Marcelo loves the blockbuster film The Mission as his uncle, known as 'Burnt Arse' appears in it. When he watches it with his children, he points out that this is how his ancestors used to live - "this is their past". The irony is typical for life amongst Argentina's Guarani Indians who are struggling to hold onto their traditions whilst being pulled into the 'White World'. Yet the issues faced by the Guarani in the film - such as identity, friendship, adultery and death to trying to understand 9/11, are the same issues people face all over the world. It is how the Guarani deal with these universal questions and overcome them that makes for a unique film.