Not all immigrants that come to America experience the glory of having the American Dream. In the movie “El Norte” two indigenous young Indians learned that “El Norte” was not necessarily what they were expecting when they crossed the Mexican border into the United States: “Land of the Free”. For Enrique and Rosa who fled from the ruins of their native home in Guatemala, El Norte meant hard times. In the film, Rosa and Enrique were peasants escaping an evil Guatemalan government heading to America in hopes for something better. National film preservation Board. Guatemala became a place of terror for Enrique and Rosa whose parents were both killed by the Guatemalan government military who controlled the nation during the 1980’s. As part of the Indian population in Guatemala, they were not accepted in their own country. Ironically, they soon learned that they were not accepted in the America either.
“El Norte” depicts the real challenges and the complex nature of immigration in the United States. For years, legislation surrounding immigration to enact laws seems to be in a holding pattern; and politicians have not been able to arrive at fair and equitable solution for thousands of undocumented immigrants. The movie “El Norte” provides a snapshot portraying why people desire to escape poverty stricken countries, and risk crossing the U.S. border seeking a better life. Despite all of the risks, immigrants continue to cross the U.S. border against all odds. In the movie, Rosa and Enrique soon realized that not having what they needed economically and socially, made life in America very difficult; after several months, they both developed the sense of not belonging, perhaps because of the socioeconomic status and rejection they no doubt experienced all around them.
The media has a great influence on the glamorization of American life, so it is no surprise that in the film, Rosa and Enrique, led by hope and a few pictures from “Good Housekeeping” magazines encouraged their dreams for a better life; dreams that many who had gone before them were able to experience. What Rosa and Enrique did not expect was the economic and social roadblocks they would encounter once they reached the land of opportunity. For them, it was a wake up call to say the least. For example, as undocumented citizens and workers, the job market was a challenge, and Rosa delayed her much needed medical help because of her fear of deportation.
Enrique and Rosa’s story was one of hope, as both dreamed of a better life filled with security and success. From a political perspective the film acknowledges many of the political realities that were happening in Latin American countries; the film tells a story through the lenses of others which bring the side of humanity, genuineness, victory and defeat. In Roger Ebert’s movie critic review, he quotes, “Enrique and Rosa are not brave immigrants who could have been our forefathers, but two young people alive now, who look through the tattered pages of an old Good Housekeeping magazine for their images of America”. Roger Ebert He further affirms that Americans are not as welcoming to immigrants, and are not always willing to share resources.(Ebert, p. 1).
Rosa and Enrique saw America through the lenses of outdated magazines; they were the same magazines that Rosa’s aunt kept around the house for years because she dreamed of one day traveling to America for a better life too. In the end, Rosa became fatally ill, and never obtained the success she longed for in America. However, Enrique learned to cherish the words of his father which was to never give up seeking a better life.
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Hello Annie,
This film sounds like something I would like to see. The courage and/or desperation it takes to leave your family and go to a place where you cannot understand the culture and the language is hard to believe. I like that the film gives you the background as to why this couple chose to make the journey. I am sure the debate for immigration will be continuous, however, I hope that there can be humane solutions in the interim to rid the suffering immigrants encounter crossing the border.
Thank you for the descriptive explanation of the film. I have never seen this movie but I can certainly get the gist of how Enrique and Rosa felt. You are absolutely right about America not welcoming immigrants. Americans once happily welcomed immigrants from Central America. But most immigrants do believe that America is a place to start a new life, however it is hardly ever easy. I have met a lot of Indian immigrants who have said building a new life in America was very easy compared to their homeland. I sympathize with Rosa. I have a few family members who refuse to put themselves “on the grid” from fear of being deported. I am sad to hear this story end like that. We all love the rags to riches success stories. Unfortunately, that is all immigrants think of when they think of America.
Hi Jeanette,
Thanks for your comments. Some of the things Rosa and Enrique experienced were difficult. What I have been wondering is if the movie is based on a true story. It was a pretty good movie.
Hi Tiffany,
Thanks for your response. The socioeconomic status of those who migrate to the U.S. is probably dire, so many people truly are escaping their country in search for a better life in the U.S. I agree with you that the story has a very sad ending, and I wonder how many have a similar story to tell.
I’ve never seen this movie but I’ve heard it is good. Based on your review, Rosa and Enrique decided to take a leap of faith and leave their homeland in pursuit of happiness. I agree America does not welcome immigrants with open arms, and some Americans try to make it impossible for immigrants to prosper through gainful employment. Why are we so greedy? Everyday Rosa’s and Enrique’s cross through hot, dry, unbearable conditions and risk death, rape and illness to come to America. We must understand everyone has a right to a better life. I will definitely rent this movie, I feel like I’m missing out based on all the good reviews. Great job!
Thanks Rocio,
You will enjoy the movie. It is a great film which speaks truth about what some immigrants experience all because of wanting a better life.
When I hear people say stupid comments about Immigrants should be grateful that they are able to live in America, because it is so much better than where they came from. I always think to myself do you think that Chicano woman grow up thinking I want to be a housekeeper, nanny, gardner or cook one day for very little pay. People are under the assumption that America is home to the free, brave, and equal opportunity. Sadly this is not always the case. After reading your blog, I will be putting this movie on my watch list. Your post was informative, and gave a positive overview of the film, but still gives one an appeal to watch it.
Hi Jacqueline,
Thanks for your reply. I have seen the movie twice, and each time I’ve watched it, I empathize because I know that for many people coming to America their experience has not been anything near the American Dream. I think you will enjoy watching the movie. It is very well done.
I have not seen this movie and till a few month ago had not heard of it either. However it sounds like a very realistic representation of the struggles faced by immigrants. Enrique and Rosa’s story is one that is all too common for immigrants, especially those south of our border. Whenever I see films like this I always hope that the ending will be a happy one however the truth is that many stories of immigrants in search of the American Dream do not have that happy ending.
I agree with your statement about American life being glamourized by the media (in the case of this movie, by a magazine) which in turn, gives a false sense of perception and the idea that the American Dream can be attained easily becomes misleading. I hope to be able to make the time to watch this film sometime in the near future.
Hi Angie,
Thanks for your reply. I have seen the movie twice, and each time I watch it I cry, because of how people are treated when they come to this country. I believe there is a double standard in that America is glamorized and often called land of the free, however many people who migrate here have had a difference experience, and some pay with their lives. El Norte is one of the best movies I have seen, and the content also helped me understand the struggle.
Hi Annie, I am really glad you picked one of my favorite movies. Its a sad story about the American Dream and tragic endings. But as you see Hispanics are taking jobs no one wants. It is risk coming to a new country and trying to achieve goals, like in this movie We learned in our other class people flee for a better life. As you can see in this movie, how corruption ruins a family.
Hi Annie,
Thanks or including Roger Ebert’s review, where he says Americans are not welcoming to immigrants. Its an interesting point to bring up. He is right! Why doesnt America like sharing its resources? Isnt America the one stealing the resources from these countries? Most of these countries are rich in resources, yet most of their people live in poverty. We cant blame someone for wanting to provide a better life for their family. No one leaves their home unless they are forces to.