American Flyer (2010)

An economically repressed young man (Bondo) loses his father in his attempt to cross the border (to send money home) at Tijuana, Mexico. As Bondo sets out on his own, he encounters an array... See full summary »

Director:

Mark Christensen

Writer:

Mark Christensen

Stars:

Douglas Spain, Julian Scott Urena, Demetrius Navarro

Cast

Credited cast:
Douglas Spain	...	Bondo
Julian Scott Urena	...	Gonzales
Demetrius Navarro	...	Luis
Patricia Rae	...	Maria
Isabel Cueva	...	Conchita
Emilio Rivera	...	Big Boss
Danny Trejo	...	Uncle John
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Ray Aguayo	...	Luis
Richard Azurdia	...	TQ Man
Yeniffer Behrens	...	Lima
Carmen Corral	...	Woman
Anelia Dyoulgerova	...	Esmeralda
Russell Gannon	...	Father Smith&Wesson
Carmina Garay	...	Maria's Daughter
Jason S. Gray	...	Gracias Chica

Storyline

An economically repressed young man (Bondo) loses his father in his attempt to cross the border (to send money home) at Tijuana, Mexico. As Bondo sets out on his own, he encounters an array of people holding him back, including the Chief of TJ policia that killed his father, that now wants him dead too. After a deadly attempt at crossing the boarder himself, he resourcefully constructs a flying machine out of a wheel barrow and navigates himself to the Santa Monica pier. There he will begin to complete his fathers dream.

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Genres:

Adventure

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

Spanish English

Release Date:

5 July 2011 (USA)

Also Known As:

North by El Norte

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Find Art Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"Could Be Italian"
Written and Performed by Deke Williams

User Reviews

Surprising indie film

First off a total disclaimer. I know nobody associated with this film. Furthermore I had never heard of it before this week.

I found this movie posted in a Usenet newsgroup and after reading the plot at IMDb I decided to give it a go. Although a gringo I have spent almost my entire life near the border at Tijuana.

I am particularly partial to independent movies made with love and care. With small budgets some filmmakers craft interesting and even surprisingly good films because they have a story to tell and are dedicated to a vision of how to deliver it.

The plot is rather simple. A good boy from a poor part of Mexico arrives in Tijuana hoping to earn enough money to cross the border into the United States "and become rich". It is not without problems but he survives in the big city because he is a good boy with ideals and is easy to like.

Without going into the story, he becomes enmeshed with a corrupt Tijuana police official. Will he make it to the U.S. safely? A raucous finish to the film makes this movie especially enjoyable.

If you have any background with the plight of Mexicans you will understand this movie and be rooting for the boy.