Latinos in Action

Seeing the trend of different ethnicities portrayed in recent Coming-of-Age films, today I did some research on films that focus a lot on the main character's background and socio-economic status.

So, I started off by thinking about films I had seen in the past as a starting point. One that came up was From Prada to Nada. Although it isn't a film that is within the Coming-of-Age sub-genre it integrates Latino culture. Depicting Latinos of both high and working-middle class in America and how they maintain their traditions and heritage.

Nora

Mary

The film is about two sisters, Nora and Mary, who live in Beverly Hills and are left penniless after their father suddenly dies, revealing that he was in the process of bankruptcy.

They lose their house to their step-brother they didn’t even know existed, and are forced to live with their Mexican family in East L.A. Growing up in Beverly Hills which is predominately white, Nora and Mary never acknowledged their Mexican heritage. So, when this sudden tragedy happens, their life takes a very rough turn. Without any other option, they have to live with their aunt in Boyle Heights, which is immersed with Latino culture and they don’t even speak Spanish. When entering Boyle Heights they immediately receive a huge dose of culture shock. Coming from Beverly Hills where its a predominantly white and rich community with huge mansions and nice cars to a predominantly Mexican American, working-class neighborhood with dirty streets and small crowded houses.

Throughout the film, the audience gets to experience and learn about the Mexican culture alongside the sisters. At first the girls were uncomfortable and unwilling to leave their precious, wealthy world behind, but since they had not other choice but to bond with their extended family. They realize on what they have been missing out and begin to have pride in their Mexican heritage and learn to live in a world that isn’t money obsessed. Although it is not considered a Coming-of-Age film the sisters are in their early 20s and have to abruptly learn to become more independent. The audience sees them grow into independent and humble women.

Two things about the film that appealed to me:

1. The integration of a Latin-American culture.

The town where Mariana and I live is very latino populated of all types of socio-economic statuses. There are many latinos who were very wealthy in their home countries and when they came to America they had to struggle to left themselves back up economically. So that can inspire us to do research on the latinos in our town.

2. The development of the characters becoming into a better version of themselves.

Most dramas show the development of certain characters whether it is good or bad. In this story, they were selfish and self-absorbed, and the idea that even though these girls had a tragic situation happen to them they changed for the best.

I also looked at the film opening to get some ideas, but I guess you will have to read it tomorrow!

A. (2011, May 30). From Prada to Nada (or From Riches to Rags). Retrieved March 15, 2017, from https://austenised.blogspot.com/2011/05/from-prada-to-nada-or-from-riches-to.html

Fandango (Ed.). (2011, January 28). From Prada to Nada (2011) Synopsis - Plot Summary. Retrieved March 15, 2017, from http://www.fandango.com/frompradatonada_137858/plotsummary

IMDb. (n.d.). From Prada to Nada (2011). Retrieved March 15, 2017, from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0893412/?ref_=ttpl_pl_tt

Orndorf, B. (n.d.). Blu-ray Review - From Prada to Nada. Retrieved March 15, 2017, from http://www.brianorndorf.com/2011/05/blu-ray-review-from-prada-to-nada.html