El Norte

4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (101 customer reviews)
Brother and sister Enrique and Rosa flee persecution at home in Guatemala and journey north, through Mexico and on to the United States, with the dream of starting a new life. A work of social realism imbued with dreamlike imagery, El Norte is a lovingly rendered, heartbreaking story of hope ... and survival, which critic Roger Ebert called "a Grapes of Wrath for our time."
  • Starring: Ernesto Gomez Cruz, David Villalpando
  • Directed by: Gregory Nava
  • Runtime: 2 hours 21 minutes
  • Release year: 1982
  • Studio: The Criterion Collection
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Product Details
Synopsis: Brother and sister Enrique and Rosa flee persecution at home in Guatemala and journey north, through Mexico and on to the United States, with the dream of starting a new life. A work of social realism imbued with dreamlike imagery, El Norte is a lovingly rendered, heartbreaking story of hope and survival, which critic Roger Ebert called "a Grapes of Wrath for our time."
Starring: Ernesto Gomez Cruz, David Villalpando
Supporting actors: Zaide Silvia Gutierrez, Alicia del Lago, Miguel Gomez Giron
Directed by: Gregory Nava
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Thriller
Runtime: 2 hours 21 minutes
Captions and Subtitles: Details
Release year: 1982
Studio: The Criterion Collection
ASIN: B004DDO308 (Rental) and B004DDO2WM (Purchase)
Rights & Requirements
Rental rights: 3 day viewing period Details
Purchase rights: Stream instantly and download to 2 locations. Details
Format: Amazon Instant Video (streaming online video and digital download)

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Theatrical Release Information
  • US Theatrical Release Date: January 01, 1983
  • Production Company: American Playhouse, Channel Four Films, Independent Productions, Island Alive, Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)
  • Filming Locations: Chiapas, Mexico | Los Angeles, California, USA | Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | Morelos, Mexico | San Diego, California, USA | Tijuana, Baja California Norte, Mexico

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Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
(101)
4.7 out of 5 stars
See all 101 customer reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
53 of 53 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Much Better Than Survival Shows August 25, 2002
By MaryAnn Gorka
I purchased a copy of this film in the 80's. It is one of the most powerful statements about the kinds of things which were happening in Central America during a time when most Americans lived in belief of their government's lies. It also is a most powerful statement about family and the strength one draws from that connection. The real problems in adjusting to a different culture without losing those values with which one has been raised is also a theme of this movie. I still rank it as one of the best movies I have ever seen. I would like a copy again as mine disappeared to one of the people to whom I lent it. If it becomes available in either DVD or VHS I would certainly recommend the purchase and I would be first in line. El Norte.....que magnifico!!!!!!!
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55 of 59 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars EL NORTE May 7, 2002
By Milton Lopez
I have never seen a better movie than this one, I will never see another movie like this one.
It is a "masterpiece", it is the only movie that is based on the reality of the world (filmed in Guatemala, Mexico and United States) not only it showed the life of the 80's (the massacres of people by the governments of our countries) and it also tells how and why most of us came to this country "The North" seeking not only refugee but also a new life after being abused and tortured by the law enforcement of the Central American governments. This is the case of a brother and sister who's father is decapitated and tortured by the Guatemalan soldiers just because they don't agree with the way rich people treated their countrymen. THE BEST MOVIE EVER !... Subtitled both English/Español and Español/English. A must have, a must see.
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48 of 52 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Illegal immigrants in the Promised Land. Eye opening! April 16, 2004
By Linda Linguvic HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE
El Norte depicts the plight of a brother and sister. They are Mayan Indians living in Guatemala but after their father is murdered in a rebellion and their mother is arrested, they have to flee their country to save their lives. They are headed north, through Mexico and then on the United States, which, like so many immigrants before them, seems like the Promised Land of electricity, flush toilets and big cars.

First they have to travel through Mexico and make believe they are Mexicans. When they finally get to Tijuana they have the difficult task of finding a way across the border without being robbed by the many unsavory characters who all compete for their small amount of money. Their first attempt ends in failure but eventually they make it by crawling on their hands and knees through a sewer pipe where they are attacked by rats. Once in Los Angeles their lives seem to improve, but they soon discover the reality of being illegal. This is not a happy story and the ending is sad and left me with a feeling of hopelessness.

One of the most striking things about the film is its innocence. It certainly was filmed on a shoestring budget and has none of the special effects we've come to expect in Hollywood films. Sometimes it had the look and feel of an amateur production, the violence looked staged, the camera often focusing on a full moon rather than or more complex shots. The acting, however, was so good that I forgot they were acting and soon was completely involved in this very human story. It was plain and simple real life. And there was humor here too, especially when the young woman gets a maid's job and has to learn to use a washing machine. However, like real life, things don't always work out for the best.

I guess I've always been aware of the plight of illegal immigrants. But I have never felt it more deeply than through this film. Highly recommended.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Sacrifice, Love, Reality
A great movie for those who are interested in seeing how crude life is for those who lack security, peace and work in their on countries.
Published 1 day ago by Jose R Moreno
5.0 out of 5 stars EXECELLENT MOVIE
THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN ONE OF MY FAVORITE MOVIES. I LOST THE FIRST ONE AND REALLY WANTED A COPY OF IT AGAIN
Published 4 days ago by ANTOINETTE MARTINEZ
4.0 out of 5 stars Should be required viewing
This is a very well done film- tragic, but well done. As our Nation grapples with Immigration reform this should be required viewing for all US citizens. Read more
Published 26 days ago by Peggy
4.0 out of 5 stars Love the movie but the editing is poor
I have a copy of the original movie and this version has been edited/sliced incorrectly. One of the scenes is out of order. Also the quality online was not that good.
Published 1 month ago by Karen
4.0 out of 5 stars A good movie
O bought this movie to show in class. It's a very good movie, but the language made me a little uncomfortable using it in a classroom.
Published 2 months ago by Jennifer Simmons
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Movie
I watched this as a class assignment for a film class. I didn't think I would like it based on the fact I typically detest older films, but this movie was great.
Published 2 months ago by ZahirO
5.0 out of 5 stars AWESOME!!
ONE OF MY FAVORITE MOVIES EVER!!! OWNING IT ON BLU-RAY IS SOMETHING YOU CANT PASS UP ON .. WHO KNOWS HOW MANY MORE WILL BE AVAILABLE BUT I HAVE A FEELING NOT MANY!! GET YOURS NOW!!
Published 3 months ago by MR_BUYITNOW
5.0 out of 5 stars eh
i would not have watched this if it wasnt a requirment for one of my classes, but it was not bad.
Published 4 months ago by Alisha
5.0 out of 5 stars Still relevant and compelling
I highly recommend this film to anyone who is interested in the convergence of the real world and dream world, traditional and modern, young and old.... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Lynn
4.0 out of 5 stars Poignant film about the trials immigrants will go through to make it...
This movie is beautifully shot and makes me weep to think how desperate some immigrants are to make it to the north (U.S). Read more
Published 5 months ago by Roslin Thompson
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