In recent years, the national party of Mexico--the PRI--lost power. For the previous 70-plus years, they were effectively the only political party in the country. They were corrupt on every level and in every way. "Herod's Law" is a parable set in the middle of PRI rule (1949). It's about the inherent corrupting influence of single-party rule, where patronage and bribes and absolute brutality becomes the standard, if not the law. Oddly, but quite effectively, it's a comedy. A dark comedy, but funny nonetheless.

Juan Vargas (Damian Alcázar of El Crimen del Padre Amaro), a garbage dump operator and neophyte party member, is selected to become the mayor of a small desert town when the townspeople lynch the previous mayor--as they often do. Vargas is an optimistic soul who dreams of serving the people of the community and making the party bosses proud. It doesn't work out. When the local Madame refuses to close her establishment, Vargas asks the governor for guidance and a larger budget. He gets no money, and as for guidance, the governor gives him a book of laws--and a gun. Soon, Juan is bribing, blackmailing, and even killing to strengthen his power and make money. That's when "Herod's Law" gets really funny--yet the film is sobering. Director Estrada's dust-covered movie is beautifully shot in a warm sepia tone, and has great performances from the entire cast, though Alcazar steals the show. The film begins as sleepily as one might expect of a Mexican fable, and slowly spins as deliriously out of control as its protagonist. Vargas' decent intentions devolve into a self-sustaining egotism that is a microcosm of the PRI.

The title, “La Ley de Herodes (Herod's Law),” is synonymous with an old Mexican saying that translates to "That's the way it is"--which, by most accounts, was the central philosophy of the PRI. Director Estrada's "Herod's Law" captures this notion sharply, with wit and consequences. Fortunately, the PRI is no longer the power in Mexico. And that's the way it is. Starring Damian Alcazar, Leticia Huijara, Pedro Armendariz Jr., Delia Casanova, Juan Carlos Colombo, Guillermo Gil, Ernesto Gomez Cruz and Alex Cox. Directed by Luis Estrada. Written by Luis Estrada and Vicente Lenero. Produced by Luis Estrada. A Venevision release. Comedy/Drama. Spanish-language; subtitled. Rated R for violence, sexuality and language. Running time: 123 min