Watch Return to El Salvador

Return to El Salvador is a powerful and emotional documentary that follows the journey of a group of American college students and their professor who travel to El Salvador in the summer of 2008. The purpose of their trip is to learn about the country's history and culture, specifically focusing on the impact that the civil war of the 1980s had on the country and its people. The film takes us on an unforgettable journey through the lives and stories of the people they encounter, giving us a window into the heart of a nation rebuilding itself after years of violence and turmoil.

The film begins by introducing us to the students and their professor, Father Dean Brackley, a Jesuit priest who worked in El Salvador during the civil war. Father Brackley is the guide for the students as they navigate the complicated history and politics of the country, and his personal experience and knowledge bring an invaluable perspective to the film. The group is a diverse mix of students, some of whom have little knowledge of the history of El Salvador, while others have family ties to the country.

As they travel through El Salvador, the students visit important historical sites, including the crypt of Archbishop Oscar Romero and the site where six Jesuit priests, their housekeeper, and her daughter were brutally murdered in 1989. They also visit small rural communities, where they meet with local people and hear firsthand accounts of the atrocities that occurred during the war. This is where the heart of the film lies, as we see the impact that the war had on the lives of ordinary people. The stories are heart-wrenching, and the students are visibly moved by what they hear.

Throughout the film, the students and Father Brackley act as narrators, providing context and commentary on the events and history of El Salvador. However, the film is not just a history lesson; it also shows us the continuing struggles of the country today. We see the poverty, the corruption, and the violence that still plague the nation. However, even in the midst of these struggles, we see the resilience and hope of the Salvadoran people, as they work to build a better future for themselves and their children.

One of the most memorable parts of the film is the story of Monsignor Romero, the Archbishop of San Salvador who was murdered in 1980 while celebrating Mass. Romero was an outspoken advocate for the poor and oppressed, and his assassination was a powerful symbol of the violence and brutality that characterized the war. However, as we see in the film, his legacy lives on in the hearts of the Salvadoran people. We see the impact that his life and death had on the country, and how he inspired a generation of Salvadorans to continue his work for social justice and freedom.

Another powerful moment in the film is the story of Deysi Cheyne, a woman who was a teenager during the war and who lost her entire family to the violence. Her story is a tragic one, but also one of resilience and hope. She has dedicated her life to working for peace and justice in El Salvador, and her story is a testament to the human spirit and the power of hope to overcome even the most difficult of circumstances.

Overall, Return to El Salvador is a thoughtful and moving documentary that provides a powerful window into the heart of a nation. Through the eyes of the students and Father Brackley, we see the deep wounds that the civil war inflicted on the country, but we also see the strength and hope of the Salvadoran people as they work towards a better future. The film is a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, justice, and hope in a world that can be all too often filled with violence and despair.