Sin Nombre (2009)

Director/writer: Cary Fukunaga
Rated: R
Review date: 03-April-2010
Starring: Edgar Flores, Kristian Ferrer, and Paulina Gaitan

Filmmaker Cary Fukunaga takes us on a journey through central America in this gripping and chilling drama. Sin Nombre (Without Name) follows gang member Willy, aka El Casper, as he makes the life changing decision to turn his back on his life of crime after losing his true love. Smiley (Kristian Ferrer), Casper’s young protege, looks up to the all too real life of crime in the small neighborhood. Meanwhile, Sayra (Paulina Gaitain), recently reunited with her father, makes a journey of her own towards a better life in America.

The story is all too real and relevant in today’s world. Immigration and gang violence are among the most prominent themes in the film. Fukunaga presents them in a way that really exposes the realities to us as viewers as opposed to the brief summaries we see in the media. Fukunaga’s willingness to present these images in the most realistic way possible was made possible because he actually spent much time with real immigrants and gang members, riding on top of trains through the central American countryside.

What we have here is a classic film shown to us with no gimmicks or tricks. Focus is placed on the characters and their struggles. We have characters we genuinely care about. The film shows all sorts of emotions from laughter, heartbreak, sadness and hope. It’s easy to sit back and have our opinions on the world and the people in it, but actually experiencing the lives of others is impossible. If any film is able to open one’s eyes and see things through a different light, it’s Sin Nombre. For me it’s changed how I value life and how I view immigration. It may not change your position on certain issues, but it should touch your heart nonetheless.

Sin Nombre would easily make my favorite film of 2009 had I seen it last year at its release. It’s an absolutely beautiful and brilliant adventure drama that submerges the viewer deep into the lives of it’s characters. It may not be a feel good movie, but is surely one that needs to be seen and that will have one thinking long after viewing. Perfect Rating
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