The Mexican Dream (2003) User Reviews

The Dream

[mmnomura · 8/10 · 22 November 2005]

Having seen this movie in class, i thought it was rather interesting. Obviously, we know that illegal immigrants exist in the United States, but we generally do not know their stories. The American Dream is something which we all strive for, whether it's a large house with a white picket fence, or fame and fortune. It is, however, important to realize that "The American Dream" does not only exist in the United States, but all countries, including Mexico.

Seeing what happened in The Mexican Dream, it is evident that illegal immigrants must have extremely difficult times simply working their way through life.

I enjoyed this movie because it showed me a bit of what it is like to move to another country where there is more opportunity, and the problems immigrants have in succeeding. Also, i was interested to see that stories carry from one generation to the next, such as the Crying Woman.

Interesting Movie

[jdruiz · 8/10 · 23 November 2005]

The Mexican dream was an interesting short film. The portrayal of a man who would go through anything to make sure he can take care of his family while reaching for his dreams is heart wrenching. The way that the movie would flash from time frame to time frame made it so that the viewer had to pay attention the entire movie in order to get a full picture of the story. Metaphores abound in this picture from stereotyping the Mexican immigrant to how Alijeo Barajas' journey to acting is what life is really like.

The ending, which i wont give away for those who haven't seen it, is quite entertaining and yet still touching. I highly recommend viewing this short, it's entertaining but still deep.

A Mexican immigrant heads to the United States to make something of himself.

[viva_juicy · 8/10 · 21 November 2005]

Although I didn't quite understand the meaning of this film, I appreciated it for its artistic value and story. I especially liked the animation of the opening credits. I also enjoyed the telling of the story of the same person but from different times in his life. When the screen would split and show what had occurred and what was happening, it was very interesting. I liked how you found out where the main character's passion for acting came from. Another thing I found interesting was how the main character stood up for, or attempted to save, someone who betrayed him. This is a character trait that is not often found in today's heroes. All in all, it was an enjoyable and different movie.

Movies that matter

[koff227 · 10/10 · 2 August 2005]

Director Milos Forman once said that "Everyone is from two countries: their own and the United States." It's no surprise that people the world over identify with the American Dream, seeing as the global pop culture machine reproduces images of an ideal America. In this celluloid utopia, few problems exist, wealth abounds and life is easy.

In The Mexican Dream, Hernandez contrasts Ajileo's dreams of life on the other side with the reality of being an immigrant. This opposition finds expression throughout, but perhaps most eloquently in an extended sequence early in the film. The image shifts to a top/bottom split screen, the top showing Hollywood Boulevard and the bottom Ajileo and the coyote still in Mexico. On top, a disappointed Ajileo scans the famous names on the Hollywood Stars. At bottom, Ajileo asks the coyote about getting acting roles in Hollywood to which the latter responds: "The only role you are going to play is... The Super Washing Man! You are gonna be washing cars, washing dishes, washing gringos' asses!"

As his calling card, The Mexican Dream tells us a lot about what kinds of movies Hernandez would like to make. His short has humor and charm, a good story and a social critique to boot. But you'll never confuse The Mexican Dream with art cinema. Hernandez wants to make movies that matter, but that appeal to large numbers of people. His vision doesn't run counter to Hollywood's, but instead speaks to the best things in it.

Rather than shun entertainment value, he embraces it, but adds that making audiences reflect on his work makes it more worthwhile. As entertainment and food for thought, The Mexican Dream makes a mighty good start.

A Cultural movie about the struggles of crossing the border

[ucicolombiano · 9/10 · 22 November 2005]

The short film touched upon several issues pertinent to the Latin American immigrants and their culture. Specifically, it depicted the struggle of a man trying to overcome the obstacle created by the Mexican border with the US and the reality that many immigrants faced when they were able to get to the other side. The short film, though I wouldn't call a comedy, also incorporated an ancient folktale about the llorona which added an unexpected twist to the story. The movie clearly showed the inevitable reality that many immigrants are forced to see when they come to the US and how fulfilling the "American Dream" is not as attainable as the contrary belief. The movie was interesting nonetheless. It focused on the story of an illegal immigrant which I think it could find the heart of those who have gone through similar situations. I honestly was very intrigued by the movie because of its atypical plot and the incorporation of the llorona.

