Ya went so far to get water, Casilda?
I didn't wanna wake Maria
Just want'er to have it smooth today
She's turning 15 today, Rutina.
Really?!
Word, she went and got taller all'a sudden on me
How long's it been since Maria came from the fields?
Not even 5 years, pedro.
Yeah, she was so little then. So ya ain't gonna dig through den dumpsters today, huh?
Nah..no no. Today I dedicate the whole day to my god-daughter.
Ya know? May not be'round for another birthday.
Mija, wake up now.
Aww, god-mother! Dat's messed up.
I was all snoozin' jus good and all.
Get dressed now, we gotta go to Father Honorio's church. You're 15 years old now, so ya gotta go confess.
Ya know wut I dreamed of? My quincianera!
My homies and some presents- jus partying it up.
Wut you talking 'bout? Ya ain't never been in no party before.
Yeah, but you said what they be like before. And I did too see one before back when we worked for those fancy-richies.
Well, we gotta go thank the Lord today for all we got from Him.
Aww, come on godmother, what's He given us, huh?
The richies gots it all now. And we ain't got nothin'!
Maria! You trippin' now!
Aight, don't be mad please.
Anyway, and my congratulations for my birthday?
Happy Birthday, mi niña.
You know, now, starting tomorrow, you start actin' good. You is now a lady, not a girl no more.
Yeah, now I can fall in love!
Nah, too soon for that!
Oh, godmother, I want a dude like the one in my dreams. Even though I'm poor and he some richie.
I don't love you anymore.
I'm in love with someone else.
Damn her. DAMN her.
Don't take it so gravely, Luis Fernando.
I need to forget, brother.
Excuses!
Enough, forget bout Brenda already. Some other girl will get your mind off of her.
No, no more love for me.
Enough! Let me live my life Vladimir.
The next girl in my life won't be for love, but to ruin her.
Ya know what, mija, I'm gonna ask Father Honorio to find ya a rich house for work.
Yeah, it's easier than dumpster diving.
Oh, word? Then a house maid I might find me a hunk who'll marry me.
You keep dreaming, mijita.
If that guy from my dream fell in love with me, aahh so nice.
But nah, the richies be hatin' on all us poor folk.
That boy is only in your dreams, Maria.
No, madrina (godmother). He flesh-bone real.
Word, madrinita (godmother)
If you seen his good lookin' self, you'd know it's true.
Where'd you meet some dude like that, Maria?
From Father Honorio's church.
I seen him.
I watched him pray.
He's good and I dig him, madrina (godmother)
He's not seen me yet, though.
He hasn't, madrina.
Mary (Virgin), allow a miracle, that he will notice me.
You're collapsing.
Stop lecturing me, Vladimir.
You're causing our parent's to suffer, Luis Fernando.
I don't care about that!
The only you care about now is Brenda.
Stop mentioning her!
You haven't seen Luis Fernando?
No.
You know that.
It's been a bout a year since you dumped him.
Oh, you know me...I'm not a one man kind of girl.
Plus, I'm not going to spend my time chasing after daddy's boy.
I'd rather an old man loaded with dough, like the one I have now.
You're bad.
That's not to say that what's between Luis Fernando and me is completely over.
What do you mean, Brenda?
That at any moment, I can get back in his life.
Luis Fernando will go back to same old thing. Wandering around this house like some distraught soul.
Irritable and cynical and filled with bitterness.
Tia (Aunt) Victoria, don't be so extreme.
My brother, Luis Fernando, has changed so much. He's someone else now.
Vladimir told me over the phone that he's still petulant.
What will we do when Luis Fernando comes back to Mexico?
Let's see if I can...distract him a little, Tia (Aunt).
I sure hope so, Soraya.
Well, we'll see if he allows that.
Luis Fernando will be happy again the day that he stops hating women.
Of my three kids he's the only one who's unhappy.
It's all that Brenda's fault.
