

The Beginning and the End
Principio y fin
“Arturo Ripstein's Masterpiece”
Synopsis
The film tells the story of the Boteros, a middle-class Mexican family struggling against poverty after their father's death. Ignacia (Egurrola) is the Boteros mother, a desperate woman who chooses to sacrifice the destiny of her three older children, in order to protect Gabriel (Laguardia) the youngest one. She believes Gabriel will climb the social structure and bring back the lost fortune to the family. But destiny has other plans for the Boteros and tragedy will overcome eventually. Based on the novel of Nobel Prize winner Naguib Mahfouz.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Julieta Egurrola
Ignacia Botero
Ernesto Laguardia
Gabriel Botero
Bruno Bichir
Nicolás Botero
Lucía Muñoz
Mireya Botero
Alberto Estrella
Guama Botero
Verónica Merchant
Natalia
Luis Felipe Tovar
César
Blanca Guerra
Julia
Luisa Huertas
Isabel
Julián Pastor
Luján
Ernesto Yáñez
Polvorón
Alonso Echánove
Cariñoso
Alejandro Parodi
Rector
Darío T. Pie
Maurer
Luis Rábago
Guardiola
Graciela Bernardos
Señora
Jorge Fegán
Absalón
Alejandra Montoya
Tamara
Release History & Theatrical Window
San Sebastián Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Arturo Ripstein
- Screenplay & Story
- Paz Alicia Garciadiego, Naguib Mahfouz
- Original Score
- Lucía Álvarez
- Original Title
- Principio y fin
- Country of Origin
- Mexico
- Spoken Languages
- Spanish
- Runtime
- 3h 7m
- Production Studios
- Alameda Films, Instituto Mexicano de Cinematografía
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Arturo Ripstein
Paz Alicia Garciadiego, Naguib Mahfouz
Lucía Álvarez
Claudio Rocha
Rafael Castanedo
Alfredo Ripstein Jr., Arturo Ripstein
Department Leadership Roster
Alfredo Ripstein Jr.
Producer
Rafael Castanedo
Editor
Arturo Ripstein
Producer
Arturo Ripstein
Director
Paz Alicia Garciadiego
Writer
Claudio Rocha
Director of Photography
Lucía Álvarez
Original Music Composer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Beginning and the End.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Beginning and the End
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Beginning and the End about?
The film tells the story of the Boteros, a middle-class Mexican family struggling against poverty after their father's death. Ignacia (Egurrola) is the Boteros mother, a desperate woman who chooses to sacrifice the destiny of her three older children, in order to protect Gabriel (Laguardia) the youngest one. She believes Gabriel will climb the social structure and bring back the lost fortune to the family. But destiny has other plans for the Boteros and tragedy will overcome eventually. Based on the novel of Nobel Prize winner Naguib Mahfouz.
Who directed The Beginning and the End?
The Beginning and the End was directed by Arturo Ripstein.
Who stars in The Beginning and the End?
The principal cast of The Beginning and the End includes Julieta Egurrola, Ernesto Laguardia, Bruno Bichir, Lucía Muñoz, Alberto Estrella.
When was The Beginning and the End released and how long is it?
The Beginning and the End was released in 1994 with a total runtime of 3h 7m.
Who composed the musical score for The Beginning and the End?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Beginning and the End was composed by Lucía Álvarez.
Is The Beginning and the End based on a book or true story?
The Beginning and the End is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Naguib Mahfouz".


















