English as a Second Language

ESL is a well written and executed film. It has a gritty feel with well developed characters and a plot that does not follow the traditional Hollywood or Indie film cookie cutter arc. Better looking on screen than most indie films which have seen release. This film deserves to be made available to an audience. I saw a screening at the LA Latin Film festival and watched as an audience of over 1000 people were swept up in a story that took us all on a ride we will not soon forget. ESL surpasses similar films of the "Latin American experience" genre such as "Real Women have curves", "Girl Fight" and "Tortilla Soup" with actors who are new to me such as Kuno Becker but whom stand out as talent that will make a mark on the film industry.

Generally speaking movies about poor struggling immigrants (the leftists running Hollywood can't seem to sympathize enough with their plight) do not attract my interests. I'm not to big on bleeding heart writers and directors who never met an illegal they didn't like. That said, imagine my surprise when I started to watch this film on television and like it very much! I was first pleased by the reality of the characters. They seemed like real people with real problems. Next, I found the two principal actors likable, flaws and all. Since I didn't know any of the actors--famous or not--I didn't have any preconceived notions about their abilities. They all fit their parts fine as far as I could see. Then I enjoyed the intertwining of the party girl and the male stripper in the ESL class and out of it. The writers did provide a plausible happy end so that wasn't hard to accept. Finally, the actors spoke clearly so I could understand when they were speaking Spanish as well as English. I'm not going to rush out an buy the DVD, but if this movie is on television again, I will gladly watch it so pick up on the missed details.

Recently I saw this movie at the San Diego Latino Film Festival and I didn't like it. the thing is that I didn't care for the story (if there is one) for me it's was way too boring. First of all Maria Conchita Alonso is a famous for just being famous, but she is NOT a good actress or worst yet she is not an actress And I don't get Kuno Becker I never liked him when he used to do telenovelas and I don't like him now, he's not handsome or talented or nothing at all. So don't waste your money with this movie, it's not worth it, I think it's time for the latinos to do other kind of movies, something we can all feel proud, and stay away from this kind of stories that are just boring

This is such a substandard, poorly acted, written and directed with no sense of reality. I have no idea how did it get any award.

People in ESL classes look more like upper class Mexicans, the main actor himself look more like a substandard American playboy who pretends not knowing any English. Dialogs are empty, saying too many things and slightly reminds you of a bad Latin American soap operas with exaggerated acting. Posh mother cleaning house just to find "pregnancy test", far from reality. I personally liked her wig and erotic sleeping attire near the end of the movie.

In fact i don't wanna waste any time talking about this movie, I am highly disappointed with this movie.

Perhaps it's because many people are not into a story about an illegal immigrant and the fact that he was easily overtaken by greed or that Lola's promiscuity led to an abortion... There were a lot of other complex topics in this movie including a dysfunctional family and dishonesty in relationships, but the movie combined the various topics well. And while this movie shows the downside of people, it also shows redemption is possible when you open your heart and eyes to the truth. Very well scripted and acted. Definitely not a movie for people were looking for a car chase scene or martians coming from outer space, but if you're looking for a good drama, this is a good choice.