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ESL: English as a Second Language (2005)

Bolivar De La Cruz has just crossed the border from Mexico in search of a better life. In contrast, second-generation immigrant Lola Sara has the American Dream at her fingertips but feels like a stranger in her own life.

Movie|R|1 hr. 44 min.|R|

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ESL: English as a Second Language

Title	ESL: English as a Second Language (2005)
Runtime	1 hr. 44 min.
Studio	Content Media Cor...
Genres	Drama
Description	Bolivar De La Cruz has just crossed the border from Mexico in search of a better life. In contrast, second-generation immigrant Lola Sara has the American Dream at her fingertips but feels like a stranger in her own life.

11 days ago

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This was an enjoyable movie to watch. Great acting by all; And Maria Conchita Alonso puts out an Oscar worthy performance - again. I've seen her in other movies, as of late, and she definitely doesnt disappoint. As far as politics go, your views will depend upon your perspective of the world, illegal immigration, etc; but fortunately, whichever side your politics lie, the movie doesnt shove either an agenda, nor politics down your throat. Some risque scenes found within, but no nudity. Enjoy!

3 months ago

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it touched on the issue of illegal immigration w/o being political. was nice human interest story. i have sympathy for boliviar only in the aspect of his willingness to forsake himself for his wife & child, but glad he saw the limitation. it wasn't a tearjerker for me as some of the other reviews said. and it doesn't change my stance on the issue (prefer ppl to move to the usa the right way, legally but fed govt needs to do reforms to the laws concerning that. & don't start that "we're all immigrats" stuff. the usa was founded a long time ago & yes some brutal stuff happened to the native ppl that were here. but i was born on this land, i am an american by birthright. oh and my ancestors didn't emmigrate willfully but i'm american none the less)

but political thoughts aside, it's a movie worth a look...

6 months ago

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If you're a person like me who predominantly speaks only English, this film is good in helping you catch a few Spanish phrases you might not know. On the other hand, I wish this site had a different selection of immigration films. The plot of this movie will make you feel like you have godlike omniscience. While the acting is good, the film is shot well, and the scenes are well-chosen and arranged, I just felt no surprise at any of the events depicted in the film. (I even predicted a number of lines before they were spoken.) Still, I didn't hate it and still think it bears watching.

9 months ago

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This story is great. It protrays what immigrants have to go through when they come to this country ,and how people take advantage of them. Its a real tearjerker towards the end.

11 months ago

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Your comment is so ignorant. The situation is so much more complicated than you make it seem. Do you know your history at all? All of us our IMMIGRANTS in the United States of America. The only people that are not immigrants in this country are the Native Americans who were abused and murdered. The forefathers of this country and everyone that came here, came for the hopes of a better life than from their home country. Now we have these laws against "illegal immigrants" created by people who were immigrants themselves. Think twice before you tell someone to go back to where they come from. I bet if you were in a dire situation in another country and wanted a better life, you would try to come to the US too.

about 1 year ago

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This movie was very well portrayed, revealing an important lesson in the reality of how exploitation and the seamier side of life can almost destroy a person's self worth. It was heartening to see that some do possess the will to survive, and through their own strength of character do not lose themselves, and in the end return to a better way of life. Bolivar's character had a unique innocence and sweetness that was endearing...great performances.

about 1 year ago

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You might want to read "Welcoming the Stranger" Undocumented immigrants will never be able to meet the financial requirements to come to the USA legally and they can't survive on $2 a day in their country; can you? They use fake SS cards so they can work & PR taxes, Social Security, Medicare, etc are taken out of their checks, just like ours, only they will never get that money back or qualify for those benefits. The IRS receives 6 to 7 BILLION dollars a year from undocumented immigrants but they don't advertise that.

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