Films about America in Latin America explore the complex relationship between the United States and various Latin American countries. These films often delve into topics such as political interventions, cultural clashes, and the impact of American influence on Latin American societies. Here are some existing films that touch upon this theme:
“Missing”, 2023
Director: Nicholas D. Johnson, Will Merrick
Directed by Costa-Gavras, this film is based on a true story and follows an American journalist who disappears during the 1973 military coup in Chile. It explores the political turmoil and the role of the American government in supporting the coup.
Starring: Storm Reid, Nia Long, Joaquim de Almeida, Ken Leung, Amy Landecker, Daniel Henney, Tim Griffin, Ava Zaria Lee, Kimberly Cheng, Megan Suri, Lisa Yamada, Sharar Ali-Speakes, Jameel Shivji, Michael Segovia, Lauren B. Mosley, Rick Chambers, Tracy Vilar, Viviana Salinas, Juan Carlos Goméz Ortega, Briana McLean, Monica Bhatnagar, Roy Abramsohn, Danielle Nottingham, Thomas Barbusca, Esteban Dager, Sean O'Bryan, Karina Noelle Castillo, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Zeke Alton, Billie Jordan, Dalila Ali Rajah, Jill Smith, Oscar Camacho, Scott Menville, Wolfie Trausch, Kelly Stables, Javier Grajeda, Mauricio Mendoza, Sean Berube, Ren Burttet, Christopher Hin, Jalil Jay Lynch, Jerry Marr, Marcello Padilla, Jill Remez, Rita Rucker;
Production year: 2023;
Genre: detective, thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 111 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Missing” on the website imdb.com
“The Making of «The Motorcycle Diaries»”, 2004
Director: –
Directed by Walter Salles, this biographical drama is based on the diaries of Ernesto “Che” Guevara. The film depicts Guevara's transformative journey across South America, including his experiences in the United States, which had a profound impact on his political awakening.
Starring: Rodrigo de la Serna, Gael García Bernal, Alberto Granado, Aleida Guevara, Michael Nozik, Robert Redford, Jose Rivera, Walter Salles, Rebecca Yeldham;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: documentary;
Duration: 22 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
“Salvador”, 1986
Director: Oliver Stone
Directed by Oliver Stone, this film is set during the Salvadoran Civil War in the 1980s. It follows an American journalist who becomes involved in the conflict and exposes the brutality of the Salvadoran government, highlighting the role of the United States in supporting oppressive regimes in the region.
Starring: James Woods, James Belushi, Michael Murphy, John Savage, Elpidia Carrillo, Tony Plana, Colby Chester, Cynthia Gibb, Will MacMillan, Valerie Wildman, José Carlos Ruiz, Jorge Luke, Juan Fernández, Salvador Sánchez, Rosario Zúñiga, Martín Fuentes, Gary Farr, Gilles Millinaire, John Doe, Leticia Valenzuela, Roberto Sosa, Daria Okugawa, Sue Ann McKean, Joshua Gallegos, María Rubell, Ty Granderson Jones, Sean Stone, Danna Hansen, Sigridur Gudmunds, Erika Carlsson, Kara Glover, Julie Conn, María del Carmen Sánchez, Art Bonilla, Gerardo Zepeda, Nicolás Jasso, José Chávez, Héctor Téllez, Jorge Reynoso, Jorge Pol, César Sobrevals, Bruno Rubeo, Bob Morones, Juliana Urquisa, Queta Carrasco, María de los Ángeles Urquiza, Tomás Leal, Rene Pereyra, Arturo Rodríguez Doring, Jair De Rubin;
Production year: 1986;
Genre: thriller, drama, war;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 122 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Salvador” on the website imdb.com
“Evita”, 1996
Director: Alan Parker
Directed by Alan Parker, this musical drama tells the story of Eva Perón, the iconic First Lady of Argentina. While not solely focused on American influence, the film portrays the political and cultural dynamics between Argentina and the United States during Perón's rise to power.
