Pulling Strings 2013

In the vibrant streets of Mexico City, Alejandro Fernandez (Mariachi singer) navigates a life marked by loss and longing. The memories of his late wife continue to haunt him, leaving an emotional void that echoes through his daily routine. His daughter Maria, struggling to find her footing in school, is often left feeling neglected as he prioritizes his career over their relationship. In a desperate bid to improve their situation, Alejandro sets his sights on securing a visa for Maria to stay with her grandparents in Arizona. However, this dream is cruelly derailed by Rachel Simons (intelligent diplomatic), who denies him the necessary documentation.

Rachel, fresh from a promotion in London and now working at the United States Embassy in Mexico City, has inherited a laptop filled with sensitive data as part of her final duties before departing for an out-of-town business trip. Her overbearing mother’s constant belittling of her lifestyle only adds to Rachel’s emotional burden, making her feel like she’s not good enough.

The evening of Rachel’s goodbye party arrives, and Alejandro and his band are hired to perform. As he locks eyes with Rachel multiple times, she remains oblivious to his charms. However, after a few too many drinks, Rachel stumbles out of the party, only to be found by Alejandro attempting to sleep at a bus stop. He kindly offers her assistance and a taxi ride back to his home, where she can rest.

The following morning, Maria’s playful antics awaken Rachel in a state of panic, but it soon becomes clear that she’s misplaced her laptop. Alejandro locates the device and hides it, instead offering to help her find it with the comedic relief provided by Carlos Nicanor “Canicas” Castro (band member). Seizing this opportunity, Alejandro hatches a plan to gain Rachel’s trust and persuade her to grant him the visa he so desperately needs. To make his scheme appear authentic, he enlists the aid of various individuals in Mexico City, including the bar owner where Rachel’s party took place, embassy staff, a taxi company president, a black-market dealer, and a computer repair expert.

As Alejandro and Rachel spend more time together, he forgets about his performance for Maria and arrives late at her school. Despite this blunder, Rachel finds herself drawn to Alejandro’s charisma, and the two share stories about their struggles with connection. Rachel reveals that she has difficulty forming strong bonds with others due to her father’s absence during his extensive travels before his passing, leaving an emotional scar that still lingers.

Here is a rephrased version of the section:

As the clock ticks away, Alejandro’s financial woes intensify, with Hapi, a formidable loan shark, breathing down his neck. The catalyst for this predicament was Alejandro’s own negligence, which led to Hapi burglarizing his home and making off with Rachel’s laptop. With only three hours remaining to settle the debt of 20,000 pesos, Rachel proposes an innovative solution: monetize Alejandro’s musical talents by selling albums and performing with his band. As they navigate this precarious situation, a romantic spark ignites between them, culminating in a passionate kiss. However, when Alejandro arrives to pay Hapi, he finds himself 2,000 pesos short, leading Rachel to offer her boss-given watch as a last resort. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to the trio, Alejandro and Canicas discover that the laptop is missing from its case, but wisely choose not to reveal this revelation to Rachel.

Throughout this ordeal, Rachel’s experience has been redefined by the unexpected consequences of losing her laptop - she has found love with Alejandro, and their relationship blossomed through a series of intimate encounters. Upon waking, she stumbles upon Maria’s stickers on the laptop keyboard, only to realize that Alejandro manipulated her into obtaining a visa for his daughter’s protection. Filled with betrayal and hurt, Rachel flees from Alejandro, refusing to engage in conversation.

As the days pass, Alejandro becomes mired in depression, grappling with the weight of his actions. Meanwhile, Rachel decides to pursue an opportunity in London, determined to move forward despite her lingering emotions. Her mother finally comes around to accepting Rachel’s career choices, recognizing that her daughter’s happiness is paramount. Canicas attempts to lift Alejandro’s spirits, but it becomes clear that he remains consumed by regret.

In the days leading up to Rachel’s departure for London, Carol and Canicas accompany Alejandro to the airport, where he hopes to apologize and confess his love to Rachel, as well as explain the circumstances surrounding Maria’s visa application. However, she remains resolute in her decision to leave, still reeling from the revelation.

One month later, Maria completes 3rd Grade with flying colors. As evening descends, Alejandro and Maria are treated to the sweet serenade of mariachi music drifting through their window. As they gaze out at Rachel, now standing before them, she confesses that her feelings for Alejandro remain unchanged - there is no substitute for him in London. The two share a tender embrace and kiss, rekindling the flame that once burned so brightly between them.