"Mexico 2010, Hell... nothing to celebrate"
El Infierno - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
En este pinche país, no haces lo que quieres, sino lo que puedes.
— El Cochiloco
Context:
El Cochiloco says this to Benny early in the film, explaining the harsh realities of their town and justifying his own involvement with the cartel. It's a pivotal moment that frames the difficult choices Benny is about to make.
Meaning:
"In this damn country, you don't do what you want, you do what you can." This quote encapsulates the film's theme of limited opportunities and the sense of fatalism that drives characters like Benny into a life of crime. It speaks to a societal reality where choice is a luxury and survival dictates action.
Me cae que esta vida es ser cabrón. O te chingas o te jodes.
— El Cochiloco
Context:
This is part of Cochiloco's cynical wisdom imparted to Benny as he introduces him to the violent norms of their business. It serves as a stark warning and a piece of advice that Benny will eventually internalize.
Meaning:
Roughly translated as "I swear this life is about being a badass. You either fuck someone over, or you get fucked." This phrase is a blunt expression of the film's kill-or-be-killed philosophy. It reflects the moral vacuum in which the characters operate, where ruthlessness is not just a trait but a necessary survival skill.
¿Ya pensaste qué quieres ser cuando seas grande? Pues qué otra cosa, ¡pues un chingón como mi apá!
— Benjamín 'El Diablito' García
Context:
The boy says this to Benny, showing his admiration for his deceased father, "El Diablo." It's a moment of dramatic irony, as Benny is trying to be a positive influence while simultaneously being drawn deeper into the very world that killed his brother and is now shaping his nephew.
Meaning:
"Have you thought about what you want to be when you grow up? What else, a badass like my dad!" This line, spoken by Benny's young nephew, is chilling as it reveals the deep-seated influence of narco-culture on the next generation. It symbolizes the cyclical nature of violence and the romanticization of the criminal lifestyle in the eyes of the young.