Sin Nombre Film

5 out of 5

(in Spanish with English subtitles): Sin Nombre is a gorgeous movie that packs an emotional punch as it follows the immigrant trail from South America to the USA. The film, like its name works on multiple levels. “Without a Name”, what was intended to be the temporary title for the film ended up being a permanent one as it worked on multiple levels – the alienation of immigrants coming to a new country, the reinvention of a person when they join a gang, and perhaps a movie that wanted to leave the moral judgments for the audience to make themselves.

The film traces two independent story lines – one of a young man who is part of a gang and another of a young girl who joins her father and uncle to immigrate to America. Eventually, on a train that represents one of the most dangerous immigrant journeys and has claimed many lives in reality, these two characters meet. But assuming that this is a clean romance, would be wrong. The director had more in mind than a simple love story about two people coming together.

Instead, the movie is more complex. Love is an element of the film, but not its main focus. Lost love, future love, the love for one’s family, or for friends who become like a family are all examined in turn. As is infatuation, and the mistaken love for authority which embraces violence and cruelty. But the film does not stop there. It realistically depicts two of the bigger challenges of modern day South America – the plague of gangs and the ambition of immigration to America – both solutions to the social, economic, and political problems that many countries in that part of the world face.

There are some difficult moments to watch and to face. There is violence, often pointless and cruel. There are also tender moments, some of which you can hardly believe exist, in a background of situations that are so difficult to deal with, that they seem to strip all humanity out of humans. A heartfelt and emotional mix of tender and cruel, this film is a gem. Backed by convincing acting by the two main leads – Paulina Gaitán and Edgar Flores, the struggles of the characters in the film stay with you long after.

Overall, Sin Nombre is a highly recommended film that is worth seeing for the gorgeous cinematography alone.