Documented

Documented is a compelling and emotionally charged documentary from 2013, directed by and starring Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas. A powerful exploration of identity, belonging, and the modern immigrant experience, it also has an intimate cast including Emelie Salinas and Leonila Salinas, whose personal narratives bring warmth and heart to the film.

At its core, Documented is the personal story of Vargas himself, a courageous journalist who steps forward to narrate his experiences as an undocumented immigrant in the United States. Originally sent from the Philippines to live with his grandparents in America at the age of twelve, Vargas eventually discovers his illegal status in his teens while attempting to acquire a driver's license. This revelation becomes a turning point, consistently shaping his subsequent decisions and experiences.

Throughout Documented, Vargas paints a relatable human portrait of what it means to live in the shadows, in fear of being discovered and deported. Yet, despite the shadow of uncertainty hanging over his life, his journey is marked by significant achievements, including an esteemed career in journalism where he demonstrates notable accomplishments like winning the prestigious Pulitzer Prize.

The film also features Vargas' mother, Emelie Salinas, and grandmother, Leonila Salinas - two strong women who play a central part in Vargas' life and the narrative of Documented. Emelie, who makes the heart-wrenching decision to send her son to the United States for a better life, remains living in the Philippines, separated from her son by miles and immigration laws. Leonila, on the other hand, is the gentle matriarch in America who fills the gap left by Vargas’ absent parents.

Through interviews, archival footage, and personal storytelling, Documented brings us closer to understanding the complexities of immigration in America. It delves into the difficult and often confusing process of becoming a citizen, showcasing the bureaucratic labyrinth many immigrants face. It also shines a spotlight on the DREAM Act, a legislative proposal that would grant residency to certain immigrants who entered the United States as minors and who have completed some college or military service.

Essentially, Vargas uses the film as a platform to stimulate a conversation about the mounting issue of immigration reform in the United States. He sparks dialogue about the American dream and who gets to claim it, as well as the far-reaching impacts of immigration policies on families who are separated by necessity, choice, or circumstance.

In particular, Documented is poignant in its exploration of the deep emotional conflict immigrants face, torn between their love for their homeland and their need for a better life elsewhere. This is encapsulated in the personal experiences of Vargas and the Salinas, highlighting an internal struggle that resonates not only with immigrants but also anyone who has felt a sense of displacement or a search for a home.

Visually, the film is beautifully shot. It juxtaposes the bustling cityscapes of American cities with the quieter, yet vibrant streets of the Philippines. There is a respectful, careful attention to detail that provides a raw realism to the final product, making audiences feel almost as if they are walking alongside Vargas on both sides of the Pacific.

In conclusion, Documented is a film that succeeds in making the political personal, transporting the often abstract concept of immigration reform onto a tangible, human level. It offers a moving and forthright depiction of immigration, underlined by a current of hope for change and understanding. With Jose Antonio Vargas at the helm, Documented is not just a movie; it's a calling to reconsider and reshape the way we perceive the concept of the modern immigrant. Intelligent, poignant, and at times heartbreaking, it is a film that resonates long after the credits roll.