Once upon this time in Mexico
Running time: 96 minutes
MPAA rating: R (harsh profanity, extreme violence, adult situations, nudity, drugs)
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"Sin Nombre," or "Without a Name," is one of the most disturbing, soul-rattling movies I've seen in some time.
It's also one of the finest.
In Spanish with subtitles, Cary Joji Fukunaga's beautifully realized epic dramatic-thriller follows Central American immigrants on a death-defying ride on top of freight trains slowly chugging through Mexico to El Norte.
From this aisle seat, though, it also chronicles another journey; writer-director Fukunaga's notice to the industry and movie-goers that a brave, distinctive fresh new film-making voice has arrived.
"Sin Nombre" took directing honors and the Excellence in Cinematography Award at this year's Sundance Film Festival in January. It's a violence-riddled tale of tattooed Mexican gangs, their territorial wars and the brutal initiation of a wide-eyed 12-year-old Mexican boy nicknamed Smiley (Kristyan Ferrer).
At its dark, but glimmering heart, however, this is a tale of hope and, with more than a little luck, survival.
Mexican actress Paulina Gaitan, also very good opposite Kevin Kline in the excellent, but little-seen "Trade," commands the screen here as Sayra. A Honduras teen, Sayra reunites with her estranged father and her uncle to attempt a long and dangerous journey to the U.S.
Fate has dark plans for the girl along the journey. But an unlikely ally, a gang member named Casper/a.k.a. Willy (Edgar Flores, who is also superb), steps in. By saving her, he commits an unforgivable gang sin. Gang members have quick trigger fingers and long memories.
It's odd that a film this beautiful to watch in physical attributes (scenery, cinematography, outstanding acting, etc.) can weave a tale so dark and foreboding.
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