexual acts together. They realize that the games and the fun are over. In the end, they follow their paths and continue to college. Even though, in the beginning they did not desire to pursue those