The movie contains many references to socialist-oriented characters in Mexico's past: first, the painting at General Benavides' dining room is the work of muralist artist David Alfaro Siquieros, a well-known member of the Mexican Socialist Party (PPS); the name of the tyrant, PEC, forms the initials Plutarco Elias Calles, a president who, in fact, tried to outlaw religious worshiping and thus started the Cristero Wars. Finally, the name of the rebel leader, Father Miguel, is a reference to Miguel Pro, a rebel priest who was shot during the Cristero Wars and recently canonized by Pope John Paul II.