National Geographic - Wetback: The Undocumented Documentary
by Arturo Perez Torres
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DVD Cover Information
Director: Arturo Perez TorresDVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.66:1
Running Time: 91 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2007-02-06
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Nat'l Geographic Vid
Movie Reviews of National Geographic - Wetback: The Undocumented Documentary
Movie Review: a humanity film...
Summary: 5 Stars
Wetback: The Undocumented Documentary is an astoundingly well put together documentary of the lives of people who risk their lives just to survive in this world. As many people know, life in Central America, Mexico and many other countries is exceptionally difficult. Because of near starvation families in these countries must decide if they wish one of their younger men to make the remarkably dangerous journey to the United States in search of money to send back home.
I must admit I never knew the extent of the dangers these immigrants face. Even if they are successful, they must practically cheat death several times during their journey. Particularly in Mexico this film shows us how immigrants are not just treated like animals--indeed, they are raped, robbed of all their money and even killed if their captors just happen to feel like killing them.
Wetback proves that these immigrants, legal or not, are truly desperate to find a better way of life instead of starvation and poverty in their native lands. We learn that these people, men and women, don't want to be in the United States any more than some Americans want them out! They know they must stay so that their family members back home must survive.
For a particularly dramatic effect the documentary Wetback films the hazardous trip of two young men from Central America on their way to the states. We hear them tell their stories when they stop at "safe houses" in Mexico and other countries on their way. These "safe houses" are run by the local Catholic Churches; but unfortunately they are so crowded that these immigrants can only stay an average of three days.
I was struck by just how hard it is for an illegal immigrant to cross the Rio Grande River from Mexico into the USA. They practically have to strip naked and swim across the river while their meager possessions float behind them in a black plastic bag. I presume that they seal off their clothing in the plastic bag to keep it dry; it didn't look like a workable life support device.
Of course, we also get an even better understanding of the complex situation when the director films some of the people in Arizona who live near the Rio Grande River and who want to keep these immigrants out. The commentary these local townsfolk provide is fascinating although I can't say I agreed with what they said. I commend the director for being as neutral as possible about the political situation.
There is one extra on this DVD worth watching but it is very brief. There is a brief interview with director Arturo Perez Torres; he expresses his view that this is a human situation and that as human beings we must all treat each other with more respect and dignity. I think that he simplifies the situation somewhat but he does have a good point.
In short, Wetback is an educational and fascinating close up look at the people who bravely risk their lives--everything--to live the American Dream and make their families back home have clothing and food to eat. I highly recommend this documentary for people who wish to study immigration issues.
Summary of National Geographic - Wetback: The Undocumented Documentary
Filmmaker Arturo Perez Torres follows in the footsteps of two friends traveling on an extraordinary and extremely dangerous journey from Central America to North America. On their journey they encounter gangs and vigilantes as well as border patrol. But these immigrants navigate real-life nightmares with uncanny calm, grace and even humor in their perilous pursuit of the a better life.Documentary DVD Video
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