After their family is killed in a government massacre, siblings Enrique and Rosa flee Guatemala and embark on a perilous journey to "El Norte": the United States.After their family is killed in a government massacre, siblings Enrique and Rosa flee Guatemala and embark on a perilous journey to "El Norte": the United States.After their family is killed in a government massacre, siblings Enrique and Rosa flee Guatemala and embark on a perilous journey to "El Norte": the United States.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 3 wins & 2 nominations total
- Rosa
- (as Zaide Silvia Gutierrez)
- Arturo
- (as Ernesto Gomez Cruz)
- Informer
- (as Mike Gomez Giron)
- Ramon
- (as Rodolfo Alexandre)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe production of El Norte (1983) encountered major problems with Mexican police while shooting on location in Tijuana. According to director Gregory Nava: "One day, men with machine guns took over the set. I had guns pointed at my head. We were forced to shut down production, bribe our way out of the country, fight to get our costumes back, and start shooting again in California." Nava also recalled that Mexican police kidnapped the film's accountant and held him for ransom, and that his own parents had to pose as tourists to smuggle rolls of exposed film across the U.S. border. Back in California, Nava and his crew had to re-create a movie set of the Mexican shanty town where Rosa and Enrique stay before crossing the border.
- GoofsIn the final scenes with Enrique on the construction site, the foreman is seen watching Enrique. In a medium shot, he is carrying a rule or spirit level in his left hand as he looks at Enrique. In the next shot, with Enrique in the foreground, the foreman is empty handed.
- Quotes
Enrique's friend: You have to learn to talk like a Mexican. Tell me it's a hot day.
Enrique Xuncax: It's a hot day.
Enrique's friend: No! You won't make it two miles past the border. "It's a fucking hot day." Mexicans are always saying fuck. Fuck this, fuck that. Now try it again.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Los Angeles Plays Itself (2003)
- SoundtracksRaiz Viva
Written by Jose Avila
one has to experience the pain and torment some of the people have to experience just to get the chance to live in America. This spirit alone gives me respect for most working immigrants, even if some are illegal. Even 20 years from now, Latin American film courses will still use this film as one of its finest examples.
- How long is El Norte?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official site
- Languages
- Also known as
- The North
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $27,920
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $27,920
- Sep 15, 2019
- Gross worldwide
- $27,920
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