Films about migration in the USA explore the experiences of individuals and communities who leave their home countries in search of a better life or for various other reasons. These films often shed light on the challenges, triumphs, and complexities of the migration process, as well as the impact it has on individuals and society as a whole. Here are some existing films about migration in the USA:
“El Norte”, 1983
Director: Gregory Nava
Directed by Gregory Nava, this film follows the journey of two siblings from Guatemala who flee their war-torn country and embark on a dangerous journey to the United States.
Starring: Ernesto Gómez Cruz, David Villalpando, Zaide Silvia Gutiérrez, Alicia del Lago, Mike Gomez, Jose Martin Ruano, Stella Quan, Heraclio Zepeda, Emilio Gomez Ozuna, Daniel Lemus Valenzuela, Rodrigo Puebla, Yosahandi Navarrete Quan, Rodolfo De Alexandre, Emilio Del Haro, Jorge Moreno, Palomo Garcia, Ismael Gamez, Silverio Lujan, Socorro Velazquez, John Martin, Ronald G. Joseph, Abel Franco, Rosario Cevellos, Trinidad Silva, Lupe Ontiveros, Young Chung, Gregory Enton, Tony Plana, Slavitza Yhuelo, Jules Hart, Enrique Castillo, Momo Yashima, Jomarie Ward, Loraine Shields, Larry Cedar, Sheryl Bernstein, Diane Cary, Eulalia Cardenas, Jules Segal, Perry Page, Mary Armantrout, George O'Hanlon Jr., Bo Kane, Pablo Velasquez, Sergi Dagliana, Giuseppe Furia, Pado Hende, Sean O'Kane, Antonio Prester, Sabina Vannucchi;
Production year: 1983;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 141 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “El Norte” on the website imdb.com
“The Visitor”, 2007
Director: Tom McCarthy
Directed by Tom McCarthy, this film tells the story of a lonely college professor who discovers an immigrant couple living in his New York City apartment. As their lives intertwine, they navigate the complexities of immigration and the challenges of belonging.
Starring: Richard Jenkins, Haaz Sleiman, Danai Gurira, Hiam Abbass, Marian Seldes, Maggie Moore, Michael Cumpsty, Bill McHenry, Richard Kind, Tzahi Moskovitz, Amir Arison, Neal Lerner, Ramon Fernandez, Frank Pando, Waleed Zuaiter, Deborah Rush, Ashley Springer, Laith Nakli, Jacqueline Brogan, Walter Mudu, Yevgeniy Dekhtyar, Earl Baker Jr., Walter the Dog, Bandar Albuliwi, Jesus A. Del Rosario Jr., Brother Douglas, Hristo Hristov, Walerá P. Kanischtscheff, Mizan Kirby;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 104 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “The Visitor” on the website imdb.com
“Brooklyn”, 2015
Director: John Crowley
Directed by John Crowley, this film is set in the 1950s and tells the story of a young Irish immigrant who moves to Brooklyn, New York, in search of opportunities. As she navigates her new life, she must confront the challenges of adapting to a new culture while staying connected to her roots.
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Emory Cohen, Domhnall Gleeson, Jim Broadbent, Julie Walters, Brid Brennan, Jane Brennan, Fiona Glascott, Jessica Paré, Eileen O'Higgins, Jenn Murray, Emily Bett Rickards, Eve Macklin, Mary O'Driscoll, Maeve McGrath, Nora-Jane Noone, Michael Zegen, Paulino Nunes, Hugh Gormley, Emma Lowe, Barbara Drennan, Gillian McCarthy, Art Campion, Eva Birthistle, James Corscadden, Samantha Munroe, Jane Wheeler, Adrien Benn, Alain Goulem, Max Walker, Iarla O'Lionaird, Ellis Rockburn, Erika Rosenbaum, Ellen David, Christian de la Cortina, James DiGiacomo, Tadhg MacMahon, Hudson Leblanc, Paul Stewart, Niamh McCann, Denis Conway, Karen Ardiff, Gary Lydon, Áine Ní Mhuirí, Mella Carron, Karen Belfo, Chantal Parent, François Pruneau, Nikky Smedley;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Brooklyn” on the website imdb.com
“A Better Life”, 2011
Director: Chris Weitz
Directed by Chris Weitz, this film follows the journey of an undocumented Mexican immigrant working as a gardener in Los Angeles. He strives to provide a better life for his son while facing the constant fear of deportation.
