Reto a la vida

Carlos has spent four years behind bars for selling drugs. When he walks free, he discovers his brother has slipped into heavy drug use and has been confined to a psychiatric hospital. Rather than walk away, Carlos throws himself into the hard work of trying to help him break free from addiction, while keeping an eye on the street where a wary boy crosses his path. He forms a fragile bond with this street kid, learning the margins of urban life, and he catches the attention of Elena, a social worker who sees the human side behind every crisis. The film threads together duty, loyalty, and hope as it studies redemption in imperfect lives. He discovers a different kind of family along the way.

Directed by Rafael Baledón, this 1988 Mexican drama showcases his work behind the camera. The film stars Helena Rojo as Elena Sandoval and Jorge Luke as Inspector Vélez, with a story centered on crime addiction and reinvention. Source material unknown.

Box office data for this title is not publicly documented, so there are no confirmed worldwide grosses. Given its niche release in the late 1980s, it did not become a major box office milestone in international markets at the time.

Cultural impact: The film fits into a strand of Mexican cinema in the 1980s that tackles urban crime addiction and the human toll behind social issues. Its focus on Elena the social worker and a street kid contributes to conversations about rehabilitation and community care in practice for urban audiences.

Reception & themes: While detailed reviews are scarce, the film foregrounds responsibility and family ties as catalysts for change. It probes how communities respond to former criminals and addicts, offering a hopeful look at healing through support, non judgment, and personal accountability embodied by Elena Sandoval's social work in society.