Review of América

Diego lives a carefree young life until his grandmother, América, needs care as she ages and dementia eats away at her abilities. One by one, the sons and extended family members are called upon to help; necessary for her survival but impeding theirs. What kind of selfless love does it take to give up one's own freedom to respectfully aid a grandparent who might otherwise be institutionalized with minimal care or die alone? What is the effect on the relationship of brother to brother, and the implications to them having their own lives?

This loving and respectful documentary required Chase Whiteside and Eric Stoll to follow the family for years, a journey which we watch while being reminded of our own elders and their needs. The family is Mexican, but the issue is one which any of us may only be lucky enough to face ourselves if we live to watch our parents or grandparents bodies age beyond their capacities, without having suffered early death or disease. Yet the path is an arduous one, and not for those without the strongest sense of commitment.

Beautifully filmed and crisply edited, América is more than a story or a film. It is a joyous and poignant reminder of that which truly makes us human: family and the strength we need to care for those who no longer can care for themselves.