A Day Without a Mexican

Starring: Maureen Flannigan, John Getz, Eduardo Palomo, Caroline Aaron, more credits
Directed By: Sergio Arau
Released By: Independent Artists
Theatrical Release Date: 05/14/2004
DVD Release Date: 11/09/2004
Run Time: 100 min.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Rating: R



The title alone was enticing. What would a day without Mexicans look like in the U.S.? Given all of the recent protest, debate and outright argument about the status of illegal immigrants in this country - discussions that almost always end up on the subject of Mexicans - I wondered what the movie's creators had to say.

As the movie opens, California finds itself in a state of shock. All 14 Million Mexicans have somehow disappeared and the economic, political and social implications of this disaster threaten the Golden State’s way of life.

Lila Rodriguez, a reporter, is the only Latina left behind and asks the key questions on everyones minds - why and where did they all go? "Experts" offer all sorts of theories but ultimately end up asking, Did they leave because they were tired of being taken for granted?

As time goes on, the situation only deteriorates - garbage takes over the streets, the 5th largest economy in the world begins to tumble, and citizens awaken to the realization that cooks, gardeners, policemen, nannies, doctors, farm hands, construction workers, entertainers, athletes, and the fastest growing market of consumers are indeed what kept the “California Dream” running. The return of Latinos then becomes the number one priority.

Of course, hate continues. A baseball inscribed with hate words is tossed at Lila Rodriguez - the last remaining Latina.

At times humorous, this comedic satire - described by film makers as a modern fable - nonetheless raises important points and may, for some, include a valuable lesson.