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Entre nos (2009)
Entre Nos: A stunning tale of Immigration
From the trying streets of Queens, New York, Entre Nos, captivates the compassion of an immigrant family struggling to make it in America. The complexity of the modern issues of immigration becomes real, as the lives of mother Mariana and her two children (Gabi and Andrea,) unravel into poverty. Through the use of a strong storyline, directors Gloria La Morte and Paola Mendoza, create a cold world for the most needing hands.
As the storyline progresses and the role of each character becomes evident, the stunning performances of the actors is heart wrenching. Mariana's conviction to caring for her two children is stunning. At an age where giving up seems to be the easier route, she holds on to them with every ounce of her soul. Through her struggle of dialogue with the world around her, Marian's efforts to find work are nothing short of painful.
The particular ability of Gabi and Andrea to perform such important roles at their age is simply impressive. As the times get worse for their family, their clear a deliverance of emotion entitles them awe. Gabi assuming the job of the man of the family in such a mature manner brings about very heavy emotions. Standing guard over his mother and sister on their first night on the streets, the audience can feel the power of direction.
It is the modern American tale. It is the story of the dream, from the ground up. The truth behind how the world can beat you down and the drive to stand back up again. Offering hope to hold on, Entre Nos is a film deserving of praise.
Como agua para chocolate (1992)
Cinematic Culturalism
Like Water for Chocolate is a film that has, over time, gained significant recognition for its social importance. Through the direction of Laura Esquirel, also the author of the novel, the audience is immersed in a thick plot of passion for food, and it's power to heal. Esquirel's attention to the finite details of human compassion is stunning. Through the twisting and turning storyline, she captures the trials of love, the struggle to overcome, and the cultural barriers that have yet to be broken.
As we are first introduced to the characters of the film, Esquirel pays specific attention to the critical relationships of each daughter with their cynical tyrant mother. We become witness to the upbringing of three well-mannered and respectful girls (Tita, Gertrudis, and Rosaura.) Set during a time where peasants and natives lived and worked together in single households, the kitchen becomes a psychiatric ward for the emotionally broken daughters. Through their caring house cook Nacha; the three girls become familiar with care, passion, and love. As main character and youngest daughter, Tita matures; the relationship she has with Nacha becomes her one escape from her mother (who refuses to allow her to marry.) This however does not prevent a suitor from capturing her heart, and she his. Unfortunately, destined for failure, Tita experiences true heartbreak, when she comes to find her sister arranged to wed her love, Pedro.
As a work in romance, the pain of love became central. As Tita becomes only more secluded in her personal collapse, Tita snapped. Her emotional drain had worn her patience thin, and she finally stood up to her mother. In a moment of complete gratification, the audience is lifted, and then brought to the floor with a firm slap from Mama Elena. Tita is sent away to an institution where she is to be rehabilitated.
Tita becomes a character that the audience can truly care about. We sympathize with her, and connect ourselves to her compassionate heart. She is a round and full soul who cares deeply about her role in her family's life. In all of her time spent with Nacha in the kitchen, she learns what it is to be a woman. Seeing the very different roads that her sisters took in life, and the very different outcomes that resulted, Tita paves her own way. Her capacity to chase after her love is fulfilled with the vision of her sister Gertrudis. Her desire to settle down and find love is anchored from her mentor Nacha. In its time, Like Water for Chocolate addressed issues that had until then, not been spoken of.
For it's cultural implications alone, Like Water for Chocolate was a great film. It is the first of it's kind to attack and break down the unrealistic and inaccurate portrayal of Mexican life. Prior to Like Water for Chocolate, Mexico was cinematically viewed as dirty, dusty and poor. The recognition of American audiences happened slowly. However, as the film has aged, it has brought with it, a fury of voiced opinions in English and Spanish.