TWO HOURS AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE
-Careful up there, with the ceiling. -Yes.
I'll follow you.
Oh, my God.
Come on. That way.
Can anyone hear me?
We're here, doctor!
Hilda!
Are you there, my friend?
Talk to me. It's Chave.
Chavelita, I'm so happy you're okay.
We're going to get you out!
Let's back up slowly. Just like you came.
-You first. -Yes, doctor.
It's okay.
It's moving. That's normal.
The way you came.
Yes, doctor.
Chave. Okay, Chave.
-There you go. -Okay.
EVERY MINUTE COUNTS
26 YEARS EARLIER
I'm sorry. Did I wake you up?
No, not at all. Is your mom okay?
Yes, it's not that.
I wanted to see if you had some eggs and milk for her.
-Yes, sure. Give me a minute. -Of course.
Damn.
Here. Fruit, eggs, milk, bread.
If you need anything else, tell me.
Thank you so much.
Take care and say hi to your mom.
-Of course. Thank you. -Sure.
Mom.
Come. Let's have breakfast.
I feel nauseous.
I'm calling your doctor.
Ignacio.
Not even God can relieve me of this pain.
You'll look out for your brother, right?
He has enough for the school bus.
Today. But tomorrow...
Tomorrow too, Mom.
Every day.
Ignacio, you have to promise me you'll always look after your brother.
Always.
Say it.
I will always take care of Ángel.
Thank you, my boy. Thank you.
Now rest, Mom.
...after the earthquake, President Miguel de la Madrid...
Sorry, no entry.
Hi.
Open that shit up.
-I'm going to the General Hospital. -Yes, sir.
Open the gate.
It's reported the Ministry of Communications and Transport
has partially collapsed and is on fire.
It's reported that Hotel Romano,
between Iturbide and Artículo 123, collapsed partially.
In Zone 37, two buildings collapsed.
Hey, wait for me! I am leaving.
Be careful with this tree. Put everything there.
GENERAL HOSPITAL IGNACIO
Careful.
-Are you okay? -Yes, thanks.
Ángel.
-Are you okay? -Yeah.
-And you, the girls? Irene? -They're fine, thank God.
-Your neighborhood? -Everything's fine.
Nothing happened. Nothing collapsed there.
The important thing is you're okay. You got out in time.
Well, a lot of people didn't make it out. That's important.
Doctor, these babies need milk urgently. What do we do?
Ignacio can help us with that, right?
Baby formula? Yes, of course.
If you can get us antibiotics, analgesics, and medical supplies,
we'd be very grateful.
-Of course. You can count on me. -Thanks so much.
-I'm glad you're okay. Baby formula. -Yes.
Ángel.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Hail, Mary, full of grace.
Here.
How is he?
He's better now.
He doesn't need the respirator.
Why the deep sigh?
Sis, I don't even know anymore.
Probably because I no longer have anyone to sigh for.
You're very optimistic
because you know your José is waiting for you, right?
Honestly, I do take comfort in thinking of him.
Well, why not?
José is the best.
And if you squint, he's not that ugly.
Stop it, Toña.
Best not to make noise.
Ángel.
Ángel, that's very unstable. Get out of there. It's going to collapse.
You don't have to be here if you don't want to.
There's a metal rod going across there.
-Let's see, here. Here. Use this. -What?
You know what? I've never understood why it bothers you that I care about you.
It is completely natural, completely human,
to worry about your own first, your people.
I'm fine, you're fine.
My people are in here.
NUEVO LEÓN BUILDING ALBERTO
Oh, God, please.
Jesus saved you.
Neighbor.
-Are you all right? -I'm glad you're alive.
-We have to get out of here. -How?
The stairs over there.
There's a circuit breaker enclosure next to the hydraulic installation.
-Over there? -Yes, there's a way out over there.
Let's give it a try.
In my bag... Let's see. That's my bag.
There's a flashlight.
On my key chain. Get it off.
Okay.
-There you are. -No entry.
But I live in the Nuevo León building.
-It's for your own safety. -My kids are in there.
-No entry, please. -Which building fell?
-No, move over there, please. -Anyone know which building collapsed?
Which building... Does anyone know which building fell?
Please, it's been over two hours and I haven't heard from them.
Let me through. I beg you, let me through.
Ma'am, go around Tlatelolco from the main road.
Maybe they'll let you in. Just don't say I told you.
Get back.
Don't hit yourself there. Careful.
You know this is a futile effort, right?
Without tools, you won't be able to get anyone out.
This is for people trained in digging,
miners, professional rescue workers.
Get trained people.
Tools. Okay? Use your leverage but not as a bureaucrat,
or we'll be here for another six years.
All right, I'll do my best to get qualified people.
