Joseph Mathew and Daniel DeVivo's provocative and well-researched documentary tackles the hot-button issue of illegal immigration. Filmed along the Arizona-Mexico border, Crossing Arizona looks at the fairly complex cast of characters within this grueling human drama: the Mexicans and Central Americans trying to cross into the U.S, the “coyotes” who coordinate the human traffic, the various entities (both federally financed and self-appointed) trying to halt this influx, and the communities caught in the crossfire (particularly the ranchers whose land is routinely trespassed upon). The film also features commentary from highly vocal (if not always well informed) commentators—most notably the ubiquitous Bill O'Reilly—but its real power comes from deftly exploring the issue at ground level (including gruesome shots of unidentified corpses of some who did not survive the border crossing). Although the film doesn't necessarily break new ground exploring the political aspects of the controversy, it deserves credit for questioning and examining the shadow economy built upon the cross-border trade. At one point, an undocumented Mexican worker at a chili farm bluntly notes the absence of American citizens in the fields: “Gringos don't want to work here. Only Mexicans work here.” Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)
Crossing Arizona
(2006) 77 min. DVD or VHS: $99.95: public libraries; $350: colleges & universities. The Cinema Guild. PPR. Volume 22, Issue 4
Crossing Arizona
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