Sin Nombre

Usually, films about the hardships of an illegal immigrant and/or gangs are not very popular. Not many people like the idea of having other country citizens invade their own homeland. In addition, when the term “Mexican gang” is heard, infinite negative connoted words pop up, with no fantasy or luxury like those of a “Mafia” or any European “underworlds”. Sin Nombre (2009), directed by Cary Fukunaga, is a foreign Mexican film that tells the story of Willy, a member of the gang named MS 13. This movie, many aspects similar to the book Enrique’s Journey, has a character wishing to reach her destination in New Jersey, to be reunited with her mother and sisters. Although many viewers may get confused and think that Sayra, the Honduran girl, is the main character, it is actually Willy (Casper, as referred to by his homies) that the story develops around.

This movie initially explores the heinous side of legitimate and infamous MS 13. Knowing that the director spent his time with actual gang members to get the precise dialect and setting, the movie itself is very morbid and haunting. Five-year old children getting morally corrupted, gruesome murder scenes, and graphically tattooed individuals, you name it. Barely twenty, thirty minutes into the movie, approximately three deaths had occurred, not counting minor or extra characters. So by now, readers that have not yet watched the movie will assume that this movie is totally grotesque and violent. Surprisingly, that was not the intent of the director. Throughout the picture, Fukunaga actually dissects the bond and the loyalty that comes with part of being the “brotherhood”, as Casper so desperately tries to get out of. It also gently touches on the subject of friendship and how love can change a person (as cliché as that may sound). In the basic plot, Willy is in love with Martha Marlene (his girlfriend) and mourns over her death. But from what I perceived, Willy wasn’t “in love” with Martha, but was lusting for her. Yes, she made him smile and a softie at heart, but when Willy met Sayra, he felt the need to protect her even if it meant the option of leaving her. Although their meeting was brief, he had saved her life numerous times-- from his leader, la miras, and his allied members. He even went out of his code of conduct for this friend, who very possibly could have turned out to be his true lover at the end.

The film also held many historical and geographic facts and portrayed the migrants’ laborious life on the top of the train. Maybe not in full, complex details since the plot was more based on character development, but most of the hardships were there: Severe weather, gang accounts, and the instability of the train. Although the movie didn’t exactly end with satisfaction, it really could have been up to the viewer’s discretion to come up with a “perfect” ending, since everyone’s taste bud is unique. If you’re looking for a touching and adrenaline-filled movie, this would definitely satisfy your hunger.

Entertainment: ★★★

Social Commentary: ★★★★★

Acting: ★★★★

Total: ★★★★

Director: Cary Fukunaga

Duration: 96 minutes

Rating: R

Cast: Edgar Flores, Paulina Gaitan