Children who live in poverty and wretched conditions climb on to freight trains bound for the U.S. in hopes of a better life. When they talk of the U.S. they dream of television realities, tall buildings, beautiful people, the land of plenty, smiles all the while on their faces. But on the inside these kids are filled with pain. To reach that dream, they go through hell. Burglarized and beaten all the while hungry with the potential of being raped and murdered, all for the sake of trying to get a job in the U.S. to feed their family or go to school. This 16 year old boy talks about witnessing a mother and daughter being raped by 15 men and there's this tear in his eye that can't quite drop. His pain is suppressed. All these children attempt to drown their pain, to bury it, all the while hoping, praying, for that one chance that they may have a better life. It's hard to review this movie and not want to talk about immigration policy. But I won't, I'll let the movie do that for me and hopefully people will begin to open their eyes to some of the harsh realities the U.S. immigration policy creates. Here's hoping for a better tomorrow.
10 Reviews
Which Way Home (2009)
MartinTeller12 January 2012
This documentary follows several children trying to get to America from Central American or southern Mexico, entirely on their own. These are naturally sad stories, but I have to say they're hardly surprising. In fact, the most surprising thing is that the homes they're fleeing really don't seem THAT bad. But I suppose the siren call of the mythical American Dream is too much for some to resist. Director Rebecca Cammisa wisely stays away from politicizing the situation, and the film is done without narration and only brief informational titles. However, this means there is also a lack of any proposed remedies to the problem. It seems to me these kids are better off sticking it out at home, at least until they're old enough to better fend for themselves. Whatever the case, the material is very engaging as we get wrapped up in the plight of these young vagabonds.
Searing, compelling documentary on plight of child migrants in Latin America
Turfseer26 February 2010
Warning: Spoilers
For those who enjoyed 'Sin Nombre,' a fictional feature film centered on the plight of child migrants in Latin America, 'Which Way Home' offers a gripping and heartfelt true-life documentary with similar subject matter. Director Rebecca Cammisa follows the journey of child migrants, providing a poignant and eye-opening glimpse into their struggles and the dangers they face while attempting to reach the United States.
The film's star is Kevin, a genial 14-year-old from Honduras, who teams up with Fito, another youngster from his hometown, with the shared goal of finding employment in the US to support their impoverished families. The documentary follows them as they travel through Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico on top of freight trains. Along the way, they are joined by other children like Yurico, a 17-year-old struggling with a drug addiction, and Juan Carlos, who seeks to reunite with his younger brother in Los Angeles.
The resilience and likability of Kevin become evident throughout the film, prompting a desire in some audience members to help him. Despite being deported back to Honduras after reaching Houston, Texas, Kevin remarkably embarks on a second journey to the US. The film provides insights into the conflicts he faces at home, particularly with his stepfather, which drive him to seek a better life elsewhere.
The documentary sheds light on the various social service groups dedicated to helping child migrants throughout Mexico and Central America. 'House of Migrants,' a shelter near the train tracks in Mexico, offers respite to the children during their arduous journey. The film showcases the dedication of individuals and organizations working to support and repatriate the migrant children with their families.
'Which Way Home' powerfully captures the dangers these children encounter during their trip, including the tragic loss of life due to accidents and exposure. Heartrending interviews with the parents of children who didn't survive their attempts highlight the devastating toll of this perilous journey.
The film also introduces us to nine-year-olds Olga and Freddie, who undertake the dangerous trip alone, leaving their fate unknown as the filmmakers lose track of them.
'Which Way Home' may not break new ground in terms of style, but its compelling subject matter and touching portrayal of these child migrants immerse viewers in a world they may never have imagined. The documentary serves as a moving and significant testament to the challenges faced by these young migrants and the need for awareness and compassion for their plight.
The film's star is Kevin, a genial 14-year-old from Honduras, who teams up with Fito, another youngster from his hometown, with the shared goal of finding employment in the US to support their impoverished families. The documentary follows them as they travel through Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico on top of freight trains. Along the way, they are joined by other children like Yurico, a 17-year-old struggling with a drug addiction, and Juan Carlos, who seeks to reunite with his younger brother in Los Angeles.
The resilience and likability of Kevin become evident throughout the film, prompting a desire in some audience members to help him. Despite being deported back to Honduras after reaching Houston, Texas, Kevin remarkably embarks on a second journey to the US. The film provides insights into the conflicts he faces at home, particularly with his stepfather, which drive him to seek a better life elsewhere.
The documentary sheds light on the various social service groups dedicated to helping child migrants throughout Mexico and Central America. 'House of Migrants,' a shelter near the train tracks in Mexico, offers respite to the children during their arduous journey. The film showcases the dedication of individuals and organizations working to support and repatriate the migrant children with their families.
'Which Way Home' powerfully captures the dangers these children encounter during their trip, including the tragic loss of life due to accidents and exposure. Heartrending interviews with the parents of children who didn't survive their attempts highlight the devastating toll of this perilous journey.
The film also introduces us to nine-year-olds Olga and Freddie, who undertake the dangerous trip alone, leaving their fate unknown as the filmmakers lose track of them.
