Table of ContentsHistorical BackgroundProtagonist Juan OsornoThe Battle of PueblaKey Characters in the FilmInternational RelationsConclusionReferencesCinco de Mayo: La Batalla (May 5: The Battle) is a historically important Mexican film that depicts vividly the events surrounding the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. This iconic battle marked a pivotal moment in Mexican history when the liberal Mexican army, under the command of General Ignacio Zaragoza, successfully defended Puebla against French and Mexican conservatives. strengths. Beyond the battle itself, the film delves into the complex web of historical figures, political motivations, and international dynamics that shaped this critical chapter in Mexican history. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Historical Context To fully appreciate the significance of the Battle of Puebla, one must understand the historical context of 19th-century Mexico. During this period, Mexico was marked by political unrest, notably the War of Reform, led by President Benito Juarez, which aimed to establish a liberal and secular state. However, this reform faced fierce opposition from the conservative faction, which sought to maintain traditional privileges, often supported by the Church. After suffering defeats at the hands of the liberals, conservative forces turned to France, particularly Emperor Napoleon III, for support. Napoleon III saw this as an opportunity to expand French influence and proposed establishing an empire in Mexico. His ambitions extended beyond Mexico; he planned to use the country as a military platform to aid the Confederate States during the American Civil War, a plan that raised concern from President Abraham Lincoln. Victor Hugo's quote at the beginning of the film, "France is not at war against you, but the empire", highlights the distinction between the French Republic and the empire of Napoleon III. This suggests that Hugo thought that France should have remained a republic rather than succumbing to imperial rule. This distinction becomes a central theme of the film. The protagonist, Juan Osorno, a Mexican soldier, appears as the de facto protagonist of the film. which viewers can interact with the historical events. The film features him alongside an execution scene, supposedly depicting Maximilian I, alongside Tomas Mejia and Miguel Miramon – all characters linked to the conservative cause the film takes. creative liberties by instilling a romantic subplot between Osorno and Citlali, a mixed-race man helping his aunt in the Mexican troop Osorno first deserts the army, showing signs of cowardice, but later returns with Citlali, thus becoming. a crucial source of information for General Zaragoza. This romantic element adds a human touch to the story, even if it can be seen as an unnecessary embellishment. Osorno's character also highlights the harsh conditions faced by Mexican soldiers during this era. He comments on their lack of training, preparation and proper equipment, such as uniforms and rifles. His perspective offers insight into the hardships endured by Mexican troops during the war. The Battle of Puebla The Battle of Puebla itself is a highlight of the film, consuming approximately 30 minutes of screen time. The battle scenes are intense, featuring mass shootouts, decapitations, cannon blasts and machetazos. »..