El Norte

The film opens in the serene village of San Pedro, Guatemala, introducing us to the Xuncax family. They consist of indigenous Mayans, with Arturo as a dedicated coffee picker and father who imparts wisdom to his son Enrique about the struggles of their community.

Arturo, inspired to fight for workers' rights, eventually faces dire consequences for his activism. Betrayed by a co-worker, he is murdered by government soldiers, leaving a gripping mark on his family and the community.

The shocking aftermath of Arturo's death is witnessed when his severed head is discovered hanging from a tree. This horrifying sight deeply affects Enrique, who bravely attempts to retrieve his father's body but faces an attack from a soldier.

In a moment of self-defense, Enrique fights back against the soldier who attacks him, ultimately killing the assailant. This act of bravery highlights the dire situation they face as violence surrounds their lives.

After the chaos, both Enrique and Rosa discover that many villagers have been captured by soldiers, including their own mother. This loss further propels the siblings towards their decision to escape their homeland.

Armed with money from their godmother, Enrique and Rosa make the brave decision to leave Guatemala in search of a better life. Their determination to escape the violence and instability marks a pivotal point in their journey.

Traveling through Mexico, the siblings encounter a coyote who offers to help them cross the border. While navigating their way, they initially struggle to adapt and find themselves in comical situations as they try to blend in.

Their first attempt to cross into the U.S. ends in disaster when they mislead a truck driver about their destination. This failure serves as a harsh lesson about the difficulties of their journey ahead.

During their travels, the siblings encounter a coyote who attempts to rob them. However, they manage to convince a U.S. Border Patrol officer during their second crossing attempt, demonstrating their resilience.

In a grim turn, the siblings navigate through a foul, rat-infested sewer as part of their escape. This moment underscores the treachery of their expedition and foreshadows the hardships they will continue to face.

After arriving in the U.S., Rosa and Enrique experience a brief moment of excitement but quickly realize the gravity of their undocumented status. They settle in Los Angeles, finding jobs yet facing new challenges.

Rosa narrowly escapes an immigration raid while trying to establish a new life. This chilling encounter emphasizes the precariousness of their situation in a foreign country.

Enrique secures a job as a busboy and begins to improve his English, which leads to a promotion. This newfound success offers a glimmer of hope amidst the struggles that define their immigrant experience.

As the story progresses, Rosa falls seriously ill with typhus, highlighting the toll their harsh journey has taken on their health. Enrique is faced with a heartbreaking choice between pursuing his career or caring for his sister.

After Rosa passes away, Enrique reflects on his father's words about the exploitation of the poor. The film concludes on a somber note, bringing back memories of violence and underscoring the harsh realities faced by immigrants.