| Sin Nombre | |
 Crossing boundaries is an underrated virtue in film. Whether it's forcing people to look at something which is controversial or taboo, or blurring the line between various genres, there is always something to be gained by stepping outside of the industry standards. Sin Nombre is an emphatic example of this ability, and it is as vivid and exciting on DVD as it was on the cinema screen.Boundaries are central to the film in so many ways, but first and foremost they are an obstacle for is central characters to cross. Focussing on a Honduran family attempting to migrate to the USA, the film is a story about the epic journey this represents, and the dangers faced along the way. Intertwined with the story of the family, and particularly teenager Sayra, is that of Mara (the Mexican gang) member El Caspar. Struggling with the violent and harsh world he inhabits, El Caspar soon finds his gang leader less than accomodating. After a particularly nasty incident with a machete, he joins the train heading North to the US. Much to the dismay of his fellow passengers. The next boundary lies in the genres, because Sin Nombre operates on so many  levels. El Caspar's story is a gritty South American gangster tale in the mould of City of God, but it incorporates classic chase elements seen so often in Hollywood mobster films. Meanwhile the story of Sayra is a family drama, a love story and a moving coming-of-age experience. The fusion, which could so easily have become clunky or unwieldy, is accomplished with style and flair to create a story that intrigues, interests and excites in equal measure.As if that wasn't enough, writer/director Cary Fukunaga deploys his prior experience as a cinematographer to great effect. Working with Adriano Goldman he moves seamlessly between beautiful shots of the colourful South American countryside and grimy hand-held scenes of the continents seedy city underbelly. The clever connection of landscape and cinematography makes for absorbing viewing, and ensures that audiences rarely escape the pull of the gripping story. In summary, this is an excellent film that undoubtedly has something for everyone, and still manages to pack a punch with an intelligent commentary of a real situation facing thousands of people today. Film Rating: **** EXTRAS A commentary from director Cary Fukunaga and producer Amy Kaufman provides plenty of cool insights into the making of the film, and some great behind the scenes stories. It's also quite remarkable as an indication of how practically minded the director is! I suspect Gael Garcia Bernal (also a producer on the film) would have added some sheen to a commentary, but you can't have it all. Also on the extras are a bunch of deleted scenes and, unusually, they are actually quite substantial and genuinely add something to the characters and their stories. Extras Rating: *** Starring: Edgar Flores, Giovanni Florido, Paulina Gaitan, Kristian Ferrer, Diana Garcia, Luis Fernando Peña Director: Cary Fukunaga Language: Spanish Run time: 90 mins Release date: 1st Februray 2010 (UK) Certificate: UK 15 RRP: £17.99 Review by Michael Edwards Want more Sin Nombre? Have a read of our interview with director Cary Fukunaga! For more oft-overlooked greats of '09, have a peek at our Alternative Top 10 of 2009... |
