This story follows a man ("Raul", played very well by Julio Aleman) living with his wife and son in San Felipe, a small city in Guanajuato, central Mexico. Raul has been struggling to find work. One day, two friends tell him about their plans to "go to the other side" (the USA) to get jobs. Although the prospect is dangerous and uncertain, Raul decides to join them. He leaves his wife and son behind, promising to send money home.
Their intended destination is Weslaco, Texas. Although in the USA, they find everyone speaks Spanish. Jobs are hard and the pay is low. But what is worse is that these three men do not have legal "papers", so they must always be watching out for the police.
One afternoon, they nearly get caught! After escaping, Raul knows that the police will recognize his face and tells his two friends that he wants to move on to California.
Meanwhile back in Mexico, Raul's wife and son are at the mercy of a local man who wants to take advantage of his absence. He is ruthless, and the family is in great distress. Of course, circumstances are such that Raul and his family cannot contact each other.
As Raul treks slowly westward, he encounters more problems. But also along the way, he finds people who are sympathetic to his plight since it is so common. There are wonderful instances when he gets help from strangers, when all seems otherwise so hopeless.
This film was very well done. It shows the difficulties for people who are just trying to make a living while also having to hide their immigration status.
Their intended destination is Weslaco, Texas. Although in the USA, they find everyone speaks Spanish. Jobs are hard and the pay is low. But what is worse is that these three men do not have legal "papers", so they must always be watching out for the police.
One afternoon, they nearly get caught! After escaping, Raul knows that the police will recognize his face and tells his two friends that he wants to move on to California.
Meanwhile back in Mexico, Raul's wife and son are at the mercy of a local man who wants to take advantage of his absence. He is ruthless, and the family is in great distress. Of course, circumstances are such that Raul and his family cannot contact each other.
As Raul treks slowly westward, he encounters more problems. But also along the way, he finds people who are sympathetic to his plight since it is so common. There are wonderful instances when he gets help from strangers, when all seems otherwise so hopeless.
This film was very well done. It shows the difficulties for people who are just trying to make a living while also having to hide their immigration status.
