SOMEONE ELSE'S AMERICA
A film review by Ben Hoffman
Copyright 1996 Ben Hoffman
In this beautifully told story of two immigrants and their families in America, we feel the difficulties they encounter, the homesickness, the troubles they must endure. Despite that, the film has its many humorous moments in between the pathos. That the direction and acting, as well as the story, are so good make this one of the year's better films.
Alonso (Tom Conti) is a legal immigrant from Mexico, supporting his blind mother (Maria Casares) who yearns for Spain, her homeland. Alonso's income is from a small bar he owns, the Paradiso, in a poor neighborhood in Brooklyn. Employed at the bar, and living there, is Bayo (Miki Manojlovic) who is from the faraway land of Montenegro. Unlike Alonso, Bayo is here illegally. Of the pittance he earns in various other small jobs, he sends money back home to his mother, Anja (Zorka Manojlovic) so she can take care of his three children. However, he is unaware that his mother is not receiving the money and that his children are heartbroken at their father's absence.
The youngest daughter, Savka (Andjela Stojkovic) is ill with yearning, the youngest son, Pepe (Lazar Kalmic) is a dear boy, but the oldest son Luka, (Sergei Trifunovic) is a rebel always in trouble with the authorities. Grandma Anja decides that only by taking them to America can she handle the problems caused by the lack of money and her ability to care for her three grandchildren. The trip to the U.S., via Mexico. and the attempt at illegal entry engender the saddest part of the film as in crossing the Rio Grande, Pepe loses his treasured accordion, lets go of the rope that directs them to the U.S. and, a non-swimmer, goes after the accordion.. His father Bayo will not believe the child has drowned and will not give up the search for him, shouting "PEPE! PEPE!" as he walks along the shore.
Alonso and Bayo are from two different worlds but their friendship is binding. This bonding and the smaller stories that are in the film make it one that you will savor, that you will not soon forget.. Do not miss this unassuming little gem..
Directed by Goran Paskaljevic.
Rating: 4 Bytes
4 Bytes = Superb 3 Bytes = Too good to miss 2 Bytes = Average 1 Byte = Save your money
Ben Hoffman
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