Personal Response
I reacted to the film in several different ways. I chose to previously talk about the involvement of dogs in the film because I had strong emotions about it. When I was first watching the film, I was astonished and disgusted that the movie was showing dogs being treated so poorly. I have the same opinion as the RSPCA - anything which involves cruelty to animals is unacceptable. I kept thinking, could the director find no other way to get his point across? Why does he have to show this, and possibly encourage some people? I understand that the film may also be trying to raise awareness of dogfighting as well as simply inform the audience of Mexican culture. This being said, I think my next reaction was culture shock. I have never heard of dogfighting being common or even existing from where I grow up. I was certainly transported to a world far different from my own, which made me a little angry and uncomfortable.
I reacted emotionally to the characters in the film. Specifically, I was very frustrated with Susanna. I felt that her and Octavio had a true connection, and I am sure she knew it was real. All the money Octavio made was for Susanna to have a better life, for her AND her babies. What better thing could she ask for? Susanna knew Ramiro treated her badly, so why did she stay with him? She was extremely stubborn, and in my opinion, she was the obstacle from her being happy. Additionally, I do not feel like Octavio deserved the way she treated/left him. This was a frustrating and depressing story for me.
Daniel and Valeria's story related to me more than anyone's story. I could see and understand the hardships this couple went through as they moved in together, had to learn to live around each other, how they fought about the small things as well as big issues that arose, and the incident when Valeria became injured. This story seemed more realistic as to what could happen to me one day, or to what has happened to the lived of people around me.
El Chivo and Maru's story connected the least with me. I think this is because I had resentment for El Chivo since he had chosen to abandon his family earlier in his life. Family is super important to me, so I did not feel bad for El Chivo. However, I would like everyone to have a relationship with their family, and I am glad he called his daughter/left her a message that said what needed to be said. 
I do not feel that I have had similar experiences in the movie other than facing everyday life issues such as Daniel and Valeria did. I have to deal with the injuries from being an athlete, stressors of school, live with roommates, etc. Simply said, life can be hard!

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