Tintorera

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Cover of the movie Tintorera
Cover of the movie Tintorera

Tintorera is a Mexican horror movie (1977) directed by René Cardona Jr and based on the novel of the same name of Ramón Bravo oceanographer that studied the species of shark known as "Tintorera" (a 7 ft shark) and discovered the sleeping sharks.

The shark in the film was a Tiger Shark; although Tintorera is a common name in spanish for Tiger Shark, in some countries is a common name for Blue Shark.

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

[edit] Plot

Two playboys in the coast of Mexico, Steven, an American millionaire and Miguel, a local swimming instructor, are competing to win the heart of beautiful Patricia. After they fight, patricia gets eaten by the Tintorera. To cheer themselves up, they become friends and go to a brothel, having fun with two girls. They bring Gabriella, a British girl, with them, and go fishing for sharks and mantas, where Miguel gets eaten by the Tintorera. Gabriella, being shocked, returns to England. Steven, saddened by losing his friend, decides to cheer himself up by going to a brothel again. He throws a party with friends, and invites them to come to his yacht by swimming. Alas, they get eaten by the Tintorera. Steven, being fed up of this predator who goes eating all his friends, decides to eliminate it. He sets up a dragnet and destroys the shark with an explosive capsule.

[edit] Note

  • The underwater fishing scene is not simulated and the fish were actually killed.
  • Underwater scenes showing the Tintorera are stock footage, and the shark is barely 5 feet long (although it is described as "the largest shark ever seen").
  • Tintorera is considered a cult classic in Mexico, being equivalent in popularity to Jaws.