120 Days

Ted Roach's excellent documentary helps bring human scale to issues that often seem in the realm of politicians and television pundits. A family that is probably in your community, part of your world, faces difficult choices about their futures that will change their lives and those around them. The Cortes family works and plays yet one moment, being stopped (for what reason) by the police and their world stops. Except it doesn't. Because they have 120 Days to make choices of who and where to be. But this is not fiction. It happened to actual people, and they are living out the effects of the choices they made. The film is beautiful, too. Will move you.

I had the pleasure of seeing this documentary at a film festival in Raleigh. Without going into too much detail, I think this film provided a necessary narrative to the central point of the immigration issue: family. This film does a wonderful job of showcasing the impact, influence, and contribution of a family that is just seeking out a better life.

Good people, hardworking, and law abiding. Furthermore, the film does a wonderful, albeit saddening, exploration of the laws revolving around the immigration and deportation conundrum here in the states. If only all American citizens were more like the family depicted in 120 Days.

Do yourself a favor and check it out!

Very approachable, very powerful. This film puts a real flesh and blood face to what can be an abstract issue for a lot of Americans. What we read and hear from the media on this issue is a far cry from the reality as we delve into the darker side of our immigration laws. With very little narration, the filmmaker has the where with all and good sense to step out of the way and let the power and love of Miguel's family lead the way as we fret with each and every turn. Miguel's decision is one that should resonate within us all. This film should be required viewing not just for our representatives in DC, but for all citizens.

This film is both beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time! Director Ted Roach did a great job bringing to light an issue that is so often swept under the rug in our society. What an honor it was to experience the love and compassion that Miguel and his family have for one another. This is without a doubt, the true definition of a love story. It may not be the version we as a society are used to viewing, but it certainly mirrors every aspect of what we all long for. The authentic nature of this family is present throughout the entire film. It is a true blessing to be able to witness the connection that each of the family members share. Although, everyone watching this film may not be able to relate, on a personal level, to the challenges that Miguel and his family face, I do feel that we can all relate to the inner emotion that binds this family together. I absolutely loved this film and think it is a must see for all! You will certainly leave a more empathetic person than you walked in!

While waiting at a stop light, Miguel Cortes is pulled over by a cop in North Carolina but charged with nothing. He is instead only asked for papers, and when unable to produce a driver's license, is arrested and jailed while his daughters are left in the car. Cortes is a law-abiding, working, contentedly married father of two girls and was taking them to school. At an immigration hearing, he is assessed a $5,000 fine and given 120 days to put his affairs in order and depart the country. This is the story of those days.

"Before you criticize a person, walk a mile in his shoes." Remember that one? Here's the viewers' opportunity to instead spend 120 days in the Cortes family's shoes. Viewers get to know and become a part of the family as they plan personal and financial matters in preparation for his separation from them.

Whatever your feelings about deportation of undocumented aliens, this movie will cause you to think again and put them in sharper contrast. For anyone with even a small degree of authority over the matter, it is a near compulsory watch.