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 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.

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!

"120 Days" exposes the human side of immigrant families in this country. This film is emotionally packed as you begin to feel like you know the family members and can really empathize with their situation. I was especially interested in this film because it features a family not far from where I live in North Carolina. This is one family that was featured in a film but they represent so many others who are struggling with the same reality. You really begin to see that people are fearful and living in the shadows because of the unfair, unjust system we have in the U.S. This film has been an eye opener for many and I strongly urge anyone regardless of their stance on immigration to watch "120 Days."

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.