Entre nos

Overly sentimental, poorly written and acted, an infamous stereotype of a naive poor latina who refuses to learn two words in english and speaks spanish to all the locals, a passive accumulation of misfortunes, a constant soft guitar and piano soundtrack over mechanical and manipulative events, a sudden and detached outcome... mediocre, uninteresting, unbearably soft film-making. It lightly scratches the surface of the human drama and adds absolutely nothing to the issue, other than clichés and common places.

This is a terrible movie, so dreadful that the short running time feels like an eternity. The scarce lifting moments are painfully lame and powerless, as dreadful as everything else. Paola Mendoza´s acting is just bad and the fact she´s turning this script into a novel makes me think the worse. I´d rather watch "El Norte" over and over. This is the worst film about immigration I´ve ever seen. It might even be the only bad one since the nature of the issue is so important it usually allows movies to be relevant on all levels. "Entre Nos" is a complete failure with a shameless presumptuous title.

Entre Nos is an inspiring film about a family who's bound together by love and strength. The film stars Paola Mendoza, the real life main character, Mariana's, granddaughter, who also co-wrote and co-directed the film. The film has been screened at over 14 film festivals and has won several awards. The film is about Mariana. Her husband leaves her to fend and provide for her two young children in the city. By doing small illegal immigrant work, such as sewing and dishwashing, selling empanadas, and collecting cans to trade in for cash, slowly Mariana tries to save her family and rebuild themselves a home in the United States. The theme though out the film seems to be the value of family. Mariana's strong, loving bond with her children, Gabi and Andrea, keep this family together while going through devastating circumstances. This film contains very little dialogue and is told through beautiful filmography and very strong emotions. Language barriers are no issue in this film, however. No matter what language you speak, emotions speak louder. The music is hopeful and reminds the audience of this family's strength and the hope they have burning in their hearts. This film is not for the faint of heart. This family goes through very difficult times. What I most admire about Mariana and her children is that they go through these with dignity and morality. They are kind people who put each other above themselves. Mariana is a loving mother who will do anything to protect her children. One scene in particular demonstrates this beautifully. An image of Mariana is shown sitting on a park bench on a cold night with Gabi and Andrea lying on her lap asleep. This is symbolic to Michelangelo's La Pieta, an image of the Virgin Mary holding Christ in her arms after the crucifixion. This is a beautiful image showing Mariana's strength protecting her children, watching over them in her arms, while looking toward the heaven praying for the strength to continue protecting them. Entre Nos is a beautiful film full of strength. The acting is mainly expressed through emotions, very well I may add. It is similar to The Pursuit of Happiness except more raw and real. This story is very powerful and full of emotion. I would highly recommend Entre Nos.

From the trying streets of Queens, New York, Entre Nos, captivates the compassion of an immigrant family struggling to make it in America. The complexity of the modern issues of immigration becomes real, as the lives of mother Mariana and her two children (Gabi and Andrea,) unravel into poverty. Through the use of a strong storyline, directors Gloria La Morte and Paola Mendoza, create a cold world for the most needing hands.

As the storyline progresses and the role of each character becomes evident, the stunning performances of the actors is heart wrenching. Mariana's conviction to caring for her two children is stunning. At an age where giving up seems to be the easier route, she holds on to them with every ounce of her soul. Through her struggle of dialogue with the world around her, Marian's efforts to find work are nothing short of painful.

The particular ability of Gabi and Andrea to perform such important roles at their age is simply impressive. As the times get worse for their family, their clear a deliverance of emotion entitles them awe. Gabi assuming the job of the man of the family in such a mature manner brings about very heavy emotions. Standing guard over his mother and sister on their first night on the streets, the audience can feel the power of direction.

It is the modern American tale. It is the story of the dream, from the ground up. The truth behind how the world can beat you down and the drive to stand back up again. Offering hope to hold on, Entre Nos is a film deserving of praise.

This movie is low budget, no known actors, no big advertising ...or any for that matter....and it's absolutely great!

yes it's sad, even seemingly tragic. I grew up very poor and it was really tough for me to watch because it made me relive a time of my life when I was a kid that I just rather forget. It's believable because stuff like this actually happens all the time everyday.

You find yourself saying "oh no, don't go there" or " Oh no what are they going to do now?" a lot in this movie. Just when you think things are getting better...something else goes wrong. At times you just find yourself telling the TV ..... "no don't that!"

It really is worth a watch. lucky for me I know Spanish so it makes it a bit better, but even if you don't it's no biggie. If you 're a "real" movie fan, this is a must see.

I am a judge for the Indianapolis-based Heartland Film Festival. This feature film is a Crystal Heart Award Winner and is eligible to be the Grand Prize Winner in October of 2009. The Heartland Film Festival is a non-profit that honors Truly Moving Pictures. A Truly Moving Picture "…explores the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life."

A Latino mother and her two children are stranded in Queens when their philandering, irresponsible father deserts them. There English is almost nil and now they must support themselves asap. First the wife tries selling homemade Espanadas on the street. Then she tries getting day labor by standing on Latino labor street corners. And finally ends up collecting cans for their deposits with her young son and daughter beside her. They are barely making it when they get evicted from their apartment. And then they become homeless and have to sleep outdoors.

What keeps them going under these awful circumstances? Their closeness and love for each other sees them through these difficult times. Also,they are helped by sympathetic strangers who see their heart-wrenching plight.

Through it all they never lose their dignity or morality. They always act honorably and treat others with respect. Their sacrifices and courage and desperate situation make them more appealing as time goes on. The viewer is filled with admiration for what the human spirit can endure and still not be broken.

The story is wonderfully told. It is realistic and understated and believable. You are often moved deeply as the story unfolds.

FYI – There is a Truly Moving Pictures web site where there is a listing of past Truly Moving Picture Award winners that are now either at the theater or available on video.