La Jaula de Oro (The Golden Dream) (Spanish) (Mexico)

I was in two minds on the 20^th October 2013 if I remember correctly.  I could have seen Bad Hair directed by Venezuelan director Mariana Rondon or I could have picked up another Spanish movie but one of Mexican origin – La Juala de Oro (The Golden Cage aptly retitled – The Golden Dream).  The “Uncertain Regard” tag on the latter and a newsletter from MIFF calling out the top 20 movies moved me towards this one.  I didn’t regret it one bit.

Diego Quemada-Diez was the Assistant Cameraman for several intense movies such as 21 Grams & Any Given Sunday.  He was also involved in slightly more commercial movies like Maid of Honour, Swordfish and Gone in 60 seconds.  The influence of the former comes through really strong throughout The Golden Dream.  Quemada has directed this movie in a hue that is quite similar to the big names that I called out.

Juan (Brandon López), Sara (Karen Martínez) and Samuel (Carlos Chajon) are 3 Guatemalan teenagers who have had enough of slumming it out.  They have saved up as much money as is required to make the long and hardy attempt to crossover into the United States. The journey will take them through several territories that are not the most hospitable including Mexico.

Along the way, they meet a Guatemalan Indian called Chauk (Rodolfo Domínguez) who doesn’t speak any Spanish.  Reluctantly, they allow Chauk to tag along on the journey.  Sara is dressed as a boy and has done enough to chop her hair and hide any external signs of being a girl.  She is the only one of the trio who attempts to make Chauk feel welcome.  The manner that she tries to understand his language and tries to establish a chain of communication with Chauk is just incredible.

Quemada-Diez’s narrates a story about a concept that is apparently quite rampant today.  People brave everything from horrible rail roads to days without any food or water to Mexican Border Patrols to weeks in an inhuman Mexican jail and finally the United States Border Patrols to get to what they have always dreamed of – a better life.  Along the way, they risk getting killed as well.

But their spirit has been beautifully captured in this attempt from Diez.  The camera work is superb – obviously thanks to previous experience.  But what stands out even more is Diez’s commitment to keep the movie natural and grounded in reality.  The cast is superb and effortless – the dialogues seem more like conversations than delivered.  Yet another one that you must make an attempt to watch.  7.5 on 10.  I loved it.

Watch the trailer on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBBNmC2JWGU