120 Days

I was able to watch this film in the intimate atmosphere of the Varsity Theatre in Chapel Hill - an atmosphere that allowed the audience to share their emotions with one another both during and after the filming. The family featured in this film embodies everything that the American family has come to represent - a family dedicated to one another, dedicated to their faith, dedicated to their community! A family that knows the value of hard work and a good education! The only problem is - it is a family that we Americans are apparently only comfortable with by putting the label of "illegal aliens" on! If you have not seen this film, and continue to be comfortable using that label, consider exposing yourself to a side of what another "America" has to offer. We will ALL profit from your willingness to open that door! This beautifully composed film has a message for All communities.

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.

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!

With so many pundits and politicians attempting to demonize undocumented immigrants, "120 Days" provides an essential corrective. The people in this moving documentary come to seem like family members, and the human toll of immigration policy becomes achingly real.

Ted Roach, the writer-director, uses subtle editing and unobtrusive narration to convey the urgency of the situation facing an undocumented immigrant named Miguel Cortes -- and he does so without resorting to sensationalism or sentimentality. The approach is simple, direct -- and all the more effective because of that.

Even viewers who shy away from documentaries will find themselves drawn into the drama of Cortes and his family. The film is just as suspenseful as a Hollywood thriller, and the outcome of the story will stay with you long after the film ends.

Highly recommended.