Search - Mojados - Through the Night on DVD

A humanizing portrait of a dehumanizing problem

Ryan Miller | NYC | 05/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tommy Davis' first feature-length documentary casts light on a major problem in America today: illegal immigration. It is an economic problem, insofar as the US economy depends upon cheap illegal labor. It is a human rights issue, insofar as thousands die and more suffer every year entering the US in search of a better life. And it is a political problem, insofar as making the borders more, less, or equally porous is opposed by some faction or another.

That what unfolds on screen is illegal, genuinely dangerous, and previously unseen by anyone but those who have made the journey, gives the film the irresistible allure of transgression, risk, and voyeurism. Davis' hushed narration throughout the film conveys the mortal seriousness of the subject. And the music of Sin Panache fits each scene like a glove, giving voice to the emotions along the way.

The news clip toward the end is a masterful touch, highlighting how very common such events are. The impersonal newscast contrasts sharply with the very personal film, as if Davis is criticizing the cold manner in which the issue is normally depicted.

Davis' film is not propaganda, nor is it one-sided, as some xenophobes have claimed. It has won so many awards because it is a timely, heartfelt portrait showing the human face of a previously impersonal political issue. Davis should be commended for bravely highlighting an all too ignored issue - and all the more for doing it so well."

Showing the root of the immigration issue

S. Rashid | NY, NY | 05/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Some might believe that this film is pro immigrant. I'm not so sure I agree with that view. While I respect different opinions on the issue, I believe the director has created a film that is not propaganda or pro one side of the issue or another. Davis simply shows the migrants perspective of illegally immigrating to the United States; the why and the how? I believe the footage and information that Mojados offers is key to understanding the root of the issue, and can't be seen anywhere else. Migrants risk their lives and go through brutal life-threatening terrain to come to the United States and for the most part work hard and contribute to our society and economy. They leave their families behind in order to eventually come back to them with money and hopes for a better life. While the natural result of the film may come off as sympathetic to illegal immigrants, it's based on the fact and humanity of the issue."

An Inside Look at a Little Known World

Joseph F. Garcia | Cambridge, MA, USA | 07/28/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Growing up on the Texas border has given Davis a unique perspective from which to tell this story. He brings to the screen a true to life account with no frills, what you see is what you get.

The fact that these Mexican nationals trusted Davis enough to let him accompany them and document their journey is a testament to his commitment. It's not every day a young white guy with a camera asks to tag along on an illegal border crossing.

"Mojados" does a good job of not getting into the political or emotional debates so often associated with illegal imigration. It simply shows the reality of a common situation too often brushed off as some abstract, faceless, illegal act that gets a blurb on the nightly news.

Excellent first film, I look forward to seeing more from Davis."

Opens your eyes to an uncertain and desperate path

J. Jimenez | Dallas, TX | 11/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie recounts step by step on what an immigrant does to cross the border and follows them through their journey day and night. The movie shows them as real as a Mexicans are. They had their frustrations of having to leave their families, food(enchiladas), and most importantly their comforts of their homes. I know that among the immigrants you will find a cousin or an uncle, because they are real people with real hearts and jokes too. They are uncertain of what lies beyond with only the desert as their companion and no sense of direction. All of this done with the simple idea of coming here to the U.S. for a short period of time to get a job to send money home and then leave back home. That is all so you really feel for these immigrants, because they come with good intentions but the journey is dangerous and uncertain, so you are praying that they will manage to finish."