Starring: Madonna, Antonio Banderas, Jonathan Pryce, Jimmy Nail, Victoria Sus, Julian Littman, Olga Merediz, Laura Pallas, Julia Worsley, María Luján Hidalgo, Servando Villamil, Andrea Corr, Peter Polycarpou, Gary Brooker, Maite Yerro, Adrià Collado, Gabriel Kraisman, Martin Drogo, Venesa Weis, Veronica Ferrari Risler, Aldana García Soler, Domingo Chiofalo, Ismael Osorio, Lidia Catalano, John Coverdale, Rod Hart, Ian Hill, Rob Levy, Teddy Peiro, Joe Townsend, Mark Ryan, Gordon Neville, Frederick Warder, Albin Pahernik, Luca Tommassini, Denis Tremblay, Éva Vári, Zsanett Farkas, Sergio Lerer, Mara Bestelli, Mónica Lairana, Bettina Menegazzo, Laura Miller, Marcelo Alejandro Auchelli, Luis Alday, Luis Boccia, Vera Fogwill, Alfredo Martín, Diego Leske, Francisco Nápoli;
Production year: 1996;
Genre: musical, drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 135 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,3;
More information about the film “Evita” on the website imdb.com
“D-Day, 6th June 1944: The Official Story”, 1994
Director: John Doukas
Directed by Luis Puenzo, this Argentine drama explores the impact of the military dictatorship in Argentina on a middle-class family. The film touches upon the involvement of the United States in supporting the regime and the consequences it had on the country's citizens.
Starring: Queen Elizabeth II, Harry Secombe, Omar N. Bradley, Neville Chamberlain, James Doolittle, Richard N. Gale, Ernest J. King, William Lyon Mackenzie King, Trafford Leigh-Mallory, Lord Lovat, Viktor Lutze, Bernard L. Montgomery, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Bertram Ramsay, Theodore Roosevelt Jr., Walter Bedell Smith, Arthur Tedder;
Production year: 1994;
Genre: documentary, war;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “D-Day, 6th June 1944: The Official Story” on the website imdb.com
“Clear and Present Danger”, 1994
Director: Phillip Noyce
Directed by Phillip Noyce, this political thriller is based on Tom Clancy's novel. While not set entirely in Latin America, the film explores the United States' covert operations and interventions in Colombia, highlighting the complexities of American involvement in the region.
Starring: Harrison Ford, Willem Dafoe, Anne Archer, Joaquim de Almeida, Henry Czerny, Harris Yulin, Donald Moffat, Miguel Sandoval, Benjamin Bratt, Raymond Cruz, Dean Jones, Thora Birch, Ann Magnuson, Hope Lange, Tom Tammi, Tim Grimm, Belita Moreno, James Earl Jones, Jorge Luke, Jaime Gomez, Jared Chandler, Greg Germann, Ellen Geer, Ted Raimi, Vondie Curtis-Hall, John Lafayette, Beau Lotterman, Rex Linn, Peter Weireter, Victor Palmieri, Trip Hamilton, Ken Howard, Alexander Lester, Reg E. Cathey, Clark Gregg, Chris Conrad, Vaughn Armstrong, John Putch, Colleen Flynn, Reed Diamond, Cam Brainard, Brendan Ford, Michael Jace, Cameron Thor, Harley Venton, Miguel Pérez, Patrick Bauchau, Juan Carlos Colombo, Blanca Guerra, Rufino Echegoyen;
Production year: 1994;
Genre: action, thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 141 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Clear and Present Danger” on the website imdb.com
“Che?”, 1972
Director: Roman Polanski
Directed by Steven Soderbergh, this two-part biographical drama follows the life of Ernesto “Che” Guevara, from his involvement in the Cuban Revolution to his attempt to foment a revolution in Bolivia. The film examines Guevara's relationship with the United States and his revolutionary ideals.
Starring: Marcello Mastroianni, Sydne Rome, Hugh Griffith, Romolo Valli, Guido Alberti, Henning Schlüter, Gianfranco Piacentini, Christiane Barry, Dieter Hallervorden, Elisabeth Witte, Mogens von Gadow, Carlo Delle Piane, Luigi Bonos, Livio Galassi, Carla Mancini, Nerina Montagnani, Mario Bussolino, Franco Pesce, Pietro Tordi, Alvaro Vitali, Cicely Browne, John Karlsen, Renate Langer, Richard McNamara, Roger Middleton, Birgitta Nilsson;
Production year: 1972;
Genre: comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,5;
More information about the film “Che?” on the website imdb.com
These films offer different perspectives on the relationship between America and Latin America, shedding light on historical events, political tensions, and cultural exchanges. They provide a glimpse into the complexities of this dynamic and provoke thought and discussion about the impact of American influence in the region.
In exploring the selection of films about America in Latin America, it becomes evident that these films serve as a powerful medium for cultural exchange and commentary. From the exploration of historical events to the examination of social and political issues, these films provide a unique perspective on the complex relationship between the two continents. Through their compelling storytelling and nuanced characters, they invite audiences to reflect on themes of identity, power dynamics, and the impact of globalization. Whether it's through the lens of immigration, imperialism, or cultural assimilation, these films offer a profound exploration of the shared experiences and narratives that connect America and Latin America.
