As Hispanic heritage month comes to a close, it is important to continue celebrating Hispanic heritage and learning about the diverse cultures of the different Hispanic and Latino countries. Watching movies by Hispanic directors and writers can effectively showcase the struggle of Hispanics and Latinos and the experience of a Hispanic American individual in the United States. These movies cover topics including hair, race, tradition, poverty and success.
“Pelo Malo”
This Venezuelan film is a coming-of-age story which tackles identity, sexuality and race. The film focuses on a 9-year-old boy living in Venezuela, who struggles with straightening his curly hair. The title of the film alludes to the term “bad hair” used in Venezuela to refer to the hair of Afro-Latino people. Overall, the film displays
the complexities of identity in a Latin American country when it comes to gender, sexuality and racial identity amidst the intolerance and criticism of those around you.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Apple TV,
YouTube
“Real Women Have Curves”
The film follows teenager Ana Garcia, the daughter of Mexican immigrants living in Los Angeles, as she struggles with the expectations of her mother while trying to strive for her personal life goals. While the movie focuses on a mother-daughter conflict, the themes of self-image and body acceptance made this story even more memorable. The film questions the expectations surrounding Latin women while conveying a strong message of the importance of family, culture and individuality.
Where to watch: HBO Max, Hulu
“I’m No Longer Here”
In this film, we follow another coming-of- age story that captures the isolation immigrants might feel upon coming to the United States when fleeing from dangerous situations. It follows the story of Ulises, who is part of a gang called “Los Terkos,” creating a community, not of crime, but of cumbia music. Upon having to flee his country, he finds himself in the streets of New York, where his clothes, dance and music are now something others make fun of.
Where to watch: Netflix
“City of God”
This is a Brazilian crime film set in the slums of Rio de Janeiro based on a 1997 novel by Brazilian author Paulo Lins. It demonstrates the
growth of organized crime during the timespan of 1960 through 1980. The movie starts off with the character Rocket, as he narrates his childhood dealing with the war between two gangs.
Where to watch: Paramount+, Hulu,
Showtime
“La Bamba”
Even after decades, the music of Ritchie Valens is still remembered today, as he made history for being one of the first Latino rock ‘n’ roll singers. The film is a biopic of the life of Mexican American Ritchie Valens and is named after one of his biggest hits “La Bamba.” The movie tells the story of a Mexican-American teenager trying to make it in the music industry and attempting to achieve the American dream.
Where to watch: Paramount+, Hulu, Showtime
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