Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth May is often confused with the independence day of Mexico, but it is actually a celebration for another event in Mexican history - the battle of Puebla. Nevertheless, the fifth of May is celebrated by Mexicans and Americans. To help you prepare for the festivities today, here are five films about the history of the country, Mexican and American figures of iconic Mexican and some that are just plain fun to watch.
"Cinco de Mayo: La Batalla" 
Although Independence Day of Mexico is actually in September, Cinco de Mayo is known to the day in 1862 when some thousands of Mexican soldiers have exceeded the French at the battle of Puebla. This is probably the most important battle in the history of Mexico, especially considering the French army was bigger and stronger. In this film, the representation of the battle, Kuno Becker plays General Ignacio Zaragoza who leads a troop of women than men to defend the city of Puebla. You can watch the historical war drama now on Amazon Instant Video.
"Amores Perros" 
Directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, the film has often been called Mexico's "Pulp Fiction." It follows a terrible car accident in Mexico that chronicles the lives of three different people that their stories intertwine with each other. The word "dog" in the title (perros) denotes the importance to the animal and its symbolism of loyalty, or lack thereof, to all three of the main characters. "Amores Perros" was nominated for an Academy Award for best foreign language film in 2001 and won the Arial Award for best picture of the Mexican Academy of Cinema of the same year. You can download and listen "Amores Perros" on iTunes.
"Selena" 
"Anything for Selenas" Jennifer Lopez plays Selena Quintanilla-Perez in the popular movie about the rise of Mexican singer born in Texas to fame. His father discovered the talent of his daughter at a young age and has performed alongside his brothers and sisters in a band called Selena y los Dinos. This film tells the events of real life, including the struggles of her family, her marriage to a member of the band and his tragic and untimely death. It is available for viewing on Amazon Instant Video.
"Desperado" 
Although this is not a traditional Mexican film, it is entertaining to say the least. The sequel to "El Mariachi" trilogy Robert Rodriguez stars a host of recognizable players, including Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Danny Trejo and even an appearance of Quentin Tarantino. You can watch this action packed shooter on Netflix and its prequel "El Mariachi." The third film of the trilogy, "Once Upon a Time in Mexico," with Johnny Depp, can be found on Amazon Instant Video.
"Frida" 
Salma Hayek was nominated for an Academy Award for her role as Mexican surrealist painter Frida Kahlo in the film. It is the adaptation to the screen of the book "Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo," by Hayden Herrera. He tells her life as she struggles with a debilitating injury resulting from its adolescence and dysfunctional relationship with her husband Diego Rivera, who became legendary artists in Mexico. This true-life story can be published instantly on Netflix and Amazon Instant Video.
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