It's Monday!
Today, for NMM, I'm bringing you the documentary 'Which Way Home'. Every year, thousands of South American children attempt to illegally immigrate to the United States. 'Which Way Home' chronicles the journey of three such children, following them as they ride the Mexican railway from the country's Southern border, to the Rio Grande.
As a staunch Conservative who lives in a border state, I was leery that this might be a Liberal slanted, biased look at the immigration issue. Instead, I found it to be a raw, incredibly insightful look at the very real dilemma of illegal immigration. What the cameras see is what you get in this film. You are introduced to all sides of the issue, with interviews with relatives left behind in Hondures and Guatemala, as well as relatives State-side, both Mexican and American border patrol agents, and aide workers.
What I liked most about 'Which Way Home' is the depth with which the story of the three boys is told. You watch them transverse from boyhood to manhood, revel with them in the joyous freedom of train jumping, and experience heart stopping fear when the road gets more dangerous closer to the border.
I came away from this movie with a clearer understanding of what illegal immigrants face in order to make it to our country, and also a better insight into some of their motives. 'Which Way Home' touched both Scott and I so much that now, days later, we are still discussing it together.
It's funny how being a Mom can change your perspective. Yes, there are ways things should be done and rules people should follow, and I have no patience for people who want something for nothing - but it's a lot easier to see things as black and white on this side of the border. How would I feel if the only hope I saw for my kids was one illegal act on my part? Sounds like an interesting film.
ReplyDeleteWhat I liked about it was that it didn't glorify or justify illegal immigration - it simply documented the journey. Interestingly enough, the mothers of the children didn't support their going - it was the kids, who had an idealized and overly romantisized view of America. There was one grandmother who lived in the States, who said, "Love for your family is the price you pay", talking about how the process tears families apart.
ReplyDeleteThat looks interesting. I try to avoid politically sided movies like the plague. But, from your description, this doesn't sound like it.
ReplyDeleteHave you watched Jesus Camp yet?
Yes, and it hurt me. A documentarian can do a LOT with who they choose to interview, and what they leave on the cutting room floor!
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