E.S.L - English As A Second Language

Sad story about how difficult it is to get a job as an illegal immigrant who does not speak English. The story unfolds as a young married man from Mexico has difficulty finding a job until he lands a job in an unsavory nightclub dancing for women and making big money. He spent foolishly as most people do who have never had their hands on a lot of money. He sent some money home, and he imagined the big money would last forever, but things went badly for him at the club as he was expected to do more than dance. He was beaten up and robbed of what he did have by his employer at the club. His ESL class loaned him the money to go back home to his wife and child. Very sad. Just one such story among thousands. Good production with lots of issues for a young lady whose parents struggled to make a life for her here in the US, and she needed a good shaking up to realize how fortunate she was to have her parents and all the opportunities that being born a citizen gave her.

Great film, engages without a body count -- a sensitive and multi-pronged look at a snapshot of life. Touches on some adult themes without extensive visual detail -- an actual drama that steers clear of exploitation.

The movie adresses many topics (too many ?) : the cultural gap between second and first generation Mexicans, the difficulty, hostility and loneliness illegal immigrants face, the issue of debasing oneself for others. I found some characters (Lola) a bit shallow, but the Mexican mother is truer than life.Too many coincidences in the plot may make the movie seem somewhat unrealistic at times.The end is filled with emotion.

Family values, decisions, money. Excellent movie

EXCELENTE PELICULA, COMO SIEMPRE LA ACTUACION DE KUNO BECKER PERFECTA.MUESTRA PERFECTAMENTE EL DOLOR, LA IMPOTENCIA Y LA DESESPERACION DE UN PADRE DE FAMILIA, POR QUERER DAR TODO A SU FAMILIA, MUESTRA EL LADO OBSCURO DE ESTE PAIS, CUANDO PERSONAS POR ENRIQUECER SU PROPIO BOLSILLO, PISOTEAN, HUMILLAN Y DESTROZAN LA DIGNIDAD E INTEGRIDAD DE UNA PERSONA APROVECHANDOSE DE SU ESTATUS LEGAL.

I have seen this movie several times, and I'm always left to wonder what exactly makes it such a powerful and moving film.ESL is a beautifully rendered tale about a young man's emotional and physical struggles as he faces numerous plights in an unfamiliar and seemingly unwelcoming city (Los Angeles). We, the audience, watch as he does what he needs to do to sustain himself in a city that offers him chances to "make it," but these opportunities are dangled before him, at what might be seen as a high, "personal" cost.This film touches upon questions concerning love, morality, family values, personal freedoms, and many other crucial issues that the viewer is invited to evaluate, as we are taken along this passionate and highly entertaining journey with a group of highly talented actors that brilliantly perform the story.ESL is exquisitely shot and directed. I absolutely loved, loved, loved this film!!!

Great story.

Interesting story, good acting. I bought the DVD to help me learn Spanish and enjoyed the movie.