| Sin Nombre | |
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There are several things that are remarkable about this film. The first is that it takes a thorny political issue and moulds it into a tense and absorbing movie combining the best elements of the drama and thriller genres. Sayra lives with in a poverty-stricken region of the Honduras. Her life with her family isn't a bad one, but with few jobs and no money around she lacks opportunities for the future. But when her estranged father returns from the United States, where he has been living with his new wife as an illegal immigrant, he offers her the chance to join him there: if she will risk the perilous journey. Meanwhile, in Mexico, Willy (a.k.a El Caspar) is getting deep into gang life. As a prominent member of the Mara he's being dragged into some serious turf wars, worse still he has just inducted his young brother (dubbed 'El Smiley') into the group. However as the situation stretches to extremes he is forced to flee, and ends up sitting atop the same northbound train as Sayra and he family. But as a Mara member, his presence is far from welcome - not least because he is being pursued by his dangerous foes. The drama of the relationships that evolve to survive this trecherous journey, and the tense thrills of El Caspar's perilous situation make for compelling viewing. But they are supplemented by some of the most astounding cinematography to grace screens this year. Rightfully victorious in the cinematography category at Sundance this year, Sin Nombre effortlessly balances vivid shots of stunning Mexican scenery with gritty visions of urban sprawl, and flits between first person chases and detached observation of a group experience in a way that almost defies logic. It really is an awe-inspiring film to look at. As if all of this isn't enough, Sin Nombre has that little edge that adds mythology to a film, that makes it something special, something more than a story unfolding in front of you. The making of this film was an epic undertaking by Mr. Fukunaga, which unfolded after he completed a short about a truckload of immigrants who suffocated on their way into the USA. After this was done he wanted to show the human perspective on immigration, and in the Summer of 2005 travelled to central America where he spoke to police, gang members and immigrants before experiencing the immigrant's journey first hand by riding the train back to the States. This trip provided the source material from which this feature would develop. It's an unbelievable film, powered by genuine experience and an enormous amount of creative energy. The drive and commitment of the director is infused with the power of the subject matter, and portrayed on screen by a group of actors whose skills range from professional players (Paulina Gaitan) to first-timers (Edgar Flores) but whose performances are never anything short of top-notch. I can't recommend this film highly enough. 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: 14th August 2009 Review by Michael Edwards
Want more about Sin Nombre? Have a read of our interview with director Cary Fukunaga!
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Immigration. Just saying the word makes you think of 'issues', or of statistics, problems and polemical newspaper headlines. Fortunately Cary Fukunaga is here to change all that with a film that delves into the humanity of a group of immigrants on their journey from the Honduras to the USA.
