Sexo Pudor Y Lágrimas (Sex, Shame and Tears)

An enormous step up from Mexican soap operas in terms of depth, realism, and performances, this psychosexual dramedy roundelay about unhappy couples, interloping ex-lovers, love triangles, and a mix-match of breakups and brief encounters is nonetheless a soap opera all the same. Writer-director Antonio Serrano makes his six main characters too ready to cheat, too quick to anger, and too eager to forgive, providing the film with so many ups and downs it might make you seasick. The story shows  promise halfway through when, fed up with the opposite sex, all three men end up living in one high-rise apartment and all three women in another--directly across a bustling Mexico City street from each other--and frustration and teasing from balconies quickly ensues. But the boo-hoo tales of romantic misery from, for instance, the handsome, coked-up, philandering yuppie who habitually cheats on his suppressed ex-model wife, or the nymphomaniac whose nebbish boyfriend has interests of higher priority than sex are rather unsympathetic (and while the characters are all equally dysfunctional, none of them are messed up in an especially compelling or entertaining way). Still, the sextet of stars bring these characters vividly to life, which keeps the film engaging enough for viewers with high tolerance levels, but most will think this bunch just needs to pull themselves together and get on with their lives. Optional. (R. Blackwelder)