X

Join or Sign In

Sign in to customize your TV listings

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

The Cost of Living

Beginning in the late 80's, Mexico started experiencing some rapid economic ups and downs (mostly downs). This melodrama explores what one of the downturns does to Miguel (Rafael Sanchez Navarro), a young man working in an architectural firm, when he loses his job. When he is fired, he unsuccessfully tries to sell books door-to-door, to no avail. When he finally attempts to bribe his way into a taxi driving job, he loses the last money he has. Completely lacking in street smarts, shamed by the notion that he might be supported by his wife (Alma Delfina), who still has her job. He then robs a pharmacy and discovers that money can be easily obtained that way. He persuades her to accompany him as he undertakes his new "job" of robbing grocery stores. Needless to say, this does not work out well.

Loading. Please wait...

Content not available in your region? ExpressVPN can help you stay connected wherever you are. Get 4 extra months FREE with TV Guide's exclusive offer.

Cast & Crew See All

Rafael Sánchez Navarro
Arquitecto Miguel Hernández Salinas
Alma Delfina
Patricia Shoen
Alonso Echánove
Mario Medina

Awards

  • 1989 - Silver Ariel - Best Actor in a Minor Role (Mejor Actor de Cuadro) - nominated
  • 1989 - Silver Ariel - Best Editing (Mejor Edición) - nominated
  • 1989 - Silver Ariel - Best Score (Mejor Música de Fondo) - nominated
  • 1989 - Silver Goddess - Best Actor (Mejor Actor) - winner

You May Also Like See All

Fanny and Alexander
Lawrence of Arabia
Boyhood
Journey to Italy

Popular Movies See all movies

Crucify

1 hr 19 mins
A neon noir thriller that descends into a maze of nightmares as two teens trapped in a haunted crime scene are forced to confront their demons.
2020 Fantasy, Horror, Suspense, Drama

Balls Up

1 hr 44 mins
In this raunchy, over-the-top comedy, marketing executives Brad (Mark Wahlberg) and Elijah (Paul Walter Hauser) go “balls out” and pitch a bold full‑coverage condom sponsorship with the World Cup. After their drunken celebration in Brazil sparks a global scandal, they must outrun furious fans, criminals, and power-hungry officials to salvage their careers and make it home alive.
34   Metascore
2026 Action & Adventure, Comedy, Suspense, Sports

Apex

1 hr 35 mins
A grieving woman testing her limits in the Australian wilderness is suddenly ensnared in a deadly game with a ruthless predator.
58   Metascore
2026 Action & Adventure, Suspense

180

1 hr 34 mins
When an unexpected road rage incident puts his son in critical condition, an enraged father spirals down a dark path of emotional turmoil and vengeance.
2026 Suspense, Drama

Man on Fire

2 hr 26 mins
Denzel Washington stars as the bodyguard of the daughter of a wealthy couple in Mexico City who wreaks bloody revenge when she is kidnapped.
47   Metascore
2004 Action & Adventure, Suspense, Drama

Silent Lies

1 hr 28 mins
A teenager (Elizabeth Anne Allen) cares for her younger sister while enduring abuse from a fugitive father (Michael Harris) and a cruel stepmother.
1996 Suspense, Drama