Review of El Norte (1983) by Alex F — 09 May 2009

This was an honest film made by someone who loves the indigenous Americas and its cultures. Rich colours and lots of beautiful natural light adds something else to a film which pays tribute to the magical Mayan world of Guatemala. For political reasons (1983) it was made mostly in Mexico but was very accurate in capturing the Guatemalan culture including the language and even the way Quiche speakers speak Spanish, the conflict between the army and the indigenous comunities and the story of two survivors from a persecuted family who attempt to live the American dream of freedom and economic advantages. It successfully depicts the life of the illegal immigrant and the perils he/she has to endure in order to survive day by day. My favourite line:

"What's a Chicano?" " An American that has to do the same shitty job that we do because his family is Mexican.".