Movie mirrors life
On May 1, Americans witnessed the immigrant population challenge them to live a day without their work. As factories, fruit fields and restaurants were left deserted, people could see what life would be like without our Mexican immigrants. The vacancy left open from these people mirrored the events that happen in the cheesy 2004 parody “Day Without a Mexican.” In California, where it’s recorded that one-third of its population is of Mexican descent, we see how these people are incorporated into our lives. Some are news correspondents while others help with fruit picking. One day, a mysterious purple fog surrounds California, closing it off from the outside world. Without warning, all people with Hispanic roots disappear. Not just workers but husbands, fathers, sons, friends, lovers, anybody with a single Mexican gene in his or her DNA suddenly disappears except for one woman. “Day Without a Mexican,” follows the plot of Americans existing without their southern companions. Some celebrate the disappearance of the large population while others search desperately and pray for their return. Lila Rodriguez (Yareli Arizmendi) is the one spared from the sudden disappearances and submits herself to a series of scientific tests to figure out why and where did they all go? The movie closely reflects the issue America faces at the moment: to live life without immigrant. Littered with interesting facts about their contributions to society and their economic value, it presents an undeniable mirror of what America is like for immigrants. Though the special effects and story lines are cheesy, you can learn something from this politically motivated film. In the end, a lot of questions are left unanswered and plot lines are left unfinished. You’re left wondering where did the missing disappear to, how can they not remember anything and why did it happen to them and the Californian population? What is clear throughout the movie is the undeniable place they have in society. Although “A Day Without a Mexican” didn’t win an Oscar for cinematography or two thumbs up from Ebert and Roeper for the acting by lesser-known actors, the movie is cute in nature. It has moments that will leave you baffled by its straightforwardness and crudeness but make you think about how many things and people go unappreciated. “A Day Without a Mexican,” is rated R for language and brief sexuality. The movie is now available for rent at your local video store.
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