The Golden Dream

Like the film from 1987 and the accompanying song, this story revolves around the theme of immigration to the United States from Latin American countries. However, this narrative diverges from its predecessor by focusing on the lives of younger, undocumented immigrants.

Samuel, Sara, and Juan, three Guatemalan teenagers, make the critical decision to escape their impoverished circumstances in search of a better life in the United States. After embarking on a perilous boat journey across the Mexican border, they encounter Chauk, a Tzotzil native who cannot speak Spanish but quickly bonds with Sara. Arriving in Chiapas, the quartet attempts to busk for money to afford food and drinks, but their efforts are thwarted when they are apprehended by the Mexican Immigration Police. The officers confiscate Juan’s boots, threaten Chauk with a firearm, and subsequently deport them back to Guatemala.

Once returned to the Guatemalan border, the group finds it easy to plan their next crossing; however, Samuel decides to remain behind. Although Juan is reluctant to leave with Chauk, Sara persuades him to continue the journey together. They embark on a dangerous train ride towards northern Mexico, but their plans are interrupted when the train is stopped by the Mexican Army, who attempt to capture the immigrants. Fortunately, the trio manages to escape and eventually finds refuge and work with a kind sugar-cane farmer.

During a festive gathering at the plantation, the atmosphere is filled with celebration as they eat, drink, and dance. However, Sara and Juan’s blossoming romance leads to them leaving Chauk alone, which leaves him feeling isolated the following day. Despite his feelings of betrayal, Chauk resolves to remain with Juan and Sara as they forge ahead on their journey.

As they travel, they inevitably fall into the clutches of drug traffickers who rob them and abduct the women. During this harrowing ordeal, Sara is recognized as a girl and taken away by the traffickers. In a desperate attempt to rescue her, Juan is gravely injured, and Chauk is knocked out.

Upon regaining consciousness, Chauk tends to Juan’s wounds, and once Juan has recuperated, they both realize they are powerless to save Sara. Resolving to continue their northern pursuit, they catch another train where they meet a Guatemalan teenager who promises jobs but instead betrays them to criminals. Fortunately, Juan’s connection to the gang leader—being from the same hometown—earns him his freedom. Later, Juan returns, offering the leader the American dollars he saved for their journey in exchange for Chauk’s release.

The duo eventually makes it to Mexicali, where they find assistance from a group of immigrant traffickers to cross into the United States. However, the traffickers abandon them in the desert, leading to a tragic outcome for Chauk, who is killed by an immigrant hunter. Juan ultimately arrives in Phoenix and secures employment at a meat factory. As the film concludes, he stands under the mesmerizing snowfall of the night sky, reflecting on Chauk’s long-held dream to see snow for the first time.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 19:34