Thanks.
I'll say something you won't like.
I think it's about time that you stop paying penance, brother.
Give yourself a chance.
Forgive yourself.
Look around you. Life punishes us on its own.
We need formula.
The newborns are getting dehydrated.
Diapers, water, medicines. Okay?
I'm going to open a hole to pass things through.
You look exhausted. How long since you slept?
-I'm fine. -No, you're not fine.
You can't carry the world on your back.
I did it too, remember?
-I stopped studying to be a bureaucrat-- -You wanted to be a bureaucrat.
No, I'm a bureaucrat because I had to raise a family.
You're the victim again?
Me, the victim? The victim here, the only victim here is you,
because you got into your little head that you have to punish yourself.
All I want is for you to forgive yourself, Ángel.
To get your life back.
Life is down here.
They're dying. We need help, please.
Damn it.
I left the car keys in my jacket.
I'll bring them up. Here I go.
-Professor Huerta. -Ignacio. What is it?
I came to give you the essay from last class.
23 YEARS EARLIER
From last class?
You're way behind. If you keep this up, you'll have to repeat the semester.
I'm going to catch up next week.
If you don't give it all you've got, there's no point.
I know. Sorry.
Excused. It's all the same to me.
My father passed away and left us with debts.
We didn't expect it.
I know that's no excuse.
I'm going to pass the semester.
You'll see.
Have a nice weekend.
Zambrano.
Close the door.
There are two kinds of poverty.
The first one makes you desperate enough to stop being poor and miserable,
and the second doesn't.
I hope yours is the first one.
Can you be discreet?
If needed.
There's no more formula for the babies!
I know!
They're bringing it!
We just have to wait a little while!
Doctor,
how is José?
Have you seen him?
How is he?
Tell me something, please.
Did you see him?
Doctor?
After 20 years of putting up with me,
she deserves a good ring, don't you think? I'll give it to her on the beach.
Hilda!
-Hilda! -Pepe!
No.
Hilda, José won't fit in here.
I'll tell him.
-Do you think my granddaughter is here? -I hope so.
-Where? -It's over there.
-Dude, come on! -Rubble is still falling.
It's for your safety.
-You can't film. -It's not recording.
We're here to find her granddaughter.
She lives in the Nuevo León building. Can you let us in?
No entry. It's for your safety.
Sir, I haven't heard from her, and she's pregnant.
-Did any buildings collapse? -I wouldn't know.
And who can tell us?
We are waiting for the briefing.
Two hours later?
If you're not going to be of any use, don't stand in our way.
Why do they think people are like this? Let us through.
Let us all through. This is an abuse of authority.
Don't argue. 10 feet away from the tape, or I'll take your camera.
It's too much.
If you weren't armed, you wouldn't stop us.
Hey.
You're armed too. Your camera.
They say two sections of the Nuevo León building collapsed,
but one's still standing.
We're in the immediate vicinity of the Tlatelolco housing complex.
The Nuevo León building collapsed.
Police have cordoned off the area
and they're not allowing people in to look for their families.
Let's interview these government workers,
who say this is for the good of the people.
Tell this country's audience
why the police of the Federal District--
Don't provoke us.
Why aren't you letting people through?
For their safety. Please stand back.
I really don't know how you can navigate this chaos.
I'm an engineer, I know the building plans.
-Why? -I worked for the company that built it.
I warned them that this could happen.
Who?
No one. Just some sons of bitches.
We have to find a way to go up. Let me go ahead.
Here. I'll follow you. Careful.
-Careful! -Yes.
There you go.
What happened? Let's see.
Are you okay?
Let me see.
It's not deep. You'll be fine.
We must be careful.
Any movement could cause a collapse. But there's no other choice.
Okay, where to?
DOWNTOWN STREETS DOBER AND COMOSAMA
It won't open. Aren't you hungry?
I saw the guy with the basket tacos a while ago.
What do we pay with if you don't open it? I thought you were skilled.
-Come on, open it. -I can't work on an empty stomach.
Yes, really. Just one taco.
If you don't open it, we're not going to eat. That's it.
Go on.
Look, our breakfast. Quick.
Where are you going, honey?
I'm looking for my children. Please let me through.
-Please have a little heart. -Take it easy.
We do have a heart, okay? But we're hungry and have no money.
Calm down. Relax and cooperate.
-That's it. Come on, the earrings. -Here they are.
Here you go, honey, so you don't complain. Okay?
Bye, honey.
Gabriela? What are you doing here?
-I don't know. -Are you okay?
I'm Rogelio, from the stationery store.
-Yes, Rogelio. -What are you doing here?
I was just mugged.
I was told that I could get to Tlatelolco through here,
but I don't know where I am or how to find my children.
