Friday, January 7, 2011

Sin Nombre (2009)

Sin Nombre is a poignant Mexican film that deals with the two biggest issues Mexico is facing today: drug cartels and immigration to the United States. Most movies about illegal immigration and the cartels that I've seen were made in America from an American perspective. In general, they fall into one of two camps. They are either cliched political messages about immigrants looking for a better life or they are bloody drug movies that show the madness of the drug trade.

I loved this movie because it is first and foremost the personal story of a few characters that feel very real and authentic. The movie doesn't dwell on inspirational ideas of the American dream it instead zeroes in on a couple young kids trying to make a name in the cartel and a family from Honduras traveling through Mexico en route to the United States. It is a hard journey through Mexico and the characters all face many trials. Heartbreak, loss, violence, betrayal and love are all made very personal in this harrowing tale. This is one of the best movies I've seen in a while and probably the best movie I've ever seen on the perils of immigration.

If you want an honest look at the people traveling through Mexico and into the U.S. you should really watch this film.

Click here to add this movie to your queue.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? A friend told me it was a good movie.

Is it artsy? No, it is subtitled though. Some consider that artsy.

Best thing about the movie? It has a powerful story and doesn't pull any punches.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking for an interesting journey that might be out of your comfort zone.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 5 Stars! 


5 comments:

  1. Sounds good!

    Hey, maybe you can help me. I saw a documentary a few years ago on Sundance (or the like), that followed some illegal immigrants in their trek across Central America and across the U.S. border. It was compelling, but I can't remember the name of it to look it up and see if it's available on Netflix. Any idea what it could have been?

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  2. Sorry that's really not ringing any bells but it sounds really interesting. Let me know if you find it.

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  3. Hey, Christopher, this is a really natty little blog! I can't believe I've not lurked it before. On your recommendation I'm currently downloading 'Sin Nombre' (it's only £2.49 to rent on itunes). Thanks for writing the review.

    Ps. TB, perhaps the documentary film you're trying to recall is 'Which Way Home' by Rebecca Cammisa (http://www.whichwayhome.net/). :o)

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  4. Well I certainly hope you enjoyed it as much I did. Thanks for the tip on Which Way Home, I'll make sure TB gets that info.

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  5. Christopher, if ever there was a movie that I wanted to have a Hollywood ending, 'Sin Nombre' was it. I watched the film yesterday afternoon. It was grimly compelling. Thanks so much for recommending such a stellar film. ★★★★★

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SPOILER ALERT: Talking about the movie is encouraged in the comment section. Read at your own risk.

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