I hope God punishes her!
Victoria, whatever she may suffer will not deliver us from the anguish we suffer.
Besides, it is not her fault that our son is some weakling who's incapable of facing adversities in life.
Well, excuse me, I'm going to Father Honorio's church.
Buenos dias, Padre (father) Honorio.
Buenos dias, to both of you.
Padresito (father) give us yer blessing so we can confess and do communion.
Can't ya see I turn 15 today?
Yes, you're madrina has told me.
Felicidadez (Happy Birthday)
Gracias, Padre.
Look at this dress I'm wearing!
I found it in the dumps!
Don't look like it huh?
It's like new.
Hey, Padre, now I can have a boyfriend, right?
NO! Don't listen to her, Padre.
Novio (boyfriend)? Yes. But never secretively.
You need to be a serious lady who's decent and honest.
Yeah, yeah, alright.
This is your gift, Maria.
No, Padresita, don't bother, please.
So you can buy some sweets.
Oh, God bless you.
I'll pay you back, I promise.
No, no, Hija (daughter) it's nothing.
What ya mean nothin'?
You're the first person to give me a gift.
Well, shall we go to confession?
Buenos dias to all.
I trust you to help me restore my son, Luis Fernando, Soraya.
This is a true pleasure for me.
Luis Fernando fascinates me.
Would you like to marry him?
But of course!
Soraya, bring joy back in Luis Fernando's life, and I swear I will have you both married.
Have a seat.
I'll do confession with Maria and then will be with you soon.
I won't take too much of your time.
It's a matter of urgency for me.
Por favor (please).
Alright, Don Fernando.
You don't mind waiting a little, right?
No, Padresito.
You know what, Padre?
You know what, we can do this some other time then.
This señor (man/sir) be more important than me, huh.
Stop!
I ain't trippin' though.
Why do you say that, Maria?
Well I got here first.
Please don't take it like that, girl.
Oh yeah, 'course not! The richies have first dibs. We gotta make way for them.
This be God's house!
Shut up!
In God's house, we are all the same, Maria.
And you know that.
Enough, the señor (sir/man) has some issues. Can't you see he ain't good right now?
Yeah, madrinita (godmother), well, he ain't good, but he rich.
"Oh, how bad I got it as a rich dude"
"So the even the rich cry now, huh"
Enough!
You trippin!
Us poor folk, cry a whole lot more than them.
Trust in God, Señor de la Vega.
Surely He will help your son to the right path.
I do hope so. He's become a bitter and irritated young man. As if he hated everyone.
Well, Padre, gracias for your words.
I leave you so that you can tend to that girl.
She has quite the personality.
If only you knew the life she has lived. A life of poverty and misery.
She came from the fields as a little child.
Maria and her godmother are dumpster divers. That is how they make a living.
If it can be called such a thing.
Maria, Maria Of the Slums, as we all call her here.
It's true what she said- The rich also cry. But the poor suffer more.
Preserve our health
Nana Calixta!
Oh, mi niña.
Nana!
Mi Niña!
Oh, you're back?
What manner of stupid and ignorant low trash question is that?!
Can't you see me here?!
Yes, of course, mi Niña.
Will you eat here?
No, later.
Now, you and I will have a serious conversation.
I'm glad that you repented.
Yeah, well, the Padresito forgave me!
But, man, I had all these 20 Padre Nuestros (Our Fathers) I had to pray!
I didn't had no sin except that little one.
You bigmouth, just like your father.
Your madre (mother) was a saint.
God have them in his bosom.
Well, look, it's all good.
Really, word.
That rich dude comes in like he's all that, and the Padresito sees him first!
I was there first.
In the ghetto, we know them richies like to step all over us.
Nah, that ain't right, yo.
But he was upset.
Can't you understand?
Oh, mijita.
What's wrong?
It hurts.
I can't see well.
It's getting dark!
Maria, mija!
Oh, Madrina Casilda.
