A Day Without a Mexican (2004)

Director:

Sergio Arau

Writers:

Sergio Arau (writer)
Yareli Arizmendi (writer)

Release Date:

6 August 2004 (Mexico)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Fantasy | Mystery

Tagline:

On May 14 there will be no Mexicans in California.

Plot:

One day California wakes up and not a single Latino is left in the state. They have all inexplicably dissappeared, chaos, tragedy, and comedy quickly ensue.

Plot Keywords:

Mexican | Border | Musician | Senator | Scientist

Awards:

3 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

Caroline Aaron	...	Aunt Gigi
Tony Abatemarco	...	Talk Show Host
Melinda Allen	...	Ellen Abercombie (as Melinda R. Allen)
Frankie J. Allison	...	Oficer Carr (as Frankie Jay Allison)
Fernando Arau	...	Undocumented 1
Yareli Arizmendi	...	Lila Rodriguez
Todd Babcock	...	Nick
Maria Beck	...	Officer Sanchez
Yeniffer Behrens	...	Suzy
Arell Blanton	...	Chris
Cassidy Paige Bringas	...	Tracy Abercrombie
Brian Brophy	...	Barney Montana
Pilar Camporredondo	...	Lila's Mom (as Maria Camporredondo Neeley)
Elpidia Carrillo	...	Cata
Larry Carroll	...	Newscaster

Also Known As:

Un día sin méxicanos (Mexico)

MPAA:

Rated R for language and brief sexuality.

Runtime:

USA:100 min | Argentina:100 min (Mar del Plata Film Festival)

Country:

USA | Mexico | Spain

Language:

English | Spanish

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Brazil:12 | Argentina:16 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

San Diego, California, USA

Company:

Eye On The Ball Films

Trivia:

The scenes on the empty San Diego streets were shot on 1 January, when there are few people about, because the production was unable to pay for closing them.

Goofs:

Continuity: In the beginning when Mary Jo sits up in bed, the covers fall to her lap. In the next shot the covers are still up at her chest.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip: The Christmas Show (#1.11)" (2006)

Soundtrack:

¿Donde Esta Jose?

Muy Bueno!

Finally, a movie that says so much that needs to be said about the relationship between latino and anglo-Americans. A few people seem to thinks it's racist, but I don't see how. Some people may not agree, but I think most people will find it to be an enlightening experience. Even as a person who is half Latin American, I was surprised at how many inaccurate stereotypes I accepted about my own people until I saw this movie (the little pop up facts on the screen were both entertaining and informative).

Also, the film's star, Yareli Arizmendi, was in "Like Water for Chocolate", so it's worth it just to see her again. And Eduardo Palomo makes his final appearance in this film, if your a fan of Mexican TV. Despite the controversial ad campaign, this is actually a fun, entertaining movie that I would recommend to most people. See it and decide for yourself.