September 2, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II, III & IV • Page 19 ‘Sin Nombre’ details immigrants’ brutal life by Dennis Seuling The beauty of home video is that audiences are given the chance to see films that had a limited theatrical run. One of these, “Sin Nombre” (Universal Home Entertainment) is an amazing movie that has finally arrived on DVD and should not be missed. Sayra (Paulina Gaitan) is a Honduran teenager hoping for a better life. Along with her father and uncle, she hopes to emigrate into Mexico and then the United States, where her father has a new family. They ride clinging to the tops of freight trains because the insides of the box cars are too dangerous, with robbers, rapists, and murderers on the prowl. The Mexican authorities routinely patrol to round up the scared emigrants and arrest or deport them. In Mexico, the teenage Casper, also known as Willy (Edgar Flores), is a gang member who does not know what the future holds for him. He has recruited 12-year-old Smiley (Kristyan Ferrer), who is subjected to a brutal initiation. Smiley quickly adjusts to gang life while Casper tries to protect his relationship with girlfriend Martha (Diana Garcia), keeping her a secret from the gang. When the gang’s fierce leader Li’l Mago (Tenoch Huerta Mejia) does see Martha, she is suddenly and brutally taken from Casper. The paths of Casper and Sayra cross when Li’l Mago, assisted by Casper and Smiley, attempt to rob Sayra’s group. A confrontation between Casper and L’il Mago results in Casper’s fleeing and going into hiding as he is hunted down by his own gang. Director Cary Fukunaga provides a gritty, disturbing portrait of not only gang mentality but also the preying of one underclass on another. He makes no political statements and is not preachy. The film works because it focuses on individuals who are caught up in a series of desperate circumstances, but persevere in the pursuit of a better life. There are countless obstacles immigrants must endure before ever reaching the U.S. border. Death can occur at any moment, and most young people do not expect to reach old age. Casper strives to extricate himself from the tendrils of violence and crime for a decent life, but is blocked by his own past. “Sin Nombre” is a tough film in many respects, but it is extremely well made and the performances from an unknown cast are all exceptional. The film is in Spanish. English, Spanish, and French subtitle options are included. Extras include deleted scenes and audio commentary by the director. “Sugar” (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment), available on Blu-ray and DVD, follows the story of Miguel Santos, also known as Sugar (Algenis Perez Soto), a Dominican pitcher struggling to make it to the major leagues and pull himself and his family out of poverty. Playing professionally at a baseball academy in the Dominican Republic, Miguel finally gets his break at age 19 when he advances to the United States’ minor league system. He stays with an elderly Iowa farm couple (Richard Bull, Ann Whitney) who love baseball and the (continued on Crossword page) Edgar Flores (foreground) stars as a Mexican gang member seeking a better life in ‘Sin Nombre.’ #1 German Restaurant in Bergen & Passaic Counties! Everything from Burgers to Prime Rib Oktoberfest Beer is in! Sauerbraten, Schnitzels, “Wursts”, Konnsinger Klops, Goulash, Potato Dumplings, Pancakes, Spaetzel, Red Cabbage, Winekraut, Apple Strudel and more. Serving Lunch • Daily Dining • Cocktails American-German Cuisine KIRKERS Plus...Our Award Winning Calling All Crafters! Come be a part of the www.kirkers.com • All Major Credit Cards Accepted • Dinner, Mon. - Sat. 11:30 am - 11:00 pm 237 Diamond Bridge Ave, Hawthorne • 973-427-7700 Cook Up Some Business! Advertise your restaurant in The Villadom TIMES. You’ll reach 56,300 households. Sponsored by Allendale Chamber of Commerce Platinum Sponsor: The Allendale Community for Mature Living Town decorations donated by: Rohsler’s Allendale Nursery & Florist Allendale Festival Day 17th Annual State Line 375 State Highway 17 North, Mahwah The Best Got Better! Diner - Restaurant 201-529-3353 Open 24 Hours, 7 Days 8-26-09 For Ester......Janine Join Us For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner KirkersAmericanGerman3x3(8-26-09) Now Serving Cocktails, Espresso & Cappuccino 3 col x 3” Saturday, October 3rd 10am - 4pm Contact Adrienne at Jumbleiah Memorabilia 201-825-2077 or check the Chamber Website at www.allendalechamber.com $ 00 On $10.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. Off 1 $ 00 VT On $20.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. Off 2 VT