Madrina
Madrinita!
What's wrong?!
HELP!
Help me please!
My madrinita is slipping away!
I want to ask you for something.
Whatever you desire, mi Niña.
I have need for one of your high witch spells.
To get a man.
Padre Honorio.
I'm dying
No, Madrinita!
Don't kick the bucket!
Padre.
Can you find work in a rich house for Maria?
Please ask you in Virgin Mary's name.
Be still.
All will be well.
Promise me.
That she won't go astray.
For the many years you've known me.
Take care of her.
Yes, Casilda.
I promise.
Don't leave me by myself!
I turn 15 today.
Don't kick the bucket, Madrina.
Maria..
Be good.
Don't leave God's side- He won't leave yours ever.
Oh, Madrinita.
If you ask it, everyday..
after the dumpster diving, I will come to the church.
And I'll pray
A ton of the Padre Nuestros (our Fathers)
and Hail Marys too.
Till my throat hurts.
Don't die.
Madrinita, don't die.
No, Madrinita!
Madrinita!
Madrina, no.
If you knew how much I miss you.
So much so like my parents.
Poor girl
I promised Doña Casilda, that I would vouch for Maria.
By finding her work, in a good home.
I mean you.
My house is open to her to provide food and shelter for her.
I don't mean charity, I mean as a worker for you.
We shall see about that,
For now, what is important is to get her out of the slums.
And out of the loneliness in which her godmother left her.
I found Maria La Del Barrio (Maria Of The Slums) quite likable.
Does that mean that you will do that favor for me, Señor De La Vega?
When shall I bring her to the house?
When you think it best.
Well, the sooner the better then.
That is to say, right now we go for her
We're gonna miss ya bunches, Maria.
You really want to leave the slums?
I really don't.
But my madrina, may she rest in peace, asked Padre Honorio that he find me a job as a sirvienta (maid).
Soon after that she died.
Padresito
What are you doing here?
Man, this place's a mess yo.
And the Señor here too.
The Señor Güero I was so rude to.
Come in, and sorry for the place.
So, why ya'll come?
I promised your madrina, that I would find you a job in a respectable home.
I haven't found any better than that of Señor De La Vega's.
So, get your things and you will go to Don Fernando's house.
By the weekend, Luis Fernando and Vladimir will be back.
Remember what you promised, Soraya.
Don't concern yourself, Tia Victoria. I remember quite well.
I think Fernando has returned.
Yes, Señora (lady) Victoria.
Es el Señor.
Oh, but, who is that who is with him?
She looks quite filthy.
Fernando, who is this dirty girl?
A poor girl that has just been orphaned.
And who has also come to live with us.
Live here?!
Quite the surprise, Tio Fernando.
I don't understand, Fernando. You didn't tell me anything.
That's because I have just decided for this today.
Did you see a ghost or something, Carlota?
Something worse.
Some scraggly and filthy girl with whom your father just arrived, niña Vanesa.
Go, go look for yourself.
No, not now, I can't. I'll meet her when I come back to eat.
And I went to go look for her with Padre Honorio at the slums where she was.
El Padre Honorio?
Si. He asked me to provide protection for this orphan and I obliged.
I imagine that you will have no reservations in receiving her.
What? Not playing anymore?
No, Vladimir, I'm over it.
You always win.
It's because you don't pay attention.
Of course, the only thing you pay attention to is getting drunk.
That's right.
Which is why I'm going to the bar now
No, don't bother if you don't want to come.
I actually rather get drunk alone.
None of the sirvientas (maids) plans on leaving, right Carlota?
None, Señora Victoria.
As you can see Fernando, there isn't an opening for the girl.
That isn't an issue, Victoria.
In any case, Maria stays.
You didn't consult me.
Because I was sure you would agree.
And I'm still sure you will.
Aww, man, Don Güero...
I feel like I ain't nothing to your Ñora (slang for Señora)
No, do not mind that.
