Before We Are Forgotten (Antes de que nos olviden) is a gripping Mexican documentary film released in 2013. This evocative documentary is a stirring exploration of the profound human cost of the ongoing drug war in Mexico and its broader sociopolitical ramifications. Directed by Matías Gueilburt, this documentary paints an intimate and confronting portrait of the reality of drug-related violence in Mexico, one of the world's most vibrant but tragically affected countries.

While there are no traditional 'stars' to the film, the real characters are the people interviewed, individuals, families, and communities dealing with an everyday reality that’s often distorted in the news or downplayed by officials. Their heartfelt accounts provide the emotional backbone to the documentary, lending it a raw and visceral quality that is both gut-wrenching and deeply humane.

The film kicks off by positioning the viewers at the heart of a nationwide crisis that has left more than 70,000 people dead and about 20,000 people missing—a staggering count that continues to increase. Comprised of a compilation of interviews, archive footages, and news reports, the documentary facilitates an unfiltered dialogue between the unseen victims who have suffered an immeasurable loss.

The film tackles a difficult subject mainly through first-hand eye-witness accounts. People who have lost their loved ones narrate their experiences, sketching an extremely unsettling picture of violence, corruption, and general apathy. The film vibrantly showcases the courageous resilience and ‘alive’ spirits of civilians even in such despairing times. It is the people's enduring hope and determination for change that takes the viewers on an emotional roller coaster ride.

Before We Are Forgotten further examines the societal layers of this conflict, bringing to the fore the chilling complicity and corruption within the government and law enforcement agencies. The film also portrays the defiant voices of journalists and human rights activists who risk their lives to report the truth. It is profoundly striking to see the perseverance of these valiant individuals who, against all odds, still carry on the good fight.

The documentary does much more than simply exposing the worrisome circumstances. It also addresses the roots of the problem, exploring the different factors fueling this war—economic, political, and societal. It illustrates the terrible cycle of violence that is become a part of everyday life in Mexico.

Gueilburt weaves these fragments of personal experiences, archival footages, and the layers of political discourse into a tangible and potent narrative. This allows the viewers to see, understand, and feel the sense of calamity that forces the question – how did we get here?

The film is shot with an eye for telling detail that adds additional depth to the narrative. The vivid cinematography complements the content of the film, running a gamut of emotion from the desolate landscapes that have borne witness to these atrocities to the bustling city streets, serving as a constant reminder of life carrying on amidst chaos.

The sound design and score embed seamlessly into the fabric of the film, amplifying the emotional impact of each segment, subtly enhancing the raw narrative without distracting the viewer. The sparse use of music—or the lack thereof—maintains the atmosphere of tension prevailing throughout the piece.

In conclusion, Before We Are Forgotten is not just a documentary—it is a plea, an appeal for recognition, understanding, and action from national authorities and the international community. As it delves into the thorny issue of the Mexican drug war, it throws light on the pain of ordinary people caught in the crossfire. A unity of purpose reverberates through the documentary, which is to evoke empathy, create awareness, and trigger a call to action in addressing and ultimately ending the systemic violence that is tearing at the very fabric of Mexico.

Before We Are Forgotten demands the undivided attention of its audience—not to entertain, but to provoke thought and trigger conversations about the human cost behind the grim statistics. Its depiction serves as a stark reminder of the need for justice and accountability in a fractured society.

Although it is a tough and, at times, an uncomfortable watch, the documentary leaves its viewers with a sense of urgency, and a hope that change is possible if enough people choke up the courage to demand it. The film is equal parts call-to-action and a compassionate testament to the resilience and tenacity of the human spirit—a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the real cost of drug-related violence in contemporary Mexican society.