Amores Perros is a Spanish-language film directed by famous Mexican director Alejandro González Iñárritu. It was released in 2000, after which he received worldwide praise and numerous international awards and nominations.
The story focuses on the relationship between humans and animals. It's broken into three distinct stories, all of which are interlinked by one major car crash. It also has alternative influential themes, such as police corruption and social division of Mexico's people. It is a strong piece that throws you into the lives of those involved.
The first storyline revolves around Octavio, played by Gael García Bernal, who has fallen in love with his aggressive brother's girlfriend. He decides to enter his faithful dog, Cofi, in dog fights to finance his plan to get enough money to run away with his brother's girlfriend and start a new life.
The second story is of a successful magazine publisher, Daniel, who leaves his wife and family to live with a Spanish supermodel named Valeria. Their dog disappears under the floorboards and stays there for a few days. This, as well as Valeria's injuries from the car accident, causes intense pressure on their relationship.
The third part of the interlocked story features Chivo, a former teacher whose involvement in guerrilla movements landed him in jail and caused him to lose contact with his family, namely his daughter, who was two years old at the time. Following his period in jail, he now lives under the guise of a homeless man, accompanied by his faithful dogs, though he's actually a part-time professional hitman, who demonstrates the efficiency of his work throughout the film.
As the plot progresses, you see the stories cross due to the one colliding event – the brutal car crash – that affects and brings together all of the characters and storylines. Amores Perros is a powerful feature film which shocks but makes the audience appreciate the relationships humans have with animals and usually take for granted. A must-see film!