Allow me to make introductions.
Victoria, she is Maria.
Maria, she is my wife, Victoria.
From now on, she shall try to be like a mother to you.
Go on Maria, say hello.
Sup Señora, Victoria!
My shadow's returned.
Luis Fernando.
Will you come back with me to Mexico?
You can't keep drinking.
Mom and Dad will be displeased.
If they start their lectures again, I'm coming back here.
Luis Fernando.
You're destroying your life.
That's my problem, Vladimir.
Think about it, Brother, go back to your old life.
Get back to your studies and finish your degree already.
That has been decided already.
No studies, no family, no nothing.
Pure pleasure is all I need.
Drinks, Parties...
and women.
Why not?
Women too.
But to mess with them.
To make them pay for what Brenda did to me.
You speak such nonsense.
I pity the first one to fall into my hands.
She's going to suffer.
The girl is greeting you, Victoria.
Hello, girl.
Maria. I have already told you her name is Maria.
She is Soraya, a distant relative (niece) of my wife.
Wassup, Señorita.
Hola, Maria.
And she is Carlota, one of our employees.
Yo, wassup
Yo, we gonna be hanging here 'aight?
Alright, Victria, tell Lupe to place Maria in one of the guest rooms.
I leave you in Lupe's hands, because I know that at least she will treat you adequately.
Yo, so um, what about the others?
Do not worry.
The others will too.
I shall see you later.
Yeah, Don Güero,
Yo so, um, thanks for everything.
When you get a chance, Victoria, come to the study.
We need to talk.
Aight, that's enough yo!
Wut man?!
Ya'll dissin' me?
Spit it out, yo!
Come on!
What manners are those, niña?
The only one's I know when you mess with me.
You know what? I didn't ask Don Güero to bring me here.
It was Padre Honorio who told him to.
If I ain't gonna be treated right, then I peace out to my slums.
I didn't even want to come here.
Then you should have declined.
Yeah well I couldn't.
Oh, Gross!
There's still time, now. I'm telling Don Güero right now that he take me back.
Ya'll be trippin' here.
Wait do not be imprudent.
Do not bother my husband.
You cannot behave here like you do in your slums, understand.
Yeah, but ya'll gonna be like that and step all over me.
I can't act some other way.
Tia, I advise prudence and much patience with this... marginal (marginalized one).
Who knows by what motives Luis Fernando felt compelled to bring her here.
I jus' told you it was Padre Honorio.
And you think you can be a sirvienta (maid) in a house like this one?
Word, yo!
Also, I have tons to learn.
You should know, man.
I was a dumpster diver back at the dump.
Dumpster diver?
That is what you did?
Oh yeah, Señora. Proud of it too!
That's what my Madrina Casilda and I did.
May God keep her in His bosom.
We were dumpster divers.. you know trash diggers!
Carlota, tell Lupe to come.
Si, Señora.
Well, Tia, I have some pending matters.
And remember, patience with the...marginal.
What is in that box?
My rags and stuff.
You mean to say your clothes.
Yeah, well in the slums we call 'em rags.
I have told you that you can't act like that here.
Throw all of that away at once, and I'll give you new clothes.
My rags? No way yo!
The clothing I will provide is of much better quality than those.
Yeah, but it's your stuff.
I'll have to give it back sometime.
Then what? I gotta be naked or something?
Yes, Señora?
Lupe, take this muchaha (girl) to one of sirvienta rooms- find a uniform for her to wear after she showers. She starts to work as of today.
By order of el Señor Fernando.
Yes Doña Victoria.
I already got cleaned though!
That doesn't matter.
You bathe again now.
Be well advised that I give the orders here.
Oh yeah?
Well what if I get a cold or something?
Huh? you won't take care of me!
Do as I say, Lupe!
Si, Señora!
Come, girl.
No favoritism, Lupe.
Here, all the sirvientas are the same.
What is it you wish to tell me?