Mexican dream

[mta-8 · 7/10 · 22 November 2005]

The Mexican Dream is an interesting film because it addresses the controversial issue of illegal Mexican immigration. Americans often only think of the negative effects immigration, such as filling job positions and burdening on American society. It is important that we pause and think Mexicans' point of view, and the difficult lives they lead in both Mexico and once they've reached the U.S. as well. The creators of this film cleverly tackle this sensitive issue by making a comedy. I enjoyed the cartoon at the beginning of the movie as well as the split screen telling two stories. However, the acting was mediocre and the plot amusing, but unrealistic.

The Mexican Dream comment

[illn8kb · 9/10 · 21 November 2005]

Even though I didn't really understand the point that the film was trying to make, I still recognize that the film is moving and shows great promise and talent. Also, a caveat: just because I was not able to grasp the concept/theme of the movie, that in no way detracts from the clarity of the movie itself, since I think it may just be "me" that prevents me from truly understanding the film. The animation was fun and the cinematography was beautiful, and I enjoyed "The Mexican Dream" despite its not being my usual movie fare. At various points throughout my viewing of it I thought someone was going to be shot or something dangerous and violent was going to occur, but the film surprised me in being moving without having to resort to themes of violence or sex. I was touched by the adoring family that Ajileo left behind, and also felt pity for him, since he felt he had to basically lie to his family about how he was actually doing in America. Additionally, "The Mexican Dream" draws up intriguing contrasts and comparisons to the famed American dream, and poses questions about what it means to be Mexican and hopeful in the United States.

You have to watch it!!!

[ysantos79 · 10/10 · 21 November 2005]

This movie is a must see! It is even more comical if you don't have to read the subtitles to keep up (I'm not a fan of subtitles). The writing, directing, and acting are of outstanding quality. I can't wait to see what Mr. Director comes up with next! The use of "La Llorona" as support and comedic value is genius! Alijeo's experience as an immigrant is common experience no matter where it is you or your family immigrated from. If it was done illegally you'll understand it perfectly. Speaking of Alijeo, his character was played with such emotion you believe the actor actually went through that situation. Everyone can laugh with this movie, especially immigrants who laugh at their experience once the fear of crossing to the "greener side" has passed.

Clever.

[EmmiKohout · 9/10 · 21 November 2005]

Short and clever, I thought the film was pretty good. It never led me to the question of: so what's the point? as many other short films have conditioned me to ask, as many either practically serve you a message on a silver platter without expecting you to pick up on subtle humor and nuances that reveal the purpose of the film...while some only hold a special meaning to the creator and make no sense to me. I say that the film was clever because the idea is something I've never heard of before: presenting an account of an immigrant crossing the border as a comedy. The film was well-done and the infusion of Mexican culture through the use the enigma "la llorona" was poignant.

success story of a man determined to be an actor

[syyoo · 9/10 · 22 November 2005]

i really enjoyed the movie.

it contained sorrow, pain, love, success, a little bit of humor, etc all within the short time span of the movie.

it incorporates the Mexican traditional story of the "crying woman" and does a good job in interlacing it with the success story of the main character in the movie.

i was lucky enough to meet some of the people that worked on the movie. one was the director of photography and i really thought he did a great job in showing the movie in certain aspects.

there's a cartoon part in the beginning where they introduce the movie and i thought it was pretty good. the cartoon does a good job in somewhat summarizing the movie.

i recommend teachers to show this movie to their students because the movie time length is just right and the content good enough!

A definite must see!

[doakleyb · 10/10 · 22 November 2005]

I definitely give this movie two thumbs up! I like the humor that is used in the movie (although the subtitles used definitely don't do the movie any justice). I also liked how the story of La Llorona was tied into movie. I remembered learning about the story of La Llorona a couple years ago and the importance that the story plays in Mexican culture. It's seems like a great way to make this movie seem more realistic.

Once again, I thought it was a great movie and I liked how the issue of immigration was presented through Ajileo's determination to cross the border and make it "big" in the city. =)