Passion Island (La Isla de Passion) represented the first directorial effort of legendary Mexican filmmaker-patriot Emilio Fernandez. Taking place over a period of several years, this is the story of Clipperton Island, more popularly known to Mexicans as Passion Island. Annexed in 1909, the island is put under the control of a small detachment of soldiers, who assume that their stay will be brief. But when the Mexican revolution breaks out on the Mainland, the troops are forced to spend two years on the island. Disease and dissent are rampant, leading to desertion and mutiny. David Silva stars as Julio, a loyal officer who tries vainly to stave off the mutineers for Love of Country, becoming a martyr in the process. Combining all the popular elements-action, romance, self-sacrifice, even music--Passion Island was an auspicious directorial debut for Emilio Fernandez, as well as one of the first Mexican films to gain critical acceptance in the US. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi