
El Norte
1983·Adventure·2h 21m
7.2
★



Brother and sister Enrique and Rosa flee persecution at home in Guatemala and journey north, through Mexico and on to the United States, with the dream of starting a new life.
Directed by Gregory Nava
immigrant
mexico
indigenous
immigration
illegal immigration
american dream
usa–mexico border
border crossing
fugitive
undocumented immigrant
guatemala
underground tunnel
rat
illegal border crossing
guatemalan civil war
brother sister relationship
undocumented worker
maya

Trailer

IMDB
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Where to Watch



Cast

Zaide Silvia Gutiérrez
Rosa

David Villalpando
Enrique

Ernesto Gómez Cruz
Arturo

Lupe Ontiveros
Nacha

Trinidad Silva
Monte

Mike Gomez
Informer

Enrique Castillo
Jorge

Tony Plana
Carlos the Bus Boy

Sheryl Bernstein
Karen the Hostess

Bo Kane
Lab Technician

George O'Hanlon, Jr.
Doctor Murphy

Larry Cedar
Bruce the Waiter
Crew

Gregory Nava
Director

Gregory Nava
Screenplay

James Glennon
Director of Photography

David Wasco
Set Designer

David Wasco
Set Dresser

Gregory Nava
Story

Bob Ozman
Stunt Coordinator
Popular Reviews
58 reviews
val
10.0★ · 04/02/26

was so stubborn on watching this film but i am so glad i did with my mommy tonight. i’m pretty sure the last half of this film made me so emotional because i heard my mommy sniffling next to me. but this film is so so visually beautiful, the writing is amazing, and it has such a big meaningful story of how the american dream is seen. while watching this film i couldn’t help but think back to all the stories my mom used to tell me and my siblings about crossing the border and how it was hard beginning to live in the u.s.. this deserves so much recognition and my heart is so full and i’m too emotional for this rn
was so stubborn on watching this film but i am so glad i did with my mommy tonight. i’m pretty sure the last half of this film made me so emotional because i heard my mommy sniffling next to me. but this film is so so visually beautiful, the writing is amazing, and it has such a big meaningful story of how the american dream is seen. while watching this film i couldn’t help but think back to all the stories my mom used to tell me and my siblings about crossing the border and how it was hard beginning to live in the u.s.. this deserves so much recognition and my heart is so full and i’m too emotional for this rn
brielle delaporte
8.0★ · 01/12/26

Siblings or dating final boss
Siblings or dating final boss
Rowkey
9.0★ · 07/20/25

despite its numerous flaws through its runtime “el Norte” gets nothing but love from me seeing as it shows the “American dream” through the eyes of Guatemalan immigrants fleeing their country for a better life, an unfortunately timeless story.
despite its numerous flaws through its runtime “el Norte” gets nothing but love from me seeing as it shows the “American dream” through the eyes of Guatemalan immigrants fleeing their country for a better life, an unfortunately timeless story.
Jacob Dickens
7.5★ · 05/28/25

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.
Serena
4.0★ · 03/12/25

Nacha reminded me of my moms aunt which was cool
Nacha reminded me of my moms aunt which was cool