Sit please, Victoria.
You need to be kind with the girl.
No uniform and no work for her as a sirvienta-
But Fernando!
It would not be an act of charity that way as I have already promised Padre Honorio.
It will serve her well so she can know her place.
Lest she exceeds her place.
I do not want her to be a sirvienta.
Have you not understood me?
Then what will she do? Can you tell me?
Like someone of the family.
Oh, man, dude, more cold water?
No, no, no. The water is warm.
Oh, yeah?
You guys have a bucket of warm water somewhere?
No, it comes out warm from that pipe.
Hey now, don't be messin' with me!
Come see.
What's this place?
A bathroom, can you not see that?
Word? I ain't never seen one like this.
So where's this warm water?
You'll see.
That's that. Touch it now.
I don't believe it.
Touch it.
It's not gonna burn, right?
Whoa!
This is tight, yo.
Back at the slums the water be freezin' man.
This one here's banging'!
Alright, Maria.
Take your shower.
What was your name again?
Lupe, right?
Si, Guadalupe.
Ahh, like the Virgin.
You're like the Virgin, and like my Madrinita Casilda.
Not like the rest in this house that looked down on me.
Let me take a shower n' see what they say.
We can train her, educate her and teach her proper manners.
Oh, please, as refined as she may get, you can "still see the copper when you scrub the gold coating a little".
At least we can make of her a respectable young lady.
Do you understand?
No, I don't understand.
This isn't very clear, Fernando.
Yo that water was the bomb.
Hey you, don't I get a black "rag" like this?
Yes, but Señora Victoria ordered me to give you a blue one.
And it's not a "rag". It's a "uniform".
Yeah, well, I'm just grieving here.
My Madrinita just saw curtains.
That color will suit this mood then, really.
If you say so, then it must be.
So, are there no young peeps here?
Don't the Señores have kids?
They have kids but they're older now.
So where are they?
Ain't seen one yet.
Just that snooty one, La Ñora's niece.
Two of them are overseas and come back on Friday.
And the youngest, the only female, is in class now.
Oh, dude, if they're anything like the Señora and her niece...
Or like that other feisty one.
Vanesa is rather anxious, but she's very sweet.
Vladimir is a sweetheart.
The only one for concern is the Joven (young man) Luis Fernando.
Is he all that bad or something?
No, he was very likable, but he had some issues and has become very angry.
Yo, what a crazy dude.
Luis Fernando is the only one with whom you may have problems.
So be careful.
You know what Lupe?
I really don't wanna stay here.
And I ain't gonna not fight back
If they throw me out so what
I'll just go back to dumpster diving
I ain't putting up with no dissin' from no one though.
Especially that Luis Fernando.
Fernando, have you not thought about your two kids coming back this Friday?
What of it?
Do you think they will be pleased to find that girl here when they return?
I do not think Vladimir will be opposed.
Vanesa also won't be opposed
But Luis Fernando will be against it.
If he's against it, so be it.
You'll displease him more than he already is.
He's so focused on himself right now that he probably wouldn't even notice her.
When Luis Fernando sees her, he's going to want to leave again.
Then let him leave.
Fernando, please.
He's always aloof, what difference does his physical presence make here?
He barely deigns to speak to us. We don't even exist in his eyes.
He's just not well. Understand him, Fernando.
Then he needs to prepare himself. In this house there will be some changes.
I was completely taken aback when I saw her.
Is she...guapa? (attractive)
Gorgeous
How can you find that chuzma (derogatory term for lower class person) guapa?
How can the Señor bring that girl to this house?
What will he place her in? The staff in this house is full.
Well, la Señorita Soraya says that Don Fernando must have some compelling ulterior motives for which he brought her here.
Okay, and what do you think about that? If you actually think at all?
I've worked in many houses where the Señores have dispersed children.
Don't you have anything better to do than to tear people down?
You, give your brat something to eat already.
