El Norte is a film of innocence and its slow, methodical destruction by forces on either side of the U.S.-Mexico border. Nava paints in some ways THE portrait of immigration by focusing on a pair of young Guatemalans who flee their home village and seek asylum in the United States. The first half of the film tracks that journey including through untrustworthy characters and the actual crossing which is rather terrifying to watch. Once they make it up north, things aren't much better even if at first their dreams of economic prosperity seem attainable. All their English lessons and promotions can't stop an encroaching immigration authority or illness or the threat of separation. As Enrique's father says, in what amounts to the film's thesis statement, "To the rich, the peasant is just a pair of strong arms." And yet, El Norte manages to avoid being overly dour through a pair of passionate performances at its center and a few touches of magical realism that help alleviate some of the film's darker moments. Still, at times, El Norte trends too much into melodramatics for my taste but it's hard to argue with the craft on display here and the strong writing that reflects the need for citizens to find safety and community even if it means losing everything.
El Norte is a film of innocence and its slow, methodical destruction by forces on either side of the U.S.-Mexico border. Nava paints in some ways THE portrait of immigration by focusing on a pair of young Guatemalans who flee their home village and seek asylum in the United States. The first half of the film tracks that journey including through untrustworthy characters and the actual crossing which is rather terrifying to watch. Once they make it up north, things aren't much better even if at first their dreams of economic prosperity seem attainable. All their English lessons and promotions can't stop an encroaching immigration authority or illness or the threat of separation. As Enrique's father says, in what amounts to the film's thesis statement, "To the rich, the peasant is just a pair of strong arms." And yet, El Norte manages to avoid being overly dour through a pair of passionate performances at its center and a few touches of magical realism that help alleviate some of the film's darker moments. Still, at times, El Norte trends too much into melodramatics for my taste but it's hard to argue with the craft on display here and the strong writing that reflects the need for citizens to find safety and community even if it means losing everything.