'Which Way Home' may not break new ground in terms of style, but its compelling subject matter and touching portrayal of these child migrants immerse viewers in a world they may never have imagined. The documentary serves as a moving and significant testament to the challenges faced by these young migrants and the need for awareness and compassion for their plight.
Superb Documentary
B2425 August 2009
Objectivity is hard to come by as one watches this film about children wandering away from homes that cannot sustain their basic needs. The knowledge that none of it is fictional or manipulated for any effect other than that of cinematic value heightens the viewer's deep involvement with the children themselves. Nothing seems artificial. The story is spontaneous, dictated by real events rather than "directed."
Of course there will be critics who lurk behind the camera's eye, as it were, finding fault with presumed motives and attaching political meanings to what they wish beforehand to find in the facts of this film's production. It takes a hard heart, however, to dismiss the simple premise that children ought not to be confronted with the perils of an adult world without the stabilizing presence and guidance of someone -- anyone -- able and willing to step in and help.
Think of it this way: If these children were from any place other than Mexico or Central America, would that premise be easier to accept? What if they were French, English, German, or American kids riding freight trains together with all manner of adult men of the most desperate kind?
It is not my intention to construct a straw man, but I find it reprehensible to hear as I so often do living on the Mexican border ignorant opinions chastising foreign people and governments for creating as it were the conditions that put children in such peril. The point should be to find ways of alleviating the suffering and preventing the deaths rather than creating draconian laws and policing borders. There are ways to do it without continuing to put up with the conditions we see in this film.
It is withal a beautifully constructed piece of cinema, a real must see.
Of course there will be critics who lurk behind the camera's eye, as it were, finding fault with presumed motives and attaching political meanings to what they wish beforehand to find in the facts of this film's production. It takes a hard heart, however, to dismiss the simple premise that children ought not to be confronted with the perils of an adult world without the stabilizing presence and guidance of someone -- anyone -- able and willing to step in and help.
Think of it this way: If these children were from any place other than Mexico or Central America, would that premise be easier to accept? What if they were French, English, German, or American kids riding freight trains together with all manner of adult men of the most desperate kind?
It is not my intention to construct a straw man, but I find it reprehensible to hear as I so often do living on the Mexican border ignorant opinions chastising foreign people and governments for creating as it were the conditions that put children in such peril. The point should be to find ways of alleviating the suffering and preventing the deaths rather than creating draconian laws and policing borders. There are ways to do it without continuing to put up with the conditions we see in this film.
It is withal a beautifully constructed piece of cinema, a real must see.
Outstanding documentary work
patiu196428 August 2009
Warning: Spoilers
First, this film does not get into the pro- and anti-illegal immigrant debate. It simply chronicles the journey of several children (most from Central America) riding the "Beast," a Mexican train that runs north of the border with Guatemala. Many people looking to enter the US illegally will board the train (riding on top, many fall off and are crushed to death) to make the treacherous and often deadly trip. The children are from 9 to 17 years old and are either looking to reunite with family in the US, or seeking a better life away from extreme poverty in their home countries. It's difficult to imagine that anyone can watch this and not feel heartbroken - these are children, some of whom have been abandoned and have no idea the danger they face in their quest for a new life. During their trip, the kids witness two people falling off the train and getting crushed, they are robbed, caught by immigration authorities in Mexico and deported back home, and one witnesses two women being repeatedly raped in a boxcar. This documentary is very well done, and is an example of some of the best unbiased film-making of a difficult subject I have ever seen. It is definitely worth watching - a shot of realism that made me more grateful than ever that I was born in America and have it very good.
A captivating story of children trying to immigrate into the United States and the struggles they face.
sleisnaugle31 August 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I first started watching this film one late night when I could find nothing better on TV...after the first 20 minutes of the movie I found myself trying to stay wake just to finish it. The movie starts off with a large group of children boarding the top of a train late one night but then starts to focus in on a few select children. They begin to tell the stories of why they are trying to make the dangerous voyage to America. One of the little boys chose to make the journey because he was told it would be best for his family and that his stepfather did not want him around. Another little boy ran away from home just to make the journey because he dreamed of a better life. While another child makes the trip as an attempt to live with a family member who currently lives in America and dreams of the education America could offer.I found the movie to be very riveting. When watching this film it is really easy to get caught up in emotion for the situations these strong children face and the fates that become of some of them. Overall the movie was captivating and a real tearjerker. It also bring to the forefront the situation we currently face with illegal immigration in America.
Current Immigration Conditions
blakestkh16 July 2014
In light of the invasion at the Southern border of the United States going on now, my niece suggested I watch this movie. My heart is saddened and heavy for these children. I see that movie was made several years ago so I wonder where are they today? Did they ever actually make it into the country? The abject poverty in each country among the people is horrifying. The family conditions that these children grew up in is horrifying. The pain that these children grew up in is horrifying. It's hard to even comprehend children having to live this way. The two 9-year-olds were heart-breaking. What happened to them? Where is Kevin today? What is he doing? Why don't the leaders of these countries do something for their people? I know there is corruption with their governments and drug cartels, but these leaders can't change that? Or won't?