Starring: Demián Bichir, Eddie «Piolin» Sotelo, Joaquín Cosio, José Julián, Nancy Lenehan, Gabriel Chavarria, Bobby Soto, Chelsea Rendon, Trampas Thompson, Tim Griffin, Valorie Hubbard, Dolores Heredia, Isabella Rae Thomas, Carlos Linares, Robert Peters, Richard Cabral, Bella Balajadia, Giselle Nieto, Luis Colocio, Ray Moreno, Yelyna De Leon, Rolando Molina, Tadie Acosta, Joe Renteria, Isidro Vallin, Magi Avila, Henry Ambriz, Miguel Alejandro Gaxiola, Jorge Gaxiola, Robert Renderos, Charles Currier, Marlon Correa, Adrian Mojica, Todd Felix, Eddie Martinez, Jason Medwin, Tom Schanley, Abraham Chaidez, Ruben Avitia, Lian Castillo, Fredo Cervantes, Rico Deveraux, Maynor Lopez, Patricia Medrano, George Paez, Abraham Rubio, Tatiana Sarasty, Mary Scanlon;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
“The Immigrant”, 2023
Director:
Directed by James Gray, this period drama tells the story of a Polish immigrant who arrives in New York City in the early 1920s. As she searches for her missing sister, she becomes entangled in a web of exploitation and corruption.
Starring: Samy Naceri, Frédéric Mastro, Abdel Qissi, Islam Avurkhanov, Jean-Pierre Schillings, Anzor Membatyrov, Sharip Habibov, Sabrina Pfaff, Armel Avokandoto , Eduard Avanesov, Arnaud Makunga, Rayan Bouazza, Jerome Mignon;
Production year: 2023;
Genre: action, crime;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 85 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 0;
“In America”, 2002
Director: Jim Sheridan
Directed by Jim Sheridan, this film tells the story of an Irish family who immigrate to New York City in the 1980s. As they face financial struggles and personal tragedies, they find strength and resilience in their new home.
Starring: Paddy Considine, Samantha Morton, Sarah Bolger, Emma Bolger, Neal Jones, Randall Carlton, Ciaran Cronin, Djimon Hounsou, Juan Carlos Hernández, Nye Heron, Jason Salkey, Rene Millan, Sara James, Bob Gallico, Jason Killalee, Chary O'Dea, Adrian Martinez, Merrina Millsapp, David Wike, Guy Carleton, Elaine Grollman, Nick Dunning, Michael Sean Tighe, Jennifer Seifert, Kathleen King, Eilish Scanlon, Tom Murphy, Des Bishop, Bernadette Quigley, Frank Wood, Molly Glynn, Jer O'Leary, Regina Ford, Tamla Clarke, Carmen Regan, Nisha Nayar, Rodrigo Pineda Sanchez, Gabriela Quintero Lopez;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “In America” on the website imdb.com
These films provide a diverse range of perspectives on the migration experience in the USA, highlighting the human stories behind the statistics and challenging viewers to empathize with the struggles and aspirations of those who seek a better life.
In the realm of films about migration in the USA, we are presented with a diverse tapestry of stories, each highlighting the complexities and challenges faced by individuals and communities in search of a better life. These films not only shed light on the harsh realities of migration but also emphasize the resilience, strength, and hope that can emerge in the face of adversity. From heartfelt dramas to gripping documentaries, the selection of films about migration in the USA captures the human experience in all its rawness and intricacy, reminding us of the shared humanity that transcends borders and cultures. Through these powerful narratives, we are compelled to reflect on our own privileges and responsibilities, ultimately fostering empathy and understanding for those who embark on the journey of migration.
