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Sep 19, 2014lukasevansherman rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Somewhere along the line the classic American narrative of the immigrant experience turned sour and immigrants, rather than heroically trying to better than lives, are often vilified by right-wing politicians and pundits as illegals, threats, terrorists, and thieves of American jobs and services. "El Norte" (the North) should be required viewing for those people. After their father is killed, a brother and sister flee the violence and oppression of their small village in Guatemala to make the journey north to the U.S. Combining documentary realism with Marquez-esque lyricism, Gregory Nava's film is powerful, touching, and full of understanding and compassion for its protagonists, played by two first time actors. Roger Ebert compared it to "The Grapes of Wrath" and Variety called it the first American indie epic. Criterion gives it their usual excellent deluxe treatment. Look for the maid from "The Goonies" as Nacha. Also see "Sin Nombre."