Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts

Imagine what the world was like when borders did not exist

By Jenny Alvarez

Photos Agency

Purgatorio was directed by Rodrigo Reyes which in 80 minutes this provocative essay film reimagines the U.S./Mexico border as a mythical place comparable to Dante’s purgatory, and leaving politics aside, he takes a fresh look at the brutal beauty of the border and the people caught in its spell.

By capturing a stunning mosaic of compelling characters and broken landscapes that live on the both sides of the border, the filmmaker reflects on the flaws of human nature and the powerful absurdities of the modern world. An unusual border film in the auteur tradition of caméra-stylo, Purgatorio ultimately becomes a fable of humanity, an epic and visceral experience with powerful and lingering images.

Definitely this movie test the patience of some viewers despite of the great locations of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts, this young director reflects the real poverty and violence on one side, protectionism and paranoia on the other but the suffering and hopeless of the immigrants of different Latin countries are worst each day the stay on the line of wait. This Border brings together a universe of small stories to create compelling and visceral reactions of all the people involved. Some arguments are in favor of the immigration, others are against and despite of that physical barrier it doesn’t seem that difficult to climb over is more difficult but for those who don’t want to open their eyes or are blind and deaf about this social issue so it’s sad, affecting and thought-provoking but mostly…sad because reflects all the lack of emotions and moral of this indifferent society. If this is purgatory, how can the inferno be worse? Reyes, touches the real essence of the human nature so in my opinion this film worth it to see in order to reflect about the chaos and rejection in this unjust world.