Yes, America is a nation of immigrants. America has a system for immigrants to come here. I have family who immigrated to this country in the past several years. They came here legally and worked to do what they needed to become citizens. We can't just let THOUSANDS of unaccompanied children stream into our country as they are doing right now on our Southern borders!! It is impossible for us to take care of them all. We can't sustain that as a country!!
Certainly our immigration system needs updating but we HAVE to secure our borders FIRST.
Yes, America is a nation of immigrants. America has a system for immigrants to come here. I have family who immigrated to this country in the past several years. They came here legally and worked to do what they needed to become citizens. We can't just let THOUSANDS of unaccompanied children stream into our country as they are doing right now on our Southern borders!! It is impossible for us to take care of them all. We can't sustain that as a country!!
Certainly our immigration system needs updating but we HAVE to secure our borders FIRST.
A tragic children's story
jjturley25 August 2009
Warning: Spoilers
This documentary is very well put together. It is about several Central American children (ages 8 to 14) who are heading to the United States. They are alone, unsupervised, and riding illegally (and at great risk) on the tops of trains.
They all have different stories. They come from El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, or Mexico. They are hoping to reunite with other family members up north, or they are running away from bad homes. Some were simply abandoned. Others were loved, and are eager to send money back home as soon as they find employment.
The documentary follows the children and hears their stories as they migrate from town to town in Mexico, gradually heading north. Such a journey might take days or weeks. Interestingly, crossing the border into the USA is the least of their worries; they are more concerned with the hazards of the Arizona desert. And so they should be, because part of the story covers those children returned in coffins after they were found dead.
I am really glad I saw this, but it is heartbreaking. It is unbelievable to imagine an eight-year-old child going hundreds of miles alone and having to beg for food... then considering crossing the desert! Tragically, such stories are likely to continue, since the policies of Mexico and the United States are not changing.
This documentary is not political, and does not address anything about how to handle the problem with immigration. It is merely a compelling collection of stories of children traveling alone.
They all have different stories. They come from El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, or Mexico. They are hoping to reunite with other family members up north, or they are running away from bad homes. Some were simply abandoned. Others were loved, and are eager to send money back home as soon as they find employment.
The documentary follows the children and hears their stories as they migrate from town to town in Mexico, gradually heading north. Such a journey might take days or weeks. Interestingly, crossing the border into the USA is the least of their worries; they are more concerned with the hazards of the Arizona desert. And so they should be, because part of the story covers those children returned in coffins after they were found dead.
I am really glad I saw this, but it is heartbreaking. It is unbelievable to imagine an eight-year-old child going hundreds of miles alone and having to beg for food... then considering crossing the desert! Tragically, such stories are likely to continue, since the policies of Mexico and the United States are not changing.
This documentary is not political, and does not address anything about how to handle the problem with immigration. It is merely a compelling collection of stories of children traveling alone.
The Train Smugglers
zaniac-6726810 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This is the story that is dividing the United States in 2018. Children from Central America are sent by their parents, run away from home or are taken by human smugglers to the United States by freight train. This human flotsam will try to flood the USA with unskilled laborers to take first jobs away from the young, from the uneducated and the poor of America. The movie shows the plight of these unwanted children from Honduras, Guatemala and Salvador. After this movie was shown in the United States many NGOs funded by leftist groups in America went to these children and taught them what to say after border patrol or ICE catches them by asking for asylum when all they want is jobs. Watch this movie with an open mind and you will wonder if these people are good for the USA or should they remain in their home countries and make them better places to live.
Simply Beautiful
billcr122 May 2012
Which Way Home is a beautiful documentary filmed mostly from a freight train labeled, the beast by the children who mostly ride on the roof as they travel through Mexico on the treacherous journey to the good life in the United States. Ten to twenty percent will die, on average just trying to get to America.
Olga and Freddy are a pair of nine year olds from Honduras who are headed to Minnesota to live with relatives. Another, Jose, a ten year old from El Salvador is abandoned by smugglers and ends up at a Mexican detention center. The most intriguing kid is a streetwise fourteen year old Honduran who has been sent by his mother to find work in New York City in order to send money back to her. The film is heartbreaking and the brave young kids are a testament to the yearning to survive of the human spirit and the cinematography is breathtaking. Every American should watch Which Way Home to gain a perspective on the struggles of the immigrants so often denigrated here; it is an eye opener.
Olga and Freddy are a pair of nine year olds from Honduras who are headed to Minnesota to live with relatives. Another, Jose, a ten year old from El Salvador is abandoned by smugglers and ends up at a Mexican detention center. The most intriguing kid is a streetwise fourteen year old Honduran who has been sent by his mother to find work in New York City in order to send money back to her. The film is heartbreaking and the brave young kids are a testament to the yearning to survive of the human spirit and the cinematography is breathtaking. Every American should watch Which Way Home to gain a perspective on the struggles of the immigrants so often denigrated here; it is an eye opener.
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