Poster for El Norte

El Norte

1983, Drama, 2h 19m

61 Reviews 1,000+ Ratings

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critics consensus

Sensitively written, skillfully directed, and powerfully portrayed, El Norte wrings deeply affecting drama from intractable real-life issues. Read critic reviews

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El Norte Photos

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Movie Info

When a group of Mayan Indians decides to organize a labor union to improve conditions in their village, their community is violently destroyed by the Guatemalan army. Teenage siblings, Rosa (Zaide Silvia Gutiérrez) and Enrique (David Villalpando) manage to escape the massacre and decide to start a new life in El Norte -- the USA. The two trek through Mexico, meeting a variety of characters and facing trials and tribulations on their journey toward lives as illegal immigrants in Los Angeles.

Cast & Crew

Zaide Silvia Gutiérrez
Zaide Silvia Gutiérrez
Rosa Xuncax
David Villalpando
David Villalpando
Enrique Xuncax
Ernesto Gómez Cruz
Ernesto Gómez Cruz
Arturo Xuncax
Gregory Nava
Gregory Nava
Director
Gregory Nava
Gregory Nava
Writer
Anna Thomas
Anna Thomas
Writer
Trevor Black
Trevor Black
Producer
Bertha Navarro
Bertha Navarro
Producer
Anna Thomas
Anna Thomas
Producer
The Folkloristas
The Folkloristas
Original Music
Malecio Martinez
Malecio Martinez
Original Music
Linda O'Brien
Linda O'Brien
Original Music
Emil Richards
Emil Richards
Original Music
James Glennon
James Glennon
Cinematographer
Betsy Blankett
Betsy Blankett
Film Editing
Hilary Wright
Hilary Wright
Costume Design
David Wasco
David Wasco
Set Designer
David Wasco
David Wasco
Set Dresser
Julia Evershade
Julia Evershade
Sound Editor
David Kern
David Kern
Sound Effects Editor
Michael C. Moore
Michael C. Moore
Sound Recordist
Robert Yerington
Robert Yerington
Sound Recordist
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Critic Reviews for El Norte

All Critics (61) | Top Critics (29) | Fresh (56) | Rotten (5)
Full Review… Joseph Treen Newsweek Full Review… Catherine Rambeau Detroit Free Press Full Review… Marsha McCreadie Arizona Republic Full Review… Kathleen Carroll New York Daily News Full Review… Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune Full Review… Eleanor Ringel Cater Atlanta Journal-Constitution Full Review… Michael Ventura L.A. Weekly Full Review… JoAnn Rhetts Charlotte Observer Full Review… Steve Murray Bay Area Reporter Full Review… Malcolm Johnson Hartford Courant Full Review… Richard Freedman Newhouse News Service Full Review… Robert W. Butler Kansas City Star
View All Critic Reviews (61)

Audience Reviews for El Norte

  • Apr 30, 2011
    I'm sort of embarrassed that I like this so much, especially the part when it devolves into a horror story because of THE MICE OH MY GOD THE MICE, but I don't know - it's also kind of charming in its own simple way.
    Jennifer X Super Reviewer
  • Oct 14, 2009
    Picked it up at the library,Tried to watch it but got bored so I took it back.Seen it at the library again & decided to give it another chance & Im so glad I did.A great movie
    Super Reviewer
  • Jul 08, 2008
    Brother and sister from Guatemala decide to seek refuge in the U.S. That's the first part. The second half details their life in that magical city in "the north" called Los Angeles. The last shot is heartbreaking. Well plotted film deservedly won an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
    Mark H Super Reviewer
  • Jul 06, 2008
    Depressingly good times.
    Super Reviewer
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