Watch Purgatorio: A Journey Into the Heart of the Border

Purgatorio: A Journey Into the Heart of the Border is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary released in 2013. Directed by Rodrigo Reyes, the film takes a journey through the U.S.-Mexico border and explores the lives of those who exist in its shadow. The film opens with a breathtaking aerial view of the border spanning across deserts, mountains, and urban landscapes. This serves as a visual exposition to the audience, illustrating the vastness and complexity of the border, which separates two worlds. The camera then switches to the people who live on both sides of the border, characters who represent the duality of life in the two countries.

The film employs a variety of techniques to bring the stories of the border to life. There are long takes of people going about their daily business, juxtaposed with high-speed shots of border patrol agents in action, evoking the feeling of being constantly watched. There are also poignant interviews with people who are living in the border region; people who have risked everything in search of a better life.

Purgatorio searches for answers to the question of who actually benefits from such a heavily guarded border, and finds that the answer is not so simple. The film challenges its audience to critique the idea of “national security” and to question why the government would spend so much money and resources to defend an imaginary line. It points out that those who suffer are refugees, immigrants, and people trapped in dangerous and life-threatening situations.

The film links the border existence to other societal problems such as poverty and unemployment, which is a surprising yet eye-opening connection. The poverty and unemployment issues are associated with frustration, and this dissatisfaction leads to taking longer and more dangerous routes to cross the border. The problem is not just of immigration, but corruption and poor leadership across both sides of the border. Reyes introduces the viewer to people who work in factories for arduous hours under severe conditions, mirroring the conditions of people who attempt to cross the border.

Purgatorio also points out the environmental degradation that comes with the border system, as the construction of a border fence disrupts fragile ecosystems and leads to repression of local communities. Reyes shows that these are issues that are not limited to just the border. The consequences are felt across many local communities throughout North and Central America.

The film does an excellent job of giving the audience a feel for the complex nature of life at the border. It challenges the viewer to rethink their perceptions of how the issue of immigration should be handled. This is done by highlighting personal and emotional connections on both sides. There is not just one story to tell – it’s a compilation of many stories that give different angles to the narrative. Viewers follow the story of a deported American veteran who feels lost in his former homeland, a Mexican-born sculptor who uses her work as a form of protest against border violence, and a curious group of border patrol officers who build walls to protect their own families.

Purgatorio maintains a sense of journalistic impartiality. There is not necessarily a left- or right-leaning bias to any of the interviews or shots. Reyes is careful not to preach to the viewer or force an opinion on them, but rather leave it up to the audience to come up with their own informed opinions. While the film makes some powerful points, Reyes also presents stories of people with differing viewpoints.

The soundtrack of the movie is a remarkable addition to its powerful imagery. It contains music that is inspired by the two cultures: Mexican and American. The music brings a sense of emotion that complements the cinematography of the film. At the same time, there’s silence and stillness that well-syncs with the unpredictability of border life.

Overall, Purgatorio: A Journey Into the Heart of the Border masterfully captures the complex and multifaceted issue of the U.S.-Mexico border. The film successfully combines artistic and documentary elements to make a deeply moving and thought-provoking piece. It challenges the audience to think about American immigration policies and the idea of borders in general. Reyes is a filmmaker who understands how to capture raw emotions and tell powerful stories that inspire empathy and understanding, making this film a must-watch for anyone looking to learn more about the issue of the border.