120 Days

"120 Days" is a 2013 documentary film that provides a poignant and probing exploration into the realities of the American immigration system.

Directed by Ted Roach, the film seeks to humanize the people at the heart of the often faceless, numbers-driven immigration debate. It achieves this by focusing on one family's struggle and presenting their story with sincerity and compassion. The title “120 Days" refers to the four months given to the film’s central character and his family to wind up their affairs in the U.S before returning to Mexico.

In a scenic but subtle manner, "120 Days" takes its viewers on an uncomfortable and thought-provoking journey, exploring the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants living in the United States. The film pulls back the bureaucratic curtains to shed light on the complexities of the immigration system. It delves into the personal, emotional, and economic impacts not just on immigrants, but also the effects on their families, communities, and even the nation at large.

The film’s narrative is centered around Miguel Cortes, a hard-working immigrant, husband, and father of two girls. Together with his family, Miguel has lived in the United States illegally for over twelve years, integrating into the community and living a fairly average American life. Their world, however, takes an unexpected turn when Miguel is unexpectedly stopped by the police for a minor traffic violation. His undocumented status is discovered, leading to subsequent deportation proceedings. However, Miguel is given a glimmer of mercy: 120 days to get his affairs in order and prepare his family for his departure.

Roach’s documentary does not seek to sensationalize Miguel's plight, nor is it a commentary on immigration policy. Rather, "120 Days" humanizes the story and keeps it about the people, their experiences, and the undeniable human cost of this contentious issue. It is a story of struggle but also resilience, juxtaposing the sentiment of uncertainty and fear with familial love, community support, and faith. The film vividly portrays the difficult moments that Miguel and his family experience, from dealing with lawyers, navigating the bureaucratic system, de-cluttering their home, to saying their premature goodbyes.

The film crafts an impactful narrative by being less concerned with the specifics of immigration law. Instead, it casts a spotlight on the tangible, intimate portrayal of one family's journey, filled with heartache and dread but also filled with hope and love. Alongside the main storyline of the Cortes family are scenes showcasing the community of the larger immigrant society, their fights, dreams, works, and lives that are deeply intertwined within the fiber of American society.

"120 Days" was made in hopes of sparking thoughtful discussion and reflection on immigration policy and those it directly impacts. It's an essential exploration of the intersections of law, migration, and human emotion.

In the contemporary world plagued with debates and dissensions around the issue of immigration, "120 Days" is a wake-up call for compassion, empathy, and acknowledgment of this complex issue. It does not offer solutions, but it does provide a deeply empathetic lens through which viewers can reconsider their perspectives on immigrants' battles, both within the system and within themselves.

In conclusion, "120 Days" is not merely a documentary. It's a societal crystal ball embodying a profound human rights message brilliantly woven into a narrative. The cinematography is raw, gritty, and beautifully honest, scored with fittingly soulful music. The result is a deeply moving, thought-provoking film that beautifully encapsulates one family's immigration journey. Challenging stereotypes, it sheds light on the human faces behind the statistics and encourages viewers to reconsider their views on this contentious issue.