Sin Nombre Review
By David Kempler
The Names Don't Matter
"Sin Nombre" represents the feature film debut of Cary Joji Fukunuga, who both writes and directs and there is certainly reason to be hopeful for a long and successful career in the offing. I base this opinion solely on the first half of "Sin Nombre". Early on, it bears a strong resemblance to "
City of God", which was an outstanding examination of the gangs in the surrounding areas of Rio de Janeiro. Fukunuga demonstrates an equally adept hand at portraying the gang life of the Mara Salvatrucha, in Tapachula, Mexico.
Casper, also known as Willy, (Edgar Flores) is a teenager facing an uncertain future, like everyone else in his poverty-stricken area. Gang life replaces family as it so often does when family and societal structure crumbles. What those that turn in this direction usually fail to understand is that if they had been born a few blocks east or west, they would be in a different gang, sworn to kill the members of the gang they currently cherish.
Casper brings his 12-year-old friend, Smiley (Kristyn Ferrer), into the gang and the initiation is both brutal and fascinating to watch. Beat the kid to a pulp and then embrace him and tell him that you love him. That is how you get in. The only way out is death. Casper has a major problem. He is in love with his girlfriend, Martha Marlene (Diana Garcia). The leader of the gang puts an end to the relationship and to the possibility of any future relationship. Casper finally understands what he has gotten himself into and he has had enough. He must leave the area or face certain murder.
Sayra, a teenage girl living in Honduras is reunited with her father and they are off on a trek to New Jersey. Sayra's path eventually crosses with Willy's and from that point forward, "Sin Nombre" takes a swan dive into mediocrity.
What distinguishes "Sin Nombre" is its attention to detail and its ability to convey mood. When Fukunuga turns it into a story of love between two lost teenagers it is like watching a sailboat flying along in a tremendous wind falling prey to calming seas. The wind is gone. The power is gone. The immediacy is gone. The excitement is totally gone. Hopefully next time Fukunuga will have learned the lesson that when you're flying you should never take your foot off the gas pedal.
