Frontera

i really enjoyed this from like a strictly entertainment position but i feel like some of its messages about immigration were shaky? especially the end feels like its missing a really important aspect. it feels like roy has no real shift in mindset. he still views people who cross the border illegally as a threat- and just because he now accepts miguel we’re supposed to believe hes changed? he doesnt even accept miguel he only doesnt hate him because miguel follows his belief of what a “good mexican” is. he puts miguel to work on the mexican side of the border but doesnt allow miguel to ever exist on the US side of it. it seems like the movie is bordering on saying that if mexicans dont want to experience this violence and discrimination then they shouldnt cross the border instead of like. this type of violence and discrimination is horrible no matter who experiences it. miguel is also almost TOO positive of a representation. hes shown as kind of the virtuous man who was in the wrong place at the wrong time and he doesnt deserve to be locked up like this because hes viewed as a worthy man, not because hes innocent. it feels like their kindness towards Miguel is contingent on him being virtuous. i think its almost saying that if he wasnt so kind and virtuous he wouldnt deserve roy’s sympathy and help. very weird to me i do think its technically a very interesting movie to watch and as a purely visual story it has a lot to offer, i also think its showcasing of the struggles of trying to cross the border is important but i think it almost exists too strongly in the idea of drama for dramas sake and not drama for storys sake. but then again these are all things that have actually happened (and continue to do so) so maybe im just being too harsh.