This is a movie which could happen. Almost to the point, it could be a true story. Whether it is or not, I am not sure. It starts out as a group of students heading South with cameras to document what it is like for a group of Mexican citizens to cross the border from Mexico to the US illegally and the students and their cameras come along for the ride, filming as they go. It starts in Mexico where they all meet up and head for the border. They use a 'drug tunnel' as their method of crossing the International border. Upon entering the US, they meet up with a U-Haul type truck near the highway where they are to be taken to a safe house. They gather in the back of the truck, and before they leave, the people in the back of the truck hear some talk, then 3 gunshots. Not knowing what happened, the truck begins to move. They end up in a compound run by masked American "patriots" who's goal is to punish the illegals for entering the US, and taking advantage of 'the system'. They all end up in some type of compound where they are questioned and tortured. During the process, some of them die at the hands of these masked 'patriots'. It seems these 'patriots' think they are protecting the US, and thus give them an excuse to torture these Mexicans and treat them like they are less than human, and torture them for crossing the border and taking advantage of the system. The American students are forced to document the torture using their cameras so the tapes will end up back in Mexico to be played in the media so other Mexicans who have a desire to enter the US illegally will reconsider their plan. There is quite a lot of torture scenes, and the captured Mexicans are treated like animals. Some of the scenes are difficult to watch, and depending on your political views, may consider some of the treatment of these prisoners justified, It is difficult to watch no matter your political views. Despite the torture scenes, it has the feel of a movie that has a higher budget than was allocated. It is well done, and the actors are well played. The movie focuses on a real problem the US faces, and shows the uglier side of this 'problem'. Despite the violence and torture, the masked 'patriots' make a point that many Americans feel. The violence borders excessive and it seems like the illegal crossing is just a way to justify torture of people. However, since this movie plays like something that could actually happen, and does it well, I rate it an 7. It's not a movie for children, though it is a well done drama that makes a point of how extreme political views can be carried out.
Review of Undocumented
