Product Details

• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000294GDQ
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #207,405 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An important educational film, April 3, 2005

By 

P. H. Duran (Bellingham, WA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: El Norte (VHS Tape)

The value of this film by director Gregory Nava does not diminish with time. I have shown it to audiences several times, and I continue to recommend it. It is not entertainment; rather it can give the engaged viewer an important educational experience about the reality of life for many Indigenous people who are forced to flee their homelands. It portrays the life of an Mayan brother and sister who are forced to leave Guatemala, their homeland, in search of survival in "El Norte." But they discover that the U.S.-Mexico border is a virtual war zone. The film ends in the tragedy that represents the reality of life for many Native people, whose status as "illegal aliens" is less than the humanity that they deserve.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars tragically beautiful and poignant, July 20, 2005

By 

D. Pawl "Dani" (Seattle) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: El Norte (VHS Tape)

This was many people's introduction to the great director, Gregory Nava. "El Norte" is an important film on so many levels. It examines the immigrant experience, and it also takes a critical, uncensored look at the grim, gritty reality of many who come to the United States, seeking a better life after living in desolate circumstances back home in their native countries.

The refugee brother and sister from Guatemala, portrayed in this film, are an intensely beautiful study of a two young people seeking a better life, leaving their trapped existence, risking life and limb to get here, just to find that the grass isn't always greener on the other side of the fence. Ultimately, their story ends in tragedy, but it also leaves us with powerful images of two people who took a chance in a new culture, guided by hope and courage. I highly reccomend this film! However, I don't think very young audiences should see it. There are some very intense images in this story.....Beautifully done.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Brilliant and Poignant Film, May 13, 2005

By 

Telstar - See all my reviews

This review is from: El Norte (VHS Tape)

This film is a masterpiece. The characters are portrayed with great sincerity, the cinematography is masterful, the story very compelling, and the music appropriate and inspired.

There is a lot to think about in this film, not just the obvious aspect of immigration. Include also family relationships, new encounters and cultures, and expectations and emotions on a roller-coaster.

I highly recommend this film.