Entre nos

From the trying streets of Queens, New York, Entre Nos, captivates the compassion of an immigrant family struggling to make it in America. The complexity of the modern issues of immigration becomes real, as the lives of mother Mariana and her two children (Gabi and Andrea,) unravel into poverty. Through the use of a strong storyline, directors Gloria La Morte and Paola Mendoza, create a cold world for the most needing hands.

As the storyline progresses and the role of each character becomes evident, the stunning performances of the actors is heart wrenching. Mariana's conviction to caring for her two children is stunning. At an age where giving up seems to be the easier route, she holds on to them with every ounce of her soul. Through her struggle of dialogue with the world around her, Marian's efforts to find work are nothing short of painful.

The particular ability of Gabi and Andrea to perform such important roles at their age is simply impressive. As the times get worse for their family, their clear a deliverance of emotion entitles them awe. Gabi assuming the job of the man of the family in such a mature manner brings about very heavy emotions. Standing guard over his mother and sister on their first night on the streets, the audience can feel the power of direction.

It is the modern American tale. It is the story of the dream, from the ground up. The truth behind how the world can beat you down and the drive to stand back up again. Offering hope to hold on, Entre Nos is a film deserving of praise.

The film Entre Nos is an amazing portrayal of the love of a real family. In the film Mariana is left by her husband, with her two children after being in America for only a few weeks. The film shows the struggles the family faces, until they are back on their feet. The lighting, music, and camera angles make a large effect on the film. The emotion you feel as an audience and the love of a family are very important aspects of Entre Nos. This film shows the audience a side of life they many have never seen.

Entre Nos is a film with very little dialog, so most of the story is told through emotions. To enhance the emotion, lighting, camera angles, and music are very important. Most of the lighting during the film is dark, indicating how unsafe or unhappy the time is for the family. Throughout the film the camera often zooms into Mariana's face showing the tears welling in or eyes or the sickness coming across her face. The camera often starts in close then zooms out. I think the close camera angles allow you as a viewer to really look at Mariana and make and emotion connection with her. Lastly, the music playing throughout the film is a director indicator of the overlying feeling during a specific scene. These three factors made the movie great and were a main reason the film was successful in connecting with the audience.

The title Entre Nos means between us. The film was written, directed, and starred in by Columbian, Paola Mendoza. I think the "between us" is the relationship between the movie and the audience. I believe the film was created to show Americans the life of illegal citizens trying to make it in America. Mendoza connects with the audience through emotion. With little dialog the audience must pay attention closely to the nonverbal cues the actors make. Mariana does not cry often throughout the film, but you see the anguish on her face and disappointment for letting her family become this way. Mendoza draws her audience in through her wonderful characters.

The greatest part of the film is the love you see from the family. Through all of the struggles and hardships they never give. I believe Mariana shows what a real mother is like and although they are not living the good life, they portray the true love of a family. Never once did Mariana give up hope. I think the affection she shows to her children throughout the whole movie shows that hope is never lost.

Entre Nos is an amazing film that shows the real part of life. Although at times it was almost uncomfortable to watch, the film made me think of issues that have previously never crossed my mind. I loved the emotion it made me feel and the connections I made with the characters. Entre Nos was an unexpected success in my book!

A mother left by her husband has to face raising her children with no money. Like a very low budget version of Pursuit of Happiness, this film works because it was truer and grittier (nothing against The Pursuit of Happiness).

Paola Mendoza is excellent. We feel for the entire time. We are always alone with her. Her children cooperate with her. I'm pretty sure 99% of most children would react a lot differently. They are with her when she collects/sell cans. They are with her when she sleeps. They are with her when she looks for another job.

The music really holds this thing together. There are times where I get tired of the suffering but the music reminds us that there is still hope.

A nice little piece of film making. 7.25/10 or B

I am a judge for the Indianapolis-based Heartland Film Festival. This feature film is a Crystal Heart Award Winner and is eligible to be the Grand Prize Winner in October of 2009. The Heartland Film Festival is a non-profit that honors Truly Moving Pictures. A Truly Moving Picture "…explores the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life."

A Latino mother and her two children are stranded in Queens when their philandering, irresponsible father deserts them. There English is almost nil and now they must support themselves asap. First the wife tries selling homemade Espanadas on the street. Then she tries getting day labor by standing on Latino labor street corners. And finally ends up collecting cans for their deposits with her young son and daughter beside her. They are barely making it when they get evicted from their apartment. And then they become homeless and have to sleep outdoors.

What keeps them going under these awful circumstances? Their closeness and love for each other sees them through these difficult times. Also,they are helped by sympathetic strangers who see their heart-wrenching plight.

Through it all they never lose their dignity or morality. They always act honorably and treat others with respect. Their sacrifices and courage and desperate situation make them more appealing as time goes on. The viewer is filled with admiration for what the human spirit can endure and still not be broken.

The story is wonderfully told. It is realistic and understated and believable. You are often moved deeply as the story unfolds.

FYI – There is a Truly Moving Pictures web site where there is a listing of past Truly Moving Picture Award winners that are now either at the theater or available on video.

Entre Nos shows a haunting and eye-opening depiction of living as a poor immigrant in America. The film is shown from the perspective of Mariana, the mother of two children. She fights through poverty, moral struggles, and heartache. For example, her husband leaves her and the kids at New York to fend for themselves while he starts a new life in Miami. This event triggers the future events of the film.

As the film progresses, the viewer sees the family slip deeper and deeper into poverty. The family's clothes become mangled and dirty because the family is homeless for some parts of film. The pain that is seen from Mariana becomes difficult to watch as the movie keeps going. The viewer may start feeling discomfort and sadness from watching the family sacrifice their lifestyle and safeties they had. The film further shows the struggles that immigrants have in the US in adjusting to culture and finding opportunities to work. Mariana spends weeks trying to find a job and developing skills necessary needed to work. Her lack of work experience and the father leaving show a fight to survive and succeed similar to The Pursuit of Happiness.

The acting by the children in the movie is fantastic. While many child actors may come off as cheesy and playful, the performances by Sebastian Villada and Laura Montana come across as sincere and realistic. They are forced to act as children who must grow up and become responsible which they do marvelously.

Overall, this movie is superbly well done. Paola Mendoza does a great job depicting her mother's story to provide for her children. Anyone hoping to see a different perspective of poverty on a misunderstood minority group must see this film. Entre Nos will inspire and haunt you at the same time.