ViewGuide

Created Mar 02, 2011 02:09PM PST • Edited Mar 02, 2011 02:30PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Very Good 3.5

   A very thought-provoking documentary about Central American kids who utilize riding on top of the freight train to travel the thousands of miles to the U.S border. Of course, with the current debate over immigration rights, this topic is highly contested. So seeing the perspective of individuals who are willing the risk their very lives to travel to the United States is somewhat fascinating, especially since many of these travelers happen to be kids as young as 9 or 10.

   The movie avoids making political statements one way or the other, but instead focuses on the human experience. The children in the film decide to leave, oftentimes without telling their parents ahead of time, and utilize a string of underground aide stations and shelters as they navigate through the Mexican countryside on top of the train cars. We are made aware of the dangers of falling off the cars, being robbed, raped, or even killed. All in the hopes of trying to get to the US for a better life. Throughout the film, the kids show a remarkable, yet dangerous, resiliency to the horrors that surround them.

   It’s hard for me to imagine making such a trek, especially at that age. What is further disturbing is the repeated statements that the kids are hoping to be adopted once they get to the US, and really have no firm plan on how they will assimilate into society or provide for themselves. And through all of this are the grieving parents, wondering and missing their children who choose to go on these trips.

   Powerful stuff without being to one-sided or preachy.

   Watched on Netflix streaming.

4. Acting

   Great 4.0

   As a documentary, there is no acting, but the kids are endearing and genuine in their enthusiasm.

5. Male Stars Great 4.0

6. Female Stars Great 4.0

7. Female Costars Great 4.0

8. Male Costars Great 4.0

10. Film

    Very Good 3.5

    I’m sure its hard to film on the top of a moving train, but the filmmakers do a nice job of conveying the dnagers and toils of making these journeys.

11. Direction Great 4.0

12. Play Great 4.0

    It keeps going without becoming sluggish during interviews.

13. Music OK 2.5

14. Visuals Great 4.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Tame 1.5

17. Sex Innocent 1.2

18. Violence Fierce 1.7

19. Rudeness Salty 1.7

21. Reality

    Natural 1.0

22. Circumstantial Natural 1.0

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0