The Western Movie “Cruzado” Strives for Authenticity in its Portrayal of Mexican and Texan Cultures

The Western Movie “Cruzado” Strives for Authenticity in its Portrayal of Mexican and Texan Cultures. Director Jason Ramirez explains. Movie Trailer included. Set in 1883 in South Texas, two Tejanos, a young man (Marcos) and his uncle (Antonio) from San Ygnacio, TX visit San Antonio at the behest of the young man’s fiancée (Serena) before she will agree to marry him. Upon the return home, the men stop in Tilden, TX and get caught up in a gunfight that leaves two men dead. The only witness is a man from Tilden (Ben), but he does not know the context of what he witnessed. A passing Texas Ranger who hunts bounties (Damien Wells), hears of the incident and decides to pursue them. Ben’s younger brother (Virgil) convinces the Ranger that he also witnessed the murder. The pursuit starts in Tilden, TX on their way to San Ygnacio on the Mexican border. Each character has their own background which is explored through rich dreams and flashbacks to other eras in Texas History including the state’s rich history in 1836, 1858 and 1878. Set and shot in South Texas, it is an incredible collaboration of actors, historians, reenactors, and filmmakers. Great detail was paid to accuracy not only of costuming, but also of accoutrements, culture, slang, social norms and language.