Born in East L.A.

Born in East L.A.

Year: 1987

Runtime: 85 min

Language: English

Comedy

A lighthearted comedy follows one man’s unexpected journey after he’s mistakenly deported from Los Angeles to Mexico. Cheech Marin portrays the carefree Angeleno as he encounters a series of comical situations while trying to prove his American citizenship and find his way back home.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Born in East L.A. (1987)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Born in East L.A. (1987). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie takes place in contemporary times, reflecting ongoing issues related to immigration and the American Dream. It captures the struggles and aspirations of individuals attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border, contextualizing their experiences within a backdrop of cultural festivities and societal challenges.

Location

Downtown Los Angeles, Tijuana, East Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles serves as the starting point for Rudy's journey, known for its bustling atmosphere and diverse population. Tijuana, a vibrant border town in Mexico, becomes Rudy's new reality as he navigates life without his family. East Los Angeles is characterized by its rich cultural heritage and is the setting for the dramatic culmination of Rudy and Dolores's love story.

🌆 City 🇲🇽 Mexico 🇺🇸 United States

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:21

Main Characters – Born in East L.A. (1987)

Meet the key characters of Born in East L.A. (1987), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Rudy Robles (Cheech Marin)

Rudy Robles is a determined and resourceful individual, forced to confront his identity and citizenship after being deported to Mexico. His struggle to reunite with his family showcases his resilience and adaptability as he learns to navigate life in Tijuana. Rudy's character represents the everyday challenges faced by many immigrants in pursuit of the American Dream.

🎭 Comedy 🚶‍♂️ Determination 🇲🇽 Immigrant

Dolores

Dolores is a captivating and strong-willed waitress who becomes Rudy's love interest. She shows unwavering support for Rudy as they navigate their challenges together. Her character embodies hope and resilience, making her instrumental in Rudy's journey and decision to fight for their future.

💖 Romance 🌟 Strength 🍽️ Waitress

Jimmy (Daniel Stern)

Jimmy is a local businessman who befriends Rudy and helps him adapt to his new environment in Tijuana. His pragmatic approach to life contrasts with Rudy's idealism, providing a unique dynamic in their friendship. Jimmy's character highlights the diverse relationships that form in the immigrant community.

👔 Businessman 🤝 Friendship 🤔 Pragmatism

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:21

Major Themes – Born in East L.A. (1987)

Explore the central themes of Born in East L.A. (1987), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🏳️‍🌈 Love

The theme of love resonates profoundly throughout the film, showcasing how Rudy and Dolores's relationship blossoms amid adversity. Their love not only fuels their determination to reunite but also serves as a source of hope for others in similar situations. The climactic wedding ceremony underlines love's ability to transcend legal and societal barriers.

🌍 Identity

Identity is a key theme as Rudy grapples with his citizenship status and his cultural heritage. The film explores what it means to belong, as Rudy navigates the complexities of his identity while facing deportation. The presence of diverse characters highlights the multifaceted nature of identity within the immigrant experience.

💼 Survival

Survival is a driving force in the narrative, with Rudy undertaking various jobs to gather funds for his return to the U.S. His determination to support himself and others reflects the broader struggle of many undocumented immigrants. The film depicts the resilience required to adapt and thrive in challenging circumstances.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:21

Unlock the Full Story of Born in East L.A.

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Born in East L.A. Summary

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Born in East L.A. Summary

Born in East L.A. Timeline

Track the full timeline of Born in East L.A. with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Born in East L.A. Timeline

More About Born in East L.A.

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Born in East L.A.: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Born in East L.A.

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