And you, go serve the meal. Los Señores are seated and waiting.
Excuse me.
And that uniform?
I gave Lupe the order to put in on her.
Well she's to take it off now and wear the clothes she brought with her.
But Fernando!
Do as I say, Lupe.
Don Güero, don't worry 'bout it!
If I'm to work as a sirvienta, I gotta wear the uniform.
No, you are not gonna work as a sirvienta.
Then as what?
You shall simply be in this house something like a guest.
Do yo know what that means?
Well, no, I don't.
But if "guest" means I gotta be in uniform, then is' all good!
Being a guest is like being a visitor.
You will be like one of the family. You will get educated, acquire good manners, learn how to act like a lady and of the rest- God will only tell.
You don't like the sound of that?
Well, you make it sound all good n' stuff.
But if la Ñora doesn't want me as a sirvienta, she won't want me as part of the family.
Don't concern yourself, leave that to me.
Lupe go get her changed.
Do as el Señor says.
Urbano, set a place for muchacha at the table.
Enough with these antics, Fernando.
Do as I say, Urbano.
Fernando, I will no further tolerate this humiliation.
Then you can excuse yourself, if you wish.
This isn't possible!
Leave us, Urbano.
What are you doing, Fernando?
I want you to understand me.
When I do charity, I do it fully.
If I had wanted a sirvienta, I would have consulted the agency.
This girl is not a sirvienta.
I don't love you, I love another.
I'll make her pay.
The first one to come into my life. She will pay.
I'm all changed, Don Güero.
Very well.
Do you think she really looks better now?
That will you be your task to take her shopping.
Sit, Maria.
Sit?
Where and why?
So you can eat. You must be hungry.
Yo, I'm like rawwrrgh so hungry, man.
But how you expect me to sit here with people like you.
By sitting. Come now.
Look, I don't eat like you do.
Don't you see, la muchacha has a better understanding of these things than you.
You will learn, which is what I want for you.
So that you can be a lady.
Today will be the start of your lessons.
Go on, sit down.
Look, Don Güero, if "la Ñora" doesn't ask me, then I won't sit.
She'll diss me bad later if I do,
Las Ñoras are the ones who call the shots in these places.
It seems like here it is the men who call the shots.
Victoria, amuse me please.
Start treating her properly. Ask her to sit, okay?
Please Victoria.
Alright, muchacha, sit.
Yyyeah! A'ight!
Yo, I warned ya'll I can't eat right.
Serve her.
What's with all these cups, Don Güero.
Worms? Why ya'll serving worms?
Lupe, stay beside her please so you can aid her.
Excuse me.
I ran a little late.
Oh, we have guests?
Yes.
I had heard that you brought a new sirvienta, Papa.
You misheard, Vanesa.
She is not a sirvienta.
She is an orphaned muchacha to be helped.
Her name is Maria.
I hope that for you she will be like a sister.
You'll arrive a drunk mess at Mexico.
Don't pry, it's none of your business.
Whoa man, the people in this place look at me like some scum.
It's like that girl from the fairytale Madrinita Casilda used to tell me.
You need to wash the bathrooms of the whole house.
All the walls.
Clean, iron and fold and sow my clothes!
From now on you will do all of my work, understood?!
You will be our slave!
Don't be messin' with me yo! I'll beat yo faces in!
Greco, stop shaking, i'm trying to wash ya.
You're too big, yo.
You're my size, man.
Be still now.
Muchacha look at this mess.
If la Señora Victoria saw you...
Look just finish up here. the Jovenes ( young men) will be arriving soon.
This dog ain't letting me clean him, Lupe.
Oh, Muchacha, your advent here brought a mischievous little demon with you...
They're here!
Lupe!
Muchachos..
Welcome back home
We have missed you.
Hey, Lupe.
I missed you a lot too,
Who's that broad?
Stupid muchacha.
Watch what you're doing!
You left me drenched!
It's YOU!