I'll help you find them, I swear.
Really? Thank you, Rogelio.
It's just that things are really bad. They won't let anyone through,
not even family members, either here or from the other side.
Can you get to Virreyes?
I think so.
I heard that nothing collapsed in Polanco.
Can you give me a ride?
I know someone I'm sure will help me.
-Wherever you need to go. -Thank you!
Thank you.
-Don't move too much or it'll reopen. -Chave.
Yes, Mr. Ignacio. What is it?
I couldn't find formula, but I'm still looking.
I hope this helps.
Thank you. Everything helps.
-Do you want me to get your brother? -No, that's not necessary.
Just tell him I'm still pushing
to get help to get the nurses and the babies out.
Well, that would be very helpful.
The poor doctor has been on call for 60 hours, and now this.
Convince him to go get some rest, Chave.
If he won't listen to you, he won't listen to me.
Tell him that help is on the way.
Of course. Sir.
Thank you so much.
20 YEARS EARLIER
Don't start with your nonsense.
-You stay here, I'll get the bags-- -I'm fine.
You're not well. The cast is not just for show.
-Stay here. -I promise it doesn't hurt anymore.
Stay here. Okay?
Why didn't you answer the phone?
My brother broke his leg.
We have to talk, Ignacio.
Stay here, okay? I'll be right back.
I understand that you haven't been to the notary.
Sorry, I can't.
This time, someone else will have to sign them.
I don't have time for jokes.
We've been waiting for this moment for five years.
I can't do it.
It's his only asset.
Manipulating documents is one thing
and making innocent people suffer is another.
It will be the last time
and, in less than a month,
you'll be assigned a place in the Secretariat of Tourism.
Not in Home Affairs?
It'll be Tourism. It's a done deal.
Unless you decide to be unreasonable at the last minute.
You'll be skinned alive.
I won't be able to say a word.
It's your decision.
I'll go tomorrow.
Let's go.
Katia.
Girl.
Do you know Katia?
-Katia? No, ma'am. Who is she? -My granddaughter.
She was sent back from the hospital.
She must be stuck in traffic, right?
-Right? -I don't know.
-I'll go look for her. -No, don't go anywhere. Wait here. Okay?
Let's see how to get through.
Do you live here?
No. I came to look for someone
because this is just what we wanted to avoid.
Would you like to make a statement?
-Yes, if I can. Yes. -Thank you.
-Is this all right? -Yes.
-What's your name? -Bárbara.
And I'm here because I am looking for my ballet teacher.
Her name is Regina Carrasco.
She's slim, a little taller than me.
-Does she live here? -Yes.
Well, in the building they say collapsed.
Excuse me, ma'am, Do you by any chance have baby formula?
-I'm sorry. -Or pediatric saline?
Not that either.
Sorry to bother you but the hospital collapsed
and we have babies that need care.
I don't have any but my neighbor in C might.
Yeah? Where is that?
-I'll come with you. Let's go. -Yes, please.
Thank you.
Hilda, can you hear me?
Yes, doctor!
We're getting closer! Hang in there!
Yes.
Get me out.
This way. Doctor, careful.
Careful.
Are you okay?
-Are you okay, doctor? -I'm fine.
Nobody can fit in there anymore.
Hopefully, the help your brother promised will come soon.
Fuck. Hurry, Ignacio.
We found someone! Doctor, we found someone!
I got you.
Careful.
There's light.
It's a way out.
We're at the exit.
Keep moving forward.
Help!
Help, please!
-Help! -Help!
-Please help!
Help! Get us out of here! Help!
-It's blocked. -We can't get out.
It's not possible.
-Let's look for another way. -Yes.
There's someone here.
-Are they alive? -I don't know.
-Where's Chave? -Over there.
I'm very angry, and I want everyone to know about it.
The construction company swore that the building was safe.
And now look. They really are bastards.
Oh, no.
It's Katia, my neighbor.
The girl who's pregnant.
Sir.
We need to ask you for something.
Sometimes the mammary glands of mothers
continue to produce milk,
even after death.
They are corrupt.
There was another earthquake in '79 and the building was damaged.
The construction company never showed up.
They promised they'd help and they never came.
-Is she breathing? -I don't feel anything.
There's a pulse. It's very weak, but it's a pulse.
We have to get her out of here somehow.
Katia.
We were able to get some newborns out.
They're dehydrated.
We don't have any formula.
May her death not be in vain.
Go ahead, doctor.
If we don't support each other, no one will help us.
All we want right now is to know if our families are okay.
Help!
Get us out of here! Help!
Help!
Do something, miss, so our voices are heard everywhere.
-Get us out of here! -Help!
-There are three of us down here! -Help!
Help!
That's it.
three of us down here! -Help!