Sin Nombre compelling coalesces two bittersweet stories into a powerful tale of relationship, loss, and the promise of a new life. The film opens in Mexico where we meet teenage gang member El Casper (deftly acted by newcomer Edgar Flores) whose commitment to his gang wanes as he falls in love and dreams of an alternate future. However, when tragedy strikes, Casper makes a choice that leads him down a new path where he connects with Sayra and her father who are traveling from Guatemala to the Texas border. Sayra’s story poignantly details the journey and the struggle that people undertake to make it to America.
When I say that the film is “bittersweet,” I would do better to capitalize the word BITTER for the movie does have a grave air about it that can’t be shaken by the picturesque Mexican countryside or the beauty of the people who populate the picture. As an American, I may pine for a happy ending where good characters find new life and the bad guys take it on the chin, but this is not an American tale and as heartbreaking as it is to accept, Sin Nombre tells a true-to-life story of what many people south of the border sacrifice to come to this country.
Sin Nombre literally means “without name” (or “nameless”) and while every character in the film does, in fact, have a name, the title fits well for it aptly describes the mass of people who make the long and arduous trip to the American border. Even more, it reflects perfectly the gang life where one loses his or her given name to take on an alternate gang title. We see this clearly in the film as Casper moves further away from his gang he becomes more his true self and is no longer sin nombre.
Along with its strong acting and beautiful cinematography, Sin Nombre’s director Cary Fukunaga deserves special recognition not only for writing the story, but for capturing glimpses of hope and human kindness even in the midst of great poverty and heartbreak. I believe it’s these little nods toward the light (like refreshing limes thrown to weary travelers) that steel a viewer’s courage to press on in their viewing of this oft times dark film.
For those who found City of God or The Motorcycle Diaries compelling, Sin Nombre won’t be much of a stretch. For everyone else, if you can stomach a little bitterness and some moments of intense violence, I recommend this film as it will necessarily force you to experience a world that is likely very different from your own but one with which your heart can easily relate.
