Review of El Norte (1983) by Rebekah R — 25 Nov 2018

Set against the backdrop of the Guatemalan Civil War, El Norte is an eye-opening and heartbreaking glimpse into a reality that unfortunately still exists to the day. The film follows two siblings, Enrique and Rosa, who flee their home country of Guatemala in search of a batter life in the United States. Before and after their arrival, they encounter numerous hardships due to their indigenous background, lack of English-language skills, and immigration status. Nevertheless, they do enjoy some triumphs throughout the film as the begin the assimilation process and find steady work in Los Angeles. Some of the more humorous scenes are indicative of both their humble background and of Americans' ignorance towards Central American immigrants. They are able to deceive a Border Patrol agent by using Mexican profanity during their detainment; due to this, the agent doesn't bother to question their true origin. This may reflect the overall attitude towards Central Americans in the U.S., which has its own roots in xenophobia.

However, what sets this film apart is some of its more brutal scenes that illustrate choices made by the protagonists and their unintended consequences. Even though the choice to flee north was made in an attempt to escape poverty, violence, and certain death, the situations encountered during and after their departure from Guatemala can cause the viewer to wonder if the end truly does justify the means. When they are forced to crawl through a dark, rat-infested tunnel during the final leg of their journey, Rosa is unknowingly infected with typhus. This leavers her gravely ill for the final part of the film, and forces Enrique, who finally has a chance at obtaining a green card through a job, to choose between staying by his sister's side or leaving for his new job. He chooses to stay with Rosa and forfeit the job, resulting in him waking up from his own "American Dream." At the end of the film, Enrique is alone and left with little opportunity to advance in the United States.

The ominous final scene of the film is chilling and in some ways, heartbreaking. Unlike most films centering on immigrants, there is no happy ending and no answers. Though the choice may be unpopular with audience, this is a harsh reality for many families who have fled the region. Nava's story is one that does not gloss over the ugly realities of living undocumented in the U.S., and remains relevant as long as these conflicts on both sides of the border continue to exist.

Set against the backdrop of the Guatemalan Civil War, El Norte is an eye-opening and heartbreaking glimpse into a reality that unfortunately still exists to the day. The film follows two siblings, Enrique and Rosa, who flee their home country of Guatemala in search of a batter life in the United States. Before and after their arrival, they encounter numerous hardships due to their indigenous background, lack of English-language skills, and immigration status. Nevertheless, they do enjoy some triumphs throughout the film as the begin the assimilation process and find steady work in Los Angeles. Some of the more humorous scenes are indicative of both their humble background and of Americans' ignorance towards Central American immigrants. They are able to deceive a Border Patrol agent by using Mexican profanity during their detainment; due to this, the agent doesn't bother to question their true origin. This may reflect the overall attitude towards Central Americans in the U.S., which has its own roots in xenophobia.

However, what sets this film apart is some of its more brutal scenes that illustrate choices made by the protagonists and their unintended consequences. Even though the choice to flee north was made in an attempt to escape poverty, violence, and certain death, the situations encountered during and after their departure from Guatemala can cause the viewer to wonder if the end truly does justify the means. When they are forced to crawl through a dark, rat-infested tunnel during the final leg of their journey, Rosa is unknowingly infected with typhus. This leavers her gravely ill for the final part of the film, and forces Enrique, who finally has a chance at obtaining a green card through a job, to choose between staying by his sister's side or leaving for his new job. He chooses to stay with Rosa and forfeit the job, resulting in him waking up from his own "American Dream." At the end of the film, Enrique is alone and left with little opportunity to advance in the United States.

The ominous final scene of the film is chilling and in some ways, heartbreaking. Unlike most films centering on immigrants, there is no happy ending and no answers. Though the choice may be unpopular with audience, this is a harsh reality for many families who have fled the region. Nava's story is one that does not gloss over the ugly realities of living undocumented in the U.S., and remains relevant as long as these conflicts on both sides of the border continue to exist.