This stunning documentary focuses on the Baja 1000 off-road race, the land which it crisscrosses, and the people who live there. A local band is featured not only as the initial interview but as a sort of Greek chorus that sings about the past and present while contemplating the future as the documentary moves through time. This intriguing styling alongside outstanding film work and beautiful nature shots helps to keep the viewer’s attention throughout the documentary.
We are introduced to many people including a family who wishes to participate in the race someday, local historians who wish to see the Baja 1000’s roots in local Mexican off-road racing recognized, retired racers, locals who hate the race, and journalists and activists who wish to keep the locals, fans, and participants safe; far too many to list in this short review. The richness of these perspectives is not lost due to the sheer volume or rapid-fire nature of many interviews.
Though intriguing and captivating, Off The Road does lack a certain informational quality. Place names are rarely spoken, many people interviewed remain unnamed, and there is a lack of clarity to the flow of time beyond how long until the start of the Baja 1000. These difficulties are compounded if the viewer is unfamiliar with the Spanish language or the Baja 1000 race in general. Those complaints aside, this documentary has excellent style and footage which will please anyone with an interest in off-road racing or rural Mexican culture.
Footage of the mountains, desert, and towns fills every nook and cranny of this film that doesn’t indulge in interviews or fly-on-the-wall documentation. The addition of little music videos to mark the movement of time and recap what action has happened was a fantastic touch I’ve never seen before (and hope to see again). This excellent documentary is highly recommended and should be considered for developing documentary collections.
What kind of film series would this documentary fit in?
Off The Road would make an excellent addition to film series on modern Mexican culture and Racing.
What subjects or college majors would benefit from the content covered in this film?
This would be an excellent resource for modern anthropology courses and Central American studies as well as an interesting listening resource for advanced Spanish language courses.
What public library shelves should this title be on?
Off The Road is an excellent addition to any documentary shelf, but may find an equally excellent home among Spanish language titles.
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