The Gatekeeper

I've just come from seeing "The Gatekeeper" and liked it. It's fairly (although not absolutely) obvious that it's low budget. Casting is good, direction seemed good. .

The issue of illegal immigrants is one I'm very interested in. I live in southern California, a transplant from the Pacific Northwest, and CANNOT understand Californians (Anglo) who otherwise seem intelligent, enlightened, progressive, but become incredible bigots and racists as soon as one mentions "mess-gans".

A progressive TV program here in CA done by PBS ("California Connected") attempted to address this issue a week or so ago and all it addressed was the strong opinions, pro and con, about the people coming here from across the border.

I'm still trying to understand and perhaps never will.

Ok, this is not a great film. It was shot on digital video in 18 days, with a budget of 200,000. However I scored this a 9, because it has more heart and passion than anything Hollywood has put out lately. It should be seen by everyone, especially if you live in a border state. It starts off with some truly awkward racist remarks that will make you squirm. Honestly, I was at first turned off and considered leaving. But stick with it, because after about 15 minutes you will be hooked. Low budget be damned. The director actor star should be applauded and rewarded for bringing this labor of compassion to the screen. It is an important issue, and my eyes were opened.

I hardly ever say this, but this is a very, very bad movie. I gave it a one...I don't think I'd ever rated a movie a one, out of dozens of movies I've rated. For starters, the portrayals are COMPLETELY inaccurate. I grew up in a border town in Mexico (before eventually moving to the border town in the U.S.), and this is not even close to reality. Sure, movies are not reality, but this movie also has no point, no real story, horrendous acting, and, the worst aspect of the movie, an awful script. Every line is not only full of cheese, but it actually doesn't mean anything (to the movie or to real life). Please, if you ever see this movie, do not even begin to consider the possibility of getting anything informative out of it. I really dislike bashing someone, but I can't help to think how in the world this guy got to make this movie and, worst of all, release it nationwide. Again, portrayals of ALL people (not only Mexicans) and individual characters are especially unjust. I actually went into the theatre with a positive attitude and favorable expectations, so if it would've been something in-the-middle, I would've given you the benefit of the doubt, but the truth is that, *gulp*, this is the worst movie I recall watching.

Although this engrossing film was, apparently, produced on a limited budget, John Carlos Frey, (writer, director, actor), has secured a good insight into illegal border hoppers, mercenary coyotes, and illicit drug manufacturing. The visuals are stunning and newsworthy realistic. All the major players, (particularly Frey himself), turn in exceptionally sensitive characterizations. The opening scenes of secret vigilantes and a rogue border patrolman voicing racial epithets, (and other vile racist attitudes), is difficult to watch. However, the final reclamation of the border cop's heritage and spiritual reformation make this a strong entry in the search for peace and security for everyone on both sides of the Rio Grande.

Well, I liked so much about this movie...I was captivated, I was compelled, I thought the acting was tremendous, I was into it hook, line and sinker, and I think the filmmaker should be commended for an amazing job on a shoestring budget. I think most audiences will adore this film. Best of luck to "The Gatekeeper".