From Amores Perros and Y Tu Mama Tambien, this books delves into the development of Mexican cinema from the intense cultural nationalism of the Mexican Revolution, through the 'Golden Age' of the 1930s and 1940s and the 'nuevo cine' of the 1960s, to the renaissance in Mexican cinema in the 1990s.

Individual chapters discuss:

• the relationship with Hollywood cinema
• the stars of the Golden Age
• the role of foreign authors in the founding of Mexican cinema
• tensions in the industry in the 1960s
• national and international reception of contemporary film and film-makers.

Examining the portrayal of Mexican nationhood through critical analysis of film genres including revolutionary films, machismo and ‘mexicanidad’, the prostitute, and the work of female authors, Mexican National Cinema is an excellent addition to all media, film